 |
|
More than 11,000 cards and comments from IAM members have been delivered to the National Mediation Board in support of the proposed rule change governing union representation election. |
On November 3, 2009, the National Mediation Board (NMB) announced a proposed rule change to allow union representation elections for air and rail workers to be determined by the majority decision of those voting, as occurs in every other union representation and public election in the country. Currently, in air and rail representation elections employees who do not participate in the election are counted as no votes. The NMB invited public comments on their proposal and set a January 4, 2010 deadline.
Shortly after the announcement, the IAM launched a campaign in support of the NMB’s proposed change to provide a fair voting process. The Machinists union urged members to contact the Board to express support for the change, and encourage friends and family to do the same.
This week the National Mediation Board posted on its website, www.nmb.gov, a tally of comments it has received thus far, including more than 11,000 comments from IAM members and supporters in favor of the change.
The NMB also posted support letters from three Minnesota state legislators, 19 labor organizations, and dozens of other individuals. This is in addition to support letters signed by 191 U.S. Representatives and 37 U.S. Senators.
Supporters can still inform the board of their position through January 4th. Information is posted at www.goiam.org/nmb.
