Airtran Crew Member faqs
with District 141 Organizing Director, Tim Nelson
Q
Why should Airtran Crew Members choose any union at all?
a
It’s the same reason for all workers. It’s all about being empowered: Freedom of voice; Freedom to vote; Freedom to determine how justice will be administered on the job.
These are the results of collective bargaining power.
Right now, management has all the power. Crew member voices are oppressed. The company determines what YOU are going to give and what YOU are going to take.
Crew members deserve a voice — just like the Pilots, Flight Attendants, and Mechanics at Airtran.
q
As an AirTran CrewMember, how is my voice is heard within the IAM?
a
Your CrewMember voice is heard by having airline workers representing you from the local lodge level all the way to the international executive council.
The IAM knows Passenger Service / Ramp / Reservations. That is a huge difference between the Machinists Union and other big industrial unions.
To illustrate, we just started negotiations at United Airlines and have Reservation, Passenger service, and Ramp workers on the negotiations team from all levels of the Union — Local, District, and International level.
Even on the highest perch, the Machinists executive board, there is an airline worker, Robert Roach, Jr. No other union on the planet has airline crew members
throughout all levels of their union.
q
What do you think is the single greatest feature of the Machinist union?
a
The IAM Constitution: It’s what governs the IAM and it is distinctly
democratic.
I was probably the IAM's biggest skeptic. Then I saw the Constitution in action. Members in my District not only participated in rejecting company proposals but also were empowered to participate in new officer elections, resulting in new Local and District leaders.
Q
What is the IAM advantage for AirTran CrewMembers?
a
We are an airline union. Our attorneys are editors of the number one
judicial reference book for the Railway Labor Act.
IAM Members not only enjoy an airline voice, but they have a majority
airline voice. Having a majority airline voice is critical to voting in
airline people to lead the union. From your local union to your negotiations team, you will have airline workers that you will have the power to vote for!
Q
Do I have a legal right to join a union?
a
Absolutely yes, and it is illegal for your employer to intimidate you. This is a topic we discuss a lot on our main web site, and I encourage you to visit.
Q
What do you think about Airtran Airlines?
a
CrewMember wages and benefits are substandard, which is typical for non-union workers.
More than that, I think AirTran executive management comprises a very mean company. It goes out of its way trying to keep its non-union crew members oppressed. AirTran management is a master of intimidation. Their policies that are unjust and not right. Not all airlines treat their non-union crew members with such disrespect.
I mean, why does your company mess with you and take away your seniority if you’re out for an extended time?? It’s just mean and shows that they don’t care about you. If you’re hurt, pregnant, it’s “tuffa lucka”. It doesn’t cost them anything to not screw with your seniority but they do it anyway … because they can. That won't change, so long as crew members have no voice.
Another thing I find appalling about AirTran management is that I heard that they don’t allow you to use your cell phone in the break room. Other airlines allow cell phones, laptops, etc., in the break rooms. These actions by your company tell me a lot about the character of your management. They like treating its non-union crewmembers like red-headed step-children.
You guys need a CrewMember union. Bottom line!