www.goiam.org
Friday, December 21, 2001
Bush
Intervenes in UAL Negotiations |
|
President Bush and his advisor Larry Lindsey
are now key players in negotiations at United Airlines.
(AP Worldwide Photos) |
"Yesterdays' decision by President Bush to block a negotiated settlement at
United Airlines will go down in history as the defining moment in this
administration's war against American workers' collective bargaining rights,"
said IP Tom Buffenbarger.
"It's clear United Airlines and the Bush administration agreed in advance to
ignore the intent of collective bargaining law and force the dispute into the
hands of a management-friendly Presidential Emergency Board (PEB)," said
Buffenbarger.
The three-person PEB will have 30 days to investigate and make recommendations
to President Bush. Those recommendations do not bind either party in the 2
year-old dispute between United Airlines and 15,000 District 141-M mechanic and
related employees.
"Throughout negotiations, United behaved like a deadbeat dad," said
Buffenbarger. "Dodging its responsibility to employees with one bad excuse after
another. At every turn, the airline begged forgiveness and promised to improve.
Now, the company is in bed with the anti-union zealots of the Bush
administration."
"Binding arbitration, Presidential Emergency Boards and/or legislated agreements
all have the same purpose," said Buffenbarger. "They aim to eliminate the rights
of workers to face their employers as equals with the power to vote 'yes' or
'no' on labor contracts.
"Airline employees everywhere
are bitter," said Buffenbarger. "The administration that wouldn't lift a finger
to help their laid off co-workers is now leading the way to prevent the
remaining workers from helping themselves. This abuse has gone far enough."
Holiday Greetings From the IAM
The editorial staff joins the Executive Council in
wishing you a most joyous holiday season and a peaceful prosperous New Year. It
is fitting that we reflect on our proud union heritage as we focus our energies
on forging a brighter future for our members and for all working people around
the globe.
Our union was founded on the principles of solidarity and
compassion, in deeds, not just in words. These principles brought us
together through a very trying year. They will continue to guide us in our
struggle for a better world for working families.
Community Spirit Sparks IAM Blood Drive
More
than two dozen employees at IAM Headquarters joined in the holiday spirit to
donate blood to the local Red Cross. The drive was organized by the IAM
Community Services Department. "Blood supplies are dangerously low, and we were
glad to do our part," said IAM Cares employee Carol Salter (pictured at right
with the Santa cap). "It's been a while since I've donated blood, and this was a
great way to get back into the habit. It's an important service to others in
need."
The Community Services Department is also providing a valuable
service for IAM members who need help with substance abuse issues during the
added stress of the holiday season. "We've made a new resource, CyberSober.com,
available to IAM members during the holiday period," said Maria Cordone, IAM
Retirees/Community Services director. The new service provides information on
almost every aspect of substance abuse and lists valuable resources. "We are
offering it to IAM members without cost through the holidays," said Cordone.
"You can log on to the site at
http://www.cybersober.net/iamaw. Use iamaw for the user id and
union for the password."
Anthrax Threats Slow Mail Service at FMCS
The IAM Legal Department reports that mail
deliveries to the national office of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation
Service (FMCS) have been halted since last October due to anthrax-related
threats.
FMCS officials advise that anyone with pending panel requests should re-submit
those requests by fax, (202)-606-3749 as soon as possible. Further, FMCS
officials say you should provide the date the original request was submitted.
Signup for iMail, FaxLink to End Dec 31
This is the final reminder to any locals
or districts that have not signed up for iMail, please register by Dec
31. This is the last edition of FaxLink, which will be replaced entirely
by iMail, a web-based publication.
Almost all locals and districts have already made
the switch to iMail. If your local or district has not, log on to
www.goiam.org
and click on the "I-Mail Signup" button in the lower left corner of the home
page. Complete the online form and you will receive iMail automatically
via e-mail.
Comments, suggestions,
or story items?
Contact IAMAW
dgeorgallas@iamaw.org
301-967-4520
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