Senate may consider controversial TSA employee rights amendment Tuesday

TSA union representation on Glenn Beck?
 

Foxnews Glenn Beck show right now. I love it!

Yeah, it's on here at work too. Interestingly enough, he hasn't said anything that we haven't said already.

I know several also. Unfortunately the powers at the time in the FAA (not necessarily Reagan) viewed a "no strike" clause as a "we can do whatever we want to you and you can't do anything about it" clause.

Lots who struck never even wanted to come back.

SR

As if they had a choice after walking off a non-strike job. Reagan did the right thing.

Reagan was clueless about the reasons behind the strike. The FAA and DOT powers, and yes, also the PATCO powers, at the time, were inconsiderate idiots.

A no-strike clause does not give an employer the right to treat its employees like animals. TSA, if unionized, might realize what that actually means. Make sure your employees get comfortable, get a nice house, get a nice debt built up -- then put the screws to them, all the while chanting "you can't strike!"

What I meant was, lots of those strikers never wanted to come back to those working conditions. Two in particular I personally know refused to reapply when Clinton allowed them to be rehired. Both make less pay than controllers doing what they are doing now.

That strike was a classic example of what happens when both management and union leaders are self-centered jerks.

If you ever get a chance, read the book "Vectors to Spare". It was written by a controller who quit before the strike. There were many more like him who just quit in the late 70's and early 80's before the strike. Of course, that doesn't make good headline news.

SR

Just some examples, and this is AFTER the strike, in a kindler, gentler FAA:

1. Dude gets a head injury -- FAA: You better get that fixed, on your own dime, or you're fired.

2. Girl gets pregnant -- FAA: uhh, we need you you to come back after one month, or you're fired.

3. Guy has to go bathroom -- FAA: pee your pants, or whatever you need to do. leave your position, and you're fired.

4. Guy gets overtime on his last day at work, wife is picking him up to go out of town -- FAA: you got overtime, deal with it, not our problem

The no-strike clause was basically used as an excuse to treat people like vermin. I have been called a "dump-truck" a "widget" a "nothing". I have been told that any high-school graduate can do my job. Of course, we got the last laugh, as all of those high-school graduates failed to certify. That's right, exactly ZERO of those high-school graduates certified in my area. Of course, all it takes is the ability to walk upright to be the FAA administrator. I always find it funny that a controller can "stand-in" as a supervisor, but it is strictly forbidden for a manager to "stand-in" for a controller. We know where the talent is.

Unions are the voice of labor. Managers do what they do best -- not do real work.

I will grant management this: they are far, far better than they used to be.

SR

Strong accusations. Any proof to these events?

Yes, and worse.

But I will say again, that was post-strike. It was worse before the strike. It is much better now. I will say that the managers I work for now are decent folk for the most part.

One of my previous managers had a history of EEO complaints a mile long.

Not trying to get off topic here, just examples of why unions are a good thing to have.

BTW, nobody got fired in the above situations. Some of those old-school managers just liked threatening people.

SR

This will be bad for everyone
 

I see this as a bad thing.
TSA employees are paid by the government, ie: Taxes which are paid by the people, as well as user fees paid by the airlines and then charged to the people.

The first thing the unions will do is demand greater compensation and benefits. The will be paid in the form of more tax dollars and more fees.

To get a raise, the unionized TSA will threaten to strike. Can you imagine the chaos that would ensue if the screeners set up picket lines at the airports?

Unless the TSA is deemed an essential service and not allowed to strike, I see bad times coming.

They can always picket, but will never be allowed to strike, same as other essential government employees. But if they unionize, you can expect to see a better quality employee, drawn in by the better wages and benefits.

SR

Just have local LEOs arrest them for "interfering with airport security."

End of problem.

This is true.
Why would you assume this is the case? The same people who are currently employed would simply be unionized. Wages and other forms of compensation is are off the table anyway. Given all the restrictions on what is allowed to be part of collective bargaining in this case, I really don't see what the benefit is for them unionizing. Details can be found here: http://www.tsa.gov/press/happenings/...argaining.shtm

Is it ironic that while the Senate voted to allow collective bargaining rights for the TSA, Wisconsin is trying to restrict collective bargaining of teachers and other state employees?

I wonder if there's a plan behind that.

By restricting the quality of education, they'll naturally increase the pool of people for whom the TSA is the only possible employer, since they'd lack the skills and motivation to find employment anywhere else.