Seems like the IAM might strike at NWA. If so will pilots support this or will this be another AMFA. Does NWA have plans in place for an IAM strike as well?
November 18, 2005 (taken from Wired to the Prez)Black Wednesday
On Wednesday November 16, 2005 Northwest Airlines used the bankruptcy court to drastically alter their employees’ livelihoods by temporarily reducing wages 19 percent and only paying 75 percent of wages for sick days. These reductions will remain in effect until a long-term agreement is in place, or the completion of a Section 1113(c) trial to reject our contracts.
Doug Steenland and the cold-hearted, conscience-devoid merry men on his financial team have spun an evil web of corporate greed that can only be described as callous and arrogant while hiding under the protection of the bankruptcy law.
Northwest has informed District 143 that these cuts were put in effect at 12:01 November 16th. This means that all work performed or sick time taken on that day will be at the court imposed rate, even if the work performed occurred prior to the judge signed the order. District 143 feels that work performed under our collective bargaining agreements before the judge’s order should be paid at the rates in our contracts and we will be filing a grievance on the matter.
These temporary pay cuts, imposed by a judge’s order without the consent of the Machinists Union, are staggering and will affect every element of our lives. Your negotiators repeatedly told the company that our members should not have to endure these types of cuts, especially many of our clerical members who will now be working for close to minimum wage.
Although these cuts will have a tremendous impact on employees, without effective leadership and management no amount of sacrifice will help our airline.
Doug Steenland has employed a financial and legal team fresh off the US Airways bankruptcy. The cuts they sought from IAM members at that carrier were so severe that Machinist negotiators could not agree to them. It appears their intent is to seek even more from Northwest employees.
There should be no misunderstanding, especially after this week’s court action, that we are in a fight for our livelihoods.
Our negotiations for a long-term contract continue under the shadow of a January trial to reject our collective bargaining agreements. If our contracts are terminated, we have the legal right to strike.
If there is to be any successful conclusion to these negotiations, they must occur at the bargaining table. Northwest cannot hide under the protection of bankruptcy law and expect a positive outcome.
The IAM does not deny that Northwest is in financial crisis. However, any sacrifice your negotiators may agree to must be fair, equitable and absolutely necessary for Northwest Airlines to restructure. The Machinists Union will not allow Northwest to use this bankruptcy as open season on IAM members. .
This round of negotiations will determine if there is a next round of bargaining. An agreement must be reached at the bargaining table; otherwise it becomes showdown at the OK Corral in court.
Stick together and stay informed and prepare for the fight of our lives.
In Solidarity,
Bobby De PacePresident/Directing General ChairIAMAW Air Transport District 143
November 18, 2005 (taken from Wired to the Prez)Black Wednesday
On Wednesday November 16, 2005 Northwest Airlines used the bankruptcy court to drastically alter their employees’ livelihoods by temporarily reducing wages 19 percent and only paying 75 percent of wages for sick days. These reductions will remain in effect until a long-term agreement is in place, or the completion of a Section 1113(c) trial to reject our contracts.
Doug Steenland and the cold-hearted, conscience-devoid merry men on his financial team have spun an evil web of corporate greed that can only be described as callous and arrogant while hiding under the protection of the bankruptcy law.
Northwest has informed District 143 that these cuts were put in effect at 12:01 November 16th. This means that all work performed or sick time taken on that day will be at the court imposed rate, even if the work performed occurred prior to the judge signed the order. District 143 feels that work performed under our collective bargaining agreements before the judge’s order should be paid at the rates in our contracts and we will be filing a grievance on the matter.
These temporary pay cuts, imposed by a judge’s order without the consent of the Machinists Union, are staggering and will affect every element of our lives. Your negotiators repeatedly told the company that our members should not have to endure these types of cuts, especially many of our clerical members who will now be working for close to minimum wage.
Although these cuts will have a tremendous impact on employees, without effective leadership and management no amount of sacrifice will help our airline.
Doug Steenland has employed a financial and legal team fresh off the US Airways bankruptcy. The cuts they sought from IAM members at that carrier were so severe that Machinist negotiators could not agree to them. It appears their intent is to seek even more from Northwest employees.
There should be no misunderstanding, especially after this week’s court action, that we are in a fight for our livelihoods.
Our negotiations for a long-term contract continue under the shadow of a January trial to reject our collective bargaining agreements. If our contracts are terminated, we have the legal right to strike.
If there is to be any successful conclusion to these negotiations, they must occur at the bargaining table. Northwest cannot hide under the protection of bankruptcy law and expect a positive outcome.
The IAM does not deny that Northwest is in financial crisis. However, any sacrifice your negotiators may agree to must be fair, equitable and absolutely necessary for Northwest Airlines to restructure. The Machinists Union will not allow Northwest to use this bankruptcy as open season on IAM members. .
This round of negotiations will determine if there is a next round of bargaining. An agreement must be reached at the bargaining table; otherwise it becomes showdown at the OK Corral in court.
Stick together and stay informed and prepare for the fight of our lives.
In Solidarity,
Bobby De PacePresident/Directing General ChairIAMAW Air Transport District 143
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