United Mechanics Vote No !

[frank rizzo]

Guess the fat ladies sings on this one, the mechanics voted no therefore that voids all the other concessions from the other labor groups, and the chance of a loan guarantee from the federales.

Next week huge lease payments are due.

 

[enigma]

I think that the union in question represents many more workers than just the mechanics. If memory serves (I'm sure the someone will be glad to point out my error if it doesn't), the machinist union represents not only A&Ps, but also rampers, cleaners, bag-smashers, etc. Because of this another union has been attempting to get the mechanics of a lot of airlines to break off from the machinists and go with the new group. I believe that the NWA mechanics did just that.

Bottom line, I always defend the technicians that keep my butt safe. They deserve any money they get and I imagine that the concessions were turned down by the bagsmasher part of that union.

regards,
8N

edited for spelling

 

[Freight Dog]

Too bad for UAL. Too bad these people just unioned a good portion of their group as well as others out of a job when UAL goes into Chapter 11.

 

[Marko Ramius]

Sorry Enigma

While the internal union turmoil you speak of exists, the IAM 141 which represents the rampers, gate, etc accepted the concession proposal. The IAM 141M, which represents the mechanics voted no 57% to 43%. Apparently that the "mechanic fairy," has 13,000 jobs waiting for them on the other side of their UAL careers.

 

[Beechnut]

Tell the fat lady to stuff it. It ain't over yet. Both sides are going back to re-do the deal.

S.

 

[Birdstrike]

Absolutely correct, they're back at it this morning. 7% reduction over 5 years? Could've been a lot worse. Believe the holdout is about the "other" issues and UAL is still being squeezed. Predict final acceptance once UAL's best & final offer is truly on the table.

 

[enigma]

Re: Sorry Enigma

While the internal union turmoil you speak of exists, the IAM 141 which represents the rampers, gate, etc accepted the concession proposal. The IAM 141M, which represents the mechanics voted no 57% to 43%. Apparently that the "mechanic fairy," has 13,000 jobs waiting for them on the other side of their UAL careers.

Thanks Marko.

Great information. It seems that the stock market isn't impressed. Fox News just reported that UAL opened down 44%.

regards,
8N

 

[Superfueler]

Three words: Pan Am Machinists

Gotta love unions!!!!

 

[Marko Ramius]

Hmmm.....not quite

Three words: Pan Am Machinists

Gotta love unions!!!!

I say if the shoe fits wear it, but in this case I think you're trying to put the old square peg into a round hole. Every case is different, if it weren't all airlines would end up like Braniff, Pan Am and others the second they declared BK. The IAM actually endorsed this concession deal, and tried to convince their membership to ratify it. The rank and file machinists decided to reject it, primarily to make an ill-timed statement IMHO. It seems like you learn something new all the time no matter how long you've been in this business. I'm learning just how delusional some of these mechanics are. They do excellent work and I trust them greatly as far as that goes, but SOME of them act like petulant kids. Looking back, you can sorta forgive some of the IAM's past action because let's face it: deregulation was new bag for all involved in the airline industry. It's easy to look back at Charlie Bryan and the rest, and mock them now after we've seen the results but they were treading on new territory. The only major BK's prior to EA were Braniff and CO. Braniff came out of nowhere and CO was clearly an anti-labor restructuring movement. However EA changed the game, and you'd think they'd would learn by now. Yet, they almost took down TWA a few years ago(thanks F/A for saving the ship!), and UsAirways this summer. Even when their leadership wised up at UA, the majority of the rank wouldn't go for it. The sad thing is that in the end, they may still get a better deal because UA's CEO really doesn't seem to want any part of BK and the government is likely to give UA some sort of guarantee in the end b/c of the potential fallout. Point being, they may survive their idiocy, UA may move on and possibly thrive b/c they have the most viable franchise of any airline placed in this situation, and these yahoo's will not have learned a thing. Situation normal, I guess!!!

 

[sabreliner]

UAL Flight Attendants : $412 million (still voting)

UAL Ground Staff : $800 million about 24,000 employees

UAL Pilots : $2.2 BILLION about 12,000? pilots

UAL Mechanics : $700 million about 13,000 mechanics (turned down)

Hmm...I know the pilots are well paid, but they sure do seem to be willing to make a big sacrifice for everyone else's future at UAL.

Seems to me like the IAM is not looking very hard at the big picture. I wonder if they remember that bankruptcy can abrogate union contracts? All the UAL employees could be in trouble then!

Just as a disclaimer, I'm an ALPA member and a strong believer in the need for unions in today's airline industry. However, you have to be realistic sometimes.

 

[flint4xx]

I heard last night on a layover about massive layoffs and parking entire fleet types at UAL. It is of course third hand and not worth posting specifics. Anybody hearing anything similar? Very depressing.