Non-union to union

[jergar999]

I just received a message that the National Mediation Board has contacted the company I work for on behalf of a union to represent the pilots. I have never worked at a union job, and there is a lot I don't understand. I am mostly wondering what happens next. Will there be some kind of vote now? The union is one I have never heard of, and to the best of my knowledge they haven't represented pilots before. I should also add that I have what I consider to be a pretty good job (especially for 135). Pay is above average, plenty of hard days off, and every member of management is also a line pilot so they look out for us and treat us pretty well. To summarize, I am just looking for any input, or details on how unions work.

 

[bobbysamd]

Union elections

I'm no expert, but what should be happening after a time will be that your workgroup will hold a "white card" election, in which you will decide if you want the union to represent you. Supposedly, your jobs are protected during the pendency of the white card.

Take a look at this National Labor Relations Board site for more, and probably better, information. Here's a link to the National Labor Relations Act. Good luck with whatever your workgroup decides.

 

[Rez O. Lewshun]

Unions are a resource not a service. They rquire thier members to be actively involved. The people that complain the most are the ones that expect thier union to do something for them while they do little but pay thier dues.

But unions aren't for everyone. Unions are political organizations, with agendas. You have to make sure that your agenda is thier agenda.

What union and what company are you refering too?

 

[Publishers]

to be or not to be

While some on these boards would say that I am anti union, the fact is that I do not think they are much good unless you really have some numbers involved.

If this is a union that is not geared to pilots or air carriers and you do not represent a significant population, I think you would be wise to stay away from it.

In union world, they will not invest a good deal of time and effort in companies or employees that do not produce substantial dues income. From that standpoint, they are just as economically based as the companies they deal with.

 

[enigma]

I should also add that I have what I consider to be a pretty good job (especially for 135). Pay is above average, plenty of hard days off, and every member of management is also a line pilot so they look out for us and treat us pretty well. QUOTE]

Two points. First, a union can't come in unless the workers vote it in. If you don't want it, now's the time to speak up.

Second. If your employer treats you as well as you indicate, it seems unlikely that the pilots will vote to organize.

good luck,
enigma

PS, Unions are run by those who seek power. If you want to maintain input into your own life, I suggest that you take an active part in the union if you end up getting assimilated.

 

[Eagle-ista]

50% plus 1

After the white cards or "A" cards are distributed, the vote is taken and the tally is made, if 50% plus 1 of the pilots vote for the union, it happens. If less than that, and no vote is the same as a "no" vote, the organization effort fails.

If there are no pressing issues against the pilots, you may not need a union. If pilots are fired without cause, pay or seniority is illegally manipulated, FARs ignored or some other problems exist and you can't quit, then organizing might be the right thing to do.

Avoid affiliations with "non-pilot" unions. Trans-States is represented by the Teamsters and they represent mostly truck drivers. TWU represents mechanics and ramp agents.

There has been a lot of bad mouthing ALPA, some of it deserved. It is true that if you are a small group of pilots with little chance of adding a lot of money to the ALPA coffers, your level of representation will be, let's say, proportional.

Choose wisely...

It's a roll of the dice