Think you don't need a Union? Think Again!
Union members earn 24% more than nonunion workers in wages alone, according to the U. S. Dept. of Labor (http://www.bls.gov/news.release/union2.nr0.htm)
While some airlines seem to match what the union carriers pay, they fall far behind when all benefits are compared. IAM represented employees have contractually guaranteed superior vacation and sick pay benefits, continuing pension benefits, and job security protections.
But some of the most important benefits you get from Union membership are impossible to put a price tag on: workplace representatives that you elect, an active and collective voice to bargain over working conditions and fairness on the job.
Working under an IAM collective bargaining agreement means that you'll be under a contract with an enforceable grievance process, protecting your rights and securing fairness on the job.
Most importantly, we get to bargain contracts that set the standard in our industry. It is the job of the union to bend the curve of job supply and demand in favor of the worker - to create better pay and benefits than would exist without the union. Without the voice of the union, our employers get to set the standard. So you really trust them to do the same?
Learn more by visiting: www.goiamnow.org
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4 comments:
I must admit that I have never been much of a union supporter. I have never cared for their negative and activist forms of negotiation, but I also have to admit that I have benefitted in a positive way, because of the union negotiated benefits.
I have, in the last two years, had the unfortunate luck of having a major illness in both years requiring medical time off. Because of the union negotiated benefit of reserve sick pay I was not faced with any financial hardships (other that what the economy has done to all of us). I was off just a little over 7 months total, for both instances (4 months for one and 3 months for the other). Other that the reduction in pay for the first week of illness, I did not loose any further pay. The paychecks continued to come, the bills continued to be paid, my insurance continued in force!
With the knowledge that I was still financial "alright", my healing process involved a lot less time as the stress of not having a paycheck didn't enter into the picture. Without this benefit, I would have certainly faced many financial obstacles. The depression and worry about facing this time off with the benefits would have led to a state of depression and, very possibly, a much longer healing process.
So, while I will not be the gung-ho union supporter that the IAM would like to see, I do have to admit that the men and women of the IAM, who negotiated these benefits on my behalf, deserve the praise and respect from all employees for "going to bat for us".
I can now say that I support the organizing efforts of the IAM and hope that our co-workers at Delta will see how important it is to have "guaranteed benefits".
Union members earn 24% more than nonunion workers in wages alone, according to the U. S. Dept. of Labor (http://www.bls.gov/news.release/union2.nr0.htm)
Let me say that I am neither for or against the IAM. I am, however, interested in learning more about the IAM. With this said, why aren't NW above wing agents making 24% more than DL above wing agents?
NWA employees represented by the IAM - DO make 24% more than Delta employees! And we want you to make it as well.
If we are to be a family, you deserve what we have just the same.
The total expense to NWA for an employee in my area is about $27 an hour, this includes my actual salary and all of the benefits that the company is required to cover on my behalf in accordance with the contract of employment that I have with NWA.
The total expense to Delta, including the benefits that Delta VOLUNTARILY gives an employee that does primarily the same job as I do is around $22 an hour.
They can take that away anytime, for any reason. Any reason at all..........also keep in mind that once January 1st of 2009 gets here, A Delta CSA Above Wing that has reached the top of the pay scale will only make a whopping .54¢ an hour more than a NWA CSA. That’s $93.42 a month for the monthly salary minded folks. So the math is this: NWA spends about $4671.00 a month to employee me, and Delta spends $3806.00 to employ a comparable CSA Above Wing.
The new pay scale that Delta has dreamed up is a vast tragedy for many of the above wing employees at Delta. Has anyone but me noticed the extreme difference in the way Delta has configured that pay scale? Has anyone noticed how the CSA Above Wing and Reservations agents that have the same five and one half years of seniority that a Ramp & Cargo agent have, yet they make $701.98 less each month????? Talk about a strike issue!
At NWA, the above wing employees have ALWAYS been paid more money the ramp agents. Not much more, but always more. I know the Delta folks have been and are being brain washed by the company, but I really think it’s time for y’all to open your eyes. I’ve said this a hundred times in the past few months; we have so much to lose and you have so much to gain. Find a copy of our contract and read it for yourselves, you will see. We have nothing to hide, you can find our contract online, visit our organizing office or call them.
I work for NWA and have been paying dues for 9 years. I have lost $ per hour, had benefits lost and got to pay for this every month. Don't be fooled by the union. They are there to take that money and enjoy the fabulous annual meetings... plush living. Check out the salaries of the union officials. I haven't seen them take pay cuts as we have. If you disagree with them you get threatened. Oh yes, they do sponcer a picnic each summer and offer hot dogs and drinks... thanks. They play the power game with members. Either agree or face the harassment. I am looking forward to Delta coming in and the union leaving... I HOPE!!! Lets quit giving our union dues to the democratic party and the union party. It will be interesting if this even gets published. Vote NO for union.
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