Despite a high number of votes for the IAM, the election for 91 flight simulator technicians at the recently merged Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines was declared invalid by the NMB when fewer than 50 percent plus one of eligible employees participated in the Internet and telephone voting. The Machinists Union received 40 of the 43 valid votes cast.
Delta Air Lines interfered in the election process in violation of the Railway Labor Act and IAM attorneys are reviewing what steps to take next. This matter is not closed.
Unlike traditional political elections in the U.S., as well as representation elections for workers covered by the National Labor Relations Act, a simple majority of votes cast is not sufficient to prevail in elections for the nation's air and rail employees.
In addition to a 50 percent plus one participation requirement, the current NMB rules count all un-cast ballots as votes against union representation.
Tue. March 09, 2010
Can you imagine applying these voting rules to a presidential election in this country, the outrage would be deafening. Why shouldn\\\'t working women and men have the same right to choose as in any other election process less this idiotic \\\"non vote counted as a no vote\\\" rule? Put this on a smaller scale for just a moment so we can better grasp what happens. Your town council is comprised of let\\\'s say 8 people. The own has 100 residents but only 12 turn out to vote. The rest of the non-voter’s determine the elections based on the majority of non voters counted as Nay votes against a certain candidate. What’s wrong with this picture? Wake up America!Fri. February 26, 2010
And you wonder why the NMB has to change the rules. This is ridiculous. Go fight \'em so we can fight for the Delta workers who can see real change on the horizon.