Local 33 webmaster note: The following are emails that I am receiving in support of our strike at Northwest Airlines since the strike began. Personal identifying information has been removed for obvious reasons. Send to
(webmaster has the right to post or not post your comment)
Received: Mon, 21 Aug 2006 15:30:54
Let me get this straight! (Your job is your REWARD!) ---------------(You must know your place in SOCIETY!) ----------------------And then the garbage thing, you know. HOW TO
SURVIVE! ...................................Tell us what you really think about US -N.W.A.-!!!!!!!!!!
AMFA did the RIGHT thing. You must stand for something or you will FALL for anything! Look in the mirror, what do you see?
Received: Mon, 14 Aug 2006 08:19:08
I hope all is well with you, and that the sentiment is passed along to the guys up there in the offices with the officers and everyone else. Believe me, I wanted to
stay in the MSP area, but it just wasn't meant to be. I miss the guys with whom I worked every day for the career I had with the airline. For the most part, I have
enormous respect for the Proud Union Members who still stand against Corporate Greed and Mis Management. I will never change in that. I believe in the guiding
principles that made the AMFA what it is. And I miss the pride and professionalism we had there in the hangars and on the ramp.
You guys are NOT Forgotten and are MISSED greatly.
Take care of yourselves and the membership.
Received: Tue, 11 Jul 2006 09:21:51
I am the spouse of a striking NWA mechanic and I have a recent NWA travel story to share. A "friend" of mine had booked a cruise and was planning on flying NWA to the port of departure. I warned her not to fly NWA because of safety issues, crossing the picket line etc., but if she insisted on flying NWA to leave at least one day in advance of her cruise departure. She ignored my advice. Needless to say, the plane returned to the gate because of mechanical problems. I asked her if at least 5 "mechanics" showed up to fix the problem, and as one tried to fix it the others stood around and watched. She responded that indeed 5 people showed up, one worked on the plane and the others stood around "scratching their butts" (her words, not mine). The problem was not fixed. They deplaned and tried to get another flight to their destination, but no flights were available. (Surprise?) Finally, they got on another airline and reached their destination with out their luggage which contained insulin and other needed medical equipment. The luggage arrived 2 days later at another port. If the cruise ship personnel had not been so accommodating, they would have missed the cruise and been without insulin etc. Needless to say, they flew another airline home. Her comments were, "I should have listened to you. When this was happening I realized we shouldn't have crossed the picket line. We paid for our mistake and won't do it again."
Received: Thu, 25 May 2006 23:02:28
From a former union member in New York who struck four times to fight for our job security, I salute all of the AMFA workers on strike. Those still fighting the good fight all this time have my utmost respect. Your solidarity is your strength and remember... scabs will pay!
Mount Vernon, NY
Received: Tue, 23 May 2006 19:12:15
To all AMFA members, I hope your National Demonstration & Rally to bring public attention to your ongoing and legal strike against NWA Inc. and Mr. Doug Steenland & Board, sends a powerful message to the Labor Movement.. You all have fought a battle for just rights and dignity for all
Mechanic's in this Industry. The fight your doing at this time, in need for all Aircraft Mechanic's Worldwide, will never be forgotten.. YOU WILL BE VICTORIOUS!! god bless you all,
Retired NWA Technician
Received: Wed, 3 May 2006 18:24:55
I will be honest with you. I do have a friend on the inside, who was in management LONG before all of the strife and issues which came on August 18-19. He is a friend, and I will not divulge his name. He is NOT an AMFA member and I do not think he ever was. So naming him would be irrelevant. But, in a very recent phone conversation, he made the statement that while the PR Department is painting a very brave face on the outside to the press, public, and politicians. In reality, the whole thing is "swirling the drain" on the inside. Now, I have no reason to doubt him, and as I said...even given what has transpired over the past months, I bear him no ill will because he was not part of our group, long before things went south. And I do consider him a friend. So based on all of that I feel that the info he has given me is more than truthful, given all of the BS Public Relations and "Spokesmen" statements that have been published.
But...all of what I say here is based on what I have been told, speculation on my part and my own, albeit bitter, viewpoint. So you can take it for what it is worth <grin>.
Again, please take care of yourselves and the membership. That is what is the most important thing. And take care of yourself and your family. Know that even though many of us are now scattered to the winds, you are NOT forgotten and there are those out here who stand with you. We stand together as Honorable men with moral fiber and integrity.
Respectfully and Honorably yours,
Received: Thu, 27 Apr 2006 17:24:13
I will make this note short and simple. Brothers and sisters, you still are and will get my support! You won't see me very often at the picket line due to the nature of my new job schedule, however, please keep in mind that you're always in my prayer and will always bear 100% support from my heart. There is life after NWA! Changes and sacrifices are not easy but it is changes and sacrifices that makes our lives and our world a better place to live in. I'm not saying goodbye but good luck in our struggle! ~~ by your side
Received: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 21:15:43
Our son is going to school to be an Auto Mechanic, and works part time at a non-union auto shop. Recently the mechanics at many dealerships went on strike, and our son mentioned the name of several of them. He told us, "I could get a job today, but I would never be a scab. That would ruin my career and chances of ever getting anywhere, and besides, I would never take someone else's job away because we know how it feels!" The AMFA strike has been very difficult for everyone, but at least our son can stay proud and know right from wrong, because he saw his dad NEVER even THINK to cross the picket line. It was a proud moment!
Received: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 23:03:38
I was relating to one of my sons who is 21, our (AMFA) story, and I mentioned at least no one could call him the son of a scab. He strongly stated he would never be a scab and that he was proud of me. I have to tell you that was one of the best moments of my life. It was very painful to give up a career I loved, but I am happy I made the right choice. I am very proud to say I stand with the honorable men and women of AMFA.
Received: Mon, 10 Apr 2006 14:43:27
This is to all, that are still walking the LINE! I take my hat off to YOU. You are walking the line, you are maintaining the line. I thank you, you are not forgotten. Now that my present job is no longer to be, I will be joining you on that 'STRIKE LINE'. New jobs and relocations has hit our membership hard. It is hard to find time to walk the picket line. But it is time, It is time to walk that Picket line. I call on all striking members to do so. Remember, we've got um right where we want um. God-Speed to us all.
Received: Fri, 31 Mar 2006 10:31:41
I'm glad we stood up for what we believe in and not give in to these loser's, we will all see once NWA gets their concessions that they will raise the ticket prices and make money again but there will be no sharing of the wealth! we have all been there before and know it will happen again. I'm just glad we (AMFA) didn't fall for the b.s! I personally have started a business and make better money now than I did at NWA as a crew chief. I set my own hours, take off for breakfast once a week and know that I call the shots not NWA, they will never dictate to me...scabs can have it, it's a match made in hell !!
Received: Wed, 22 Mar 2006 02:54:31
I am still on strike at NWA, I was a month short of 26 years when we walked out, but I now have three months in at my new company on the executive jet side of the world I don't make what we left with, but I make a lot more than a top SCAB makes. This new career is exciting and the company treats me super with great benefits. There is life after NWA!!!
Received: Fri, 03 Mar 2006 13:38:50
Looks like the way things are unfolding with the other unions, AMFA was the only union strong, proud and ballsy enough to stand up to management and not sink to their level of demands just for the sake of saying "at least I've got a job" when all is said and done. There's something to be said about principles and morals......you guys should be proud to know that you're one of the few that can truthfully say that you've got them!
Received: Fri, 3 Mar 2006 18:12:36
Today I have 16 years on strike at Eastern Airlines as a mechanic, I very much support you. Never give up! My strike was one of the most valued things I have done. Good luck!
Local 502 Miami IAMAW
Received: Sat, 25 Feb 2006 16:43:57
I would like to take a moment to proudly commend each and every member of the Local 33, I wanted to express my support.
My entire family has always been a dedicated Northwest passenger, my relatives have always religiously flown Northwest for over 35 years, not one flight with another airline, I myself have flown Northwest only for over 15 years, but not anymore. It's a terrible time to see that corporate America has taken a choice between the skilled worker and upper management, but this situation will be the test for the rest of the country to show that people won't be pushed around, because if it was not for the people showing up for work every day, this company would not exist.
My thoughts and prayers are with each and every one of you that are standing up for what is right, you are standing up not just for yourselves, but for everyone else that has any future as an American worker.
Received: Wed, 22 Feb 2006 15:43:55
I just wanted to begin by saying that I proudly honored the picket line as of January 22nd. I am a MSP IAM Res Agent who could not continue to work with such a feeling of disgust for the company that could do such a thing to so many people. Despite the fact that I am on sympathy strike, I was able to vote as I am a member in good standing, and I voted YES to strike, and NO for the contract. A few nights ago I attended a party that fellow coworkers held for me for my departure and I was able to hear more and more of the crap that management is dishing out. The stories didn't shock me of course. Then when the subject came up about the way people voted, it was around half and half from what I could gather. I straight out asked people, as my husband always says…."what was there to vote yes for on the contract"???? They could not answer. One person's view is if you don't like it just leave. Well I did, and I will never be regretful of that decision! This same person is in denial about the company’s ethic. This same person is the one that doesn’t believe that NW is farming out more reservations to a company that handles cruises in conjunction with flights is taking over some of our calls. Despite the fact that for many months the company was telling us there was not a MNL res office, and that ACS in Eden Prairie who does tech support for NWA.com was not making bookings, however, that was later confirmed true. How could she be such an idiot? How can she believe that NW is not capable of outsourcing our work to lower paying/non union jobs? It's a mystery!!?? I believe the head count from Oct - Dec was over a hundred people who have left, voluntary or involuntary and those that retired. The numbers are growing each and every day at a rapid pace. Who can blame them?
I just have to say that those of you that have continued to honor the picket line and that continue to hold the picket lines whenever possible-I have the utmost respect for you! We need to stick together!! I hope that the IAM goes out on strike, we all need to be out there fighting the company that has been ruthless and greedy!!
With pride,
MSP RES AGENT
Received: Tue, 21 Feb 2006 21:28:57
I’d like to say that the CEOs of NWA and other companies like it, have children that would question their integrity, but think of what they are being taught at home and what it is providing for them (a very cushy lifestyle). It’s unlikely that they will have wanted to grow up to work in aviation as we have (or our spouses). Sad but true.
Received: Tue, 21 Feb 2006 18:42:42
I voted today and I retired today. I had to be able to vote no on the contract (it's not a contract, it's a vile and insulting take it or leave it proposition ) but I wanted to leave true to my convictions. I voted yes to strike as I believe that is our right and our strength. The pilots thought otherwise, they are the weak and AMFA is strong. I have lived EAL, Air Atlanta, Republic and now this. Corporate America, our judges and our politicians are corrupt beyond belief. I don't know how the spouses of these CEO's sleep with them and their children in later years will say ' you ruined how many life's Daddy (Mommy?) ; for what!'. 'For millions of dollars Johnny (Joaney?)'. 'But Dad (Mom?) I wanted to work in Aviation, and now it is no more in the US!'. ' Aviation!! No!. It's not safe'. It's been a true life experience. I have never meet such a great and dedicated group of people. I wish you the very best and the fight must go on.
Regards and Best Wishes
TPA RES
Received: Tue, 21 Feb 2006 16:53:26
Just want to forward my support to you brave people for hanging in there in your strike against NWA. It is truly a monumental battle. I pledge to never fly NWA until a collective bargaining agreement is reached.
Received: Sat, 18 Feb 2006 15:35:42
The weak have fallen! They have shown their true colors. Read those names on the SCAB list---(remember them well)! But as for us (the strong), we shall stay strong. No matter what the outcome will be, we will be together. Sacrifices have been made, and lives have been changed. But those of the strong are still one.
Received: Sat, 18 Feb 2006 10:38:39
I talked to one of NWA's recently separated directors at a sporting event recently. He stated to me, his sympathy for what I was going through and proceeded to tell me what the future holds for the evil empire. He stated that the company did not calculate into it’s plan, the long term cost of doing outsourcing of the old fleet. Apparently maintenance costs are skyrocketing and they're having a problem just keeping the fleet in the air. NW plan was to have enough experienced Techs to start some check lines and get back in the maintenance game. This, he stated has not come to be. He also mentioned, that the company needed to keep this information out of the press to keep the investors NW has been able to get in place. He thought that plan would come apart some time soon as well. He also mentioned that this is also a problem at the bargaining table with the pilots. Apparently the pilots see the writing on the wall about the maintenance issue. Any way, the team I was rooting for lost that night. I still left the game feeling good.
Thanks and hang in there. NW will get what’s coming.
Received: Sun, 29 Jan 2006 20:58:33
I must say, if ever there is an "ultimate scab" it is Doug Selby! After today's Star Tribune article, I will spit on him if I ever cross his path again. For shame!
Received: Tue, 17 Jan 2006 07:58:13
I am the proud wife of a striking NWA Mechanic, and have this to say. Five months has gone by, and somehow most of us have survived, albeit not without some stress and turmoil. You ALL have transferable skills that you can offer future employers. Don't let NWA brainwash you (or morons on other posting sites) that all you can do after Aviation is work at Home Depot or drive a truck. The world is your oyster!! There are so many exciting opportunities out there, if you just go for them. Yes, it is difficult convincing employers that you can do the job. At least now they DO see that you have no intention of returning to NWA if you haven't already by now. That was a hurdle early on, it seemed. You can use your technical skills for railroads, autos, hydraulics and pneumatics work, Engineering, tool and instrument building, and other related occupations. I encourage you to think outside the box in your job search. Think of everyday items that require those skills, and don't give up!! Submit resumes even if you think there isn't a chance you will be called. You never know unless you try! There is a beautiful world outside of NWA where migraines, ulcers, and OJIs don't exist. Believe me...it'll be OK. Bless you all!
Received: Mon, 02 Jan 2006 18:58:35
I am the wife of a mechanic who took a lay off from NWA in July. I have been trying to help the striking union families as much as I can by donating food, donating money, attending rallies, and praying for the striking union members. I would like this opportunity to say to each and every striking member and their family, you have my utmost respect and admiration. I know that life has been very hard the past few months. Thank you so much for all your sacrifices and what you are enduring for the union.
On December 21, I emailed the following letter of opinion to a local newspaper that historically seems to be more supportive of NWA than the
union. For some reason, my letter never appeared in the paper. I want to share what I had written:
"Good Will Towards Men"
It looks as if Northwest's Board of Directors and executives are going to get some great gifts from their workers this year: reduced wages and
benefits, fewer workers and a broken union. You see, it doesn't matter if you are naughty or nice to get great gifts from your workers. I am reminded of a man who might have looked like Santa, but certainly did not act like him. Andrew Carnegie, steel magnate and philanthropist, made millions for himself by slashing wages, cutting jobs and breaking unions--the same way that some of the NWA Board of Directors and executives made millions for themselves this year.
So happy holidays to Doug Steenland, Andy Roberts, Al Checci, Gary Wilson and the rest of the executives and board that run NWA. I hope that you enjoy all the gifts and fine foods you are able to purchase for your holiday celebrations while your workers struggle just to make ends meet.
At least Carnegie built libraries.
The phrase "broken union" that I used in my letter stands for the workers that have broken off from the union and chose to help NWA by returning to work, not that the union itself was broken. The remaining AMFA 33 members are strong, stand united and have their dignity. God Bless AMFA 33. Stay positive and persevere. The fight isn't over yet!
Sincerely,