Northwest AFA-CWA reminds our members that Election Day is approaching and the United States Presidential election is now only weeks away - November 4, 2008. Please remember how important the upcoming election is for all Americans. If you are not registered already, please register to vote at: http://www.rockthevote.com/. If there is a possibility you might be away from home on Election Day, please remember to request an absentee ballot. Each state has different regulations and deadlines regarding absentee voting, and time is of the essence. For more information visit http://www.GoVoteAbsentee.org.
The Union Meeting Not To Miss!
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Town Hall Meeting The Westin Detroit Airport Sky Ballroom Monday, 06 October - 18:00 - 20:00 Tuesday, 07 October - 09:00 - 11:30 & 13:00 - 16:00 AFA-CWA Local Executive Council 94 is pleased to welcome AFA International President Pat Friend CWA President Larry Cohen and Delta Flight Attendants and Activists Marianne Bicksler and Angela Winningham NOT TO BE MISSED! Click on poster or here to view full size |
Congress Makes History and Holds Hearing on NMB Conduct
Before a packed gallery, AFA-CWA International President Patricia Friend testified before the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on September 24th. The hearing was called to scrutinize the conduct of the National Mediation Board (NMB) and its anti-worker policies.The NMB is the federal agency in charge of enforcing the Railway Labor Act, which protects workers' rights to organize unions and engage in free and fair collective bargaining in the U.S. transportation industry. The NMB is run by a three-person board, who are appointed by the President of the United States. Over the past eight years, the NMB has not only neglected its basic role in protecting workers, but has served corporate interest time and time again.
The hearing brought up that the current NMB Chair is a former employee and lobbyist for Northwest Airlines. In the recent election for Delta flight attendant representation, the NMB turned a blind eye to Delta managements unprecedented anti-union, voter suppression campaign. AFA has waited nearly four months for a response from the NMB; regarding allegations of management interference in that election. One example of AFA complaints about the NMB’s oversight: the NMB refused to remove a deceased flight attendant from the eligibility list!
"The deck is in a sort of way stacked against unionization," said Representative James Oberstar, D-MN, Chairman of the Committee. In particular, Oberstar expressed concern about long-standing and arbitrary NMB rules that require a majority of eligible employees to vote, in order for the election to be certified. Those who don't vote are counted as 'No' votes, according to current NMB rules. Oberstar stated that while this might be his first hearing about this matter, that "it wont be the last." For a video of the hearing testimony, please visit http://www.afanet.org.
Mumble. Grumble. Complain. Wallow. Hope. Despair. Worry. VOTE NOV 4th!