Will NWA and the Mechs agree?

[Lear70]

Thirdly it is their quickest way into BK if the AMFA strikes. This is what management wants so it can quickly take care of the PFAA,,,and eventually go back to the pilots and rape them.

BINGO!!

Personally, I'm betting that the only reason NW backed off on the Champion flights today is because the pilots union was probably saying that they'd sympathy strike with the mechanics if the company was going to so blatantly disregard the pilot contract and NWA management doesn't want a complete work stoppage, just enough of a slow-down and "apparent" loss from cancelled flights to legitimately enter Ch. 11.

Will they strike? Yup. Will the F/A's go with them? Maybe. Will the airline shut down? Nope. But my money is on a Ch. 11 filing before the end of the month no matter what happens.

 

[cfm56-7b]

And yes, it is outrageous that AMFA believes that mechanics should be paid $100K. There are many sides to an argument.[/QUOTE]

Why cant a mechanic make 100k or 150k they go to school they are just as important as a pilot. All unions should stand by each other or you will be doing it in the unemployment line

 

[Jeff Helgeson]

Management playbook

Quote:
Originally Posted by WillowRunVortex
Thirdly it is their quickest way into BK if the AMFA strikes. This is what management wants so it can quickly take care of the PFAA,,,and eventually go back to the pilots and rape them.


I agree with the above, but think NWA will take it to the edge to get concessions, threatening BK. After concessions are given, then declare BK and get more concessions. I have always admired the union solidarity at NWA, but I think all of them are going to be put to the test in the next few months.

Good luck!

 

[castle bravo]

Let's not forget the ploitical influence NWA mgmt has as well. Elaine Chao (Labor Secretary) was an NWA board member until her nomination, and is married to (R) Senator Mitch McConnell. W has previously shot off his mouth about how "there will be no airline strikes under my watch". Steenland (like Richard Anderson before him) is a Lorenzo alumni. Lorenzo is a Bush family friend and fellow Harvard business school grad.........

 

[ultrarunner]

Let's not forget the ploitical influence NWA mgmt has... W has previously shot off his mouth about how "there will be no airline strikes under my watch".

Then what's got everyone panties in a wad?

W will invoke the PEB and that'll be the end of any job action.

NWA wrench turners know this. It's all just BS smoke and mirrors.

There won't be a strike.

 

[J32driver]

W will invoke the PEB and that'll be the end of any job action.

You mean EXACTLY like Clinton did? Don't turn this into a Dem vs. Rep thing.

 

[furloughed dude]

Willow,

Both mechs and flight attendants had their chance to negotiate. They decided to stand their ground, now they are getting is shoved up their .... I believe they want to bust AMFA and lockout the mechanics. Management doesn't believe the flight attendants will honor the strike (I don't think a large percentage will either). They are threatening the current flight attendants by making them train their replacements. Now that is hard core. In my opinion, they should have tried harder to negotiate in the first place. NWA is competing with the likes of Jetblue and United (bankrupt for 2+ years). While cuts are tough, it is better than the outcome they are probably facing now.

The pilots decided to take a "small pay cut" and give up some work rules. NWA can't come back to them until the other unions sign concessionary contracts. They also tried to get AMFA to negotiate and was told to mind their own business. I don't think the pilots will honor the strike. After they finish with the PFAA and AMFA they will come back to the pilots. Most likely a Chap 11 filing before Oct 17 so they can give the execs the bonuses that Steenland thinks they deserve. Not a pretty picture...

I guess we all have our ideas, but the next week should be interesting to say the least.

 

[WillowRunVortex]

Willow,

Both mechs and flight attendants had their chance to negotiate. They decided to stand their ground, now they are getting is shoved up their .... .

First, The current offer to AMFA is NWA's opening offer. This does not fit the definition of "negotiations".

Second, The PFAA isnt "in" negotiations yet. They are next after AMFA. They are currently voting on a sympathy strike for AMFA. What ever happens with AMFA, all this will happen again with PFAA after AMFA. K?

Third, spoken like true NWA ALPA. They are gonna get their's in BK when management strips all CBA's. Not very long-viewed is NWA ALPA these days.

 

[furloughed dude]

I am not saying it will be pretty for anyone. Steenland is out to bust AMFA and will do the same to the PFAA if they don't participate. This guy is Lorenzo wanna be. I hope NWA gives AMFA an "acceptable" proposal, but I don't think it will happen.

 

[WillowRunVortex]

I am not saying it will be pretty for anyone. Steenland is out to bust AMFA and will do the same to the PFAA if they don't participate. This guy is Lorenzo wanna be..

It took NWA 2 months to train 1200 scumbag scab FA's. If all 10,590 NWA FA's would hold hands, and walk in lock-step they could demand the moon and get it or kill the airline. That simple. If there are any FA's on here or friends of NWA FA's, remind them of this fact.

 

[scopeCMRandASA]

You mean EXACTLY like Clinton did? Don't turn this into a Dem vs. Rep thing.

You are ignorant on the subject. Do some research as to why Clinton put the kabosh on the AA pilot's strike. Hint: APA is/was not affiliated with the AFL/CIO.

It is rep vs dems. The reps will continue their bashing of labor until people like you grow wiser about politics.


Glad to be gone

 

[castle bravo]

1. It took NWA 2 months to train 1200 scumbag scab FA's. 2. If all 10,590 NWA FA's would hold hands, and walk in lock-step they could demand the moon and get it, or kill the airline.

1. My understanding is that the FA's have been forced to train some of the scab FA's on the line. The FA's took the company to court over this and LOST! Correct me if I'm wrong.

2. It really does appear to be this simple.

 

[WillowRunVortex]

1. It took NWA 2 months to train 1200 scumbag scab FA's. 2. If all 10,590 NWA FA's would hold hands, and walk in lock-step they could demand the moon and get it, or kill the airline.

1. My understanding is that the FA's have been forced to train some of the scab FA's on the line. The FA's took the company to court over this and LOST! Correct me if I'm wrong.

2. It really does appear to be this simple.

Your right, kind-of. The judge ruled it wasnt a significant enough case for his particular court to hear. He said they would have to grieve thru normal channels.

PFAA also has a complaint filed with the FAA, which has just given the matter to the head of the TSA regarding the distribution of NWA company training materials and other proprietary materials to non-NWA employees.

Remember these scab mech's and FA's will not actually become NWA employees until if/when they are called from their hotel room to actually cross a picket line. So they all have new NWA uniforms, training manuals etc. Have all been trained on NWA procedures during actual NWA flights. And may never actually become employed by the airline. They are "private contractors" until the fateful day of a strike. Some might say this is very questionable ground NWA management is on here with this.

That being said. The FA's have two seperate opportunities here. This time to support AMFA. Then again during their own negotiations. So, this is probably far from over. It is gonna be awhile before it becomes apparent if NWA is gonna make it out of the woods with this.

 

[castle bravo]

Willow,
You bring up another disappointing situation at Big Red these days- the Champion Air situation.

My understanding is that Champ Air is using NWA gates in DTW, NWA gate agents, and NWA ground handling to accomplish the wet lease flights. Also, if the rumor about NWA mgmt offering pax $100 travel vouchers each for flying on Champ Air is true (>$15k/flight), then Steenland has stumbled on a very nice new revenue generating plan!! Sure looks like mgmt is deliberately attempting to fan the flames.

 

[JD2003]

I think it is refreshing to see a union in America that still has a spine. Look at recent British Airways history. Much better than any AFLCIO affiliated bunch...that's for sure.