Let's see, that means a minimum of 7.6% voted against the strike. I say a minimum because the report does not give a hard count, including abstentions and non-voters. As a matter of fact, I would be a little suspicious that hard numbers were not given since the web site does give the actual voter breakdown in another situation. Could it be that a fairly large number of members did not vote at all for fear of reprisals? Just a thought.

Then I guess you won't be flying any airline at all

Just thought this might be an interesting read for some people...

Letter from union leader that represents FAA inspectors

Edited to add that the above link is a PDF file and takes a bit of time to load the page.

I'd guess they had at least 95% representation in the vote counts based on the opinions I hear from some current and former NW AMFA represented technicians. I can't find the rules on strike voting procedure right now, but of the 4500 remaining that were eligible to vote, they consider this very important and aren't likely to ignore that representation.

In the 1993 agreement there was a 10-year profit sharing with company stock that was given to the union members as part of profit sharing with a guaranteed buyback in 2003. Come 2003, NW tried to come up with any excuse to not follow through with that contract, and it went to court. Eventually it was decided that NW was at fault and owed something like $230M to the members covered by that contract.

It is a very good idea to get everyone focused in the right direction and I think that's what they should do, but I bet AMFA and the members are frustrated by the previous instance and not interested in having to sue to get the provisions of the contract enforced several years down the line. It's unfortunate, because it seems like a proper profit-sharing provision would get everyone working in the right direction.

As will I...I have booked three flights. The only talking point you have missed so far is that the mechanics are "hard working American families". If the AVERAGE wage of a mechanic is $70,000 per year, when you add benefits this figure goes up another 20% and also means that there are mechanics making MORE than the $70k stated. And this is not just the mechanics, it is the custodians as well. Only a union man can threaten the safety of the public, the viability of his employer and at the end of the day still get his job back. Any of us do that, we would rightly be fired on the spot. As should the mechanics.

Sorry I missed the earlier post. Good on Ya!! And enjoy your vacation!

First Day of Strike Travel Report
 

MKE-MSP-SFO. Both flights were slightly delayed, but I had a better feeling flying now as opposed to the previous few weeks. At least there were no silly deliberate delays. The crews were first rate, all going the extra mile to make an awkward situation work.

The flight attendants groomed the plane (no groomers in sight at either MKE or MSP), so the plane was a little dirty, but the GA stated that fact and decided to take off without further delay. I was impressed to see the lead FA rushing up and down the aisles with newspapers and trash as we boarded, and I certainly hope that this is temporary. Seems unfair to pile it on the backs of the FA's who are also looking at reductions, but the spirit of both crews was very positive.

I've changed my mind about flying NWA during the strike. I was going to fly CO until it was settled, but I'm sticking with NWA, especially if the attitudes I experienced today continue. These folks crossed the picket lines to start their day and then accepted additional duties to get the flights in and out.
It was a job well done by all.

^ ^ ^

I hope other's reports are equally positive!

peace,
~Ben~

As I have mentioned in other threads, I am not flying much for my own personal reasons. I still would like it if others would post their flight experiences during the strike so we all can keep tabs on the situation from the frequent flier's perspective.

Oh, I was certain that they have great training to do what they do. But why should this guarantee them work? Despite my BS, MS, and MBA if my company suffers a downturn, they'll let me (or others like me) go in a heartbeat. And that's how it should be.

I flew ORD-MEM-MSY today. There was a slight delay in ORD but the weather was awfull this morning for the 6:45am flight.

The people in the WP club in ORD all know me and were as nice as ever.

Just looking at my typical itinerary when I fly NWA, there were a few problems, but delays were not substantial. Longest was DTW-MSY, which was about two hours, but it was for "loading luggage." Must've been a hell of a lot of luggage.

Um, OK.

Not at all surprising that the first day went well--especially a Saturday. However, the problems from inadequate and less experienced mechanics will progress over time. I suspect within a week or two we will see total chaos.