Rez O. Lewshun
Save the Profession
- Joined
- Jan 19, 2004
- Posts
- 13,422
Rez, what exactly do you expect workers like the PATCO controllers and the TWU 100 to do? Legally, they can never strike. As bad as it is for us, at least there is a legal means for us to strike eventually. For the workers of unions like PATCO, they have no such remedy. Are they supposed to simply sit back and take it? Sorry, but I can't criticize the actions of these workers. They did what they felt they had to do.
Just like we don't like the limitations of the RLA we have to abide by them. If pilots conduct an illegal strike it will effect us for years to come.
What did it do for the PATCO guys anyway? Poli lead those guys down the wrong path. Just like any organization, the leaders can ruin it for everyone.
The TWU 100 paying fines of $300,000/month is fees and dues check off suspended till early this year.
Jail time and huge fines might be ok for gritty subway workers and thier leaders but it doesn't work for clean cut pilots. ALPA's positive reputation as a bonfide player in the national and international scene cannot afford a "bust ya knee caps" reputation.
If we want to be effective to need to demonstrate a show of legal force.