return to main email pageReceived: Wed, 31 Aug 2005 16:15:19 -0500
Just wanted to let you know I'm thinking about you guys and gals. Wrote a letter to the editor about NWA/Strike to the Pioneer
Press which they printed on Wednesday August 30th. Hope it will lend some support. God bless and keep the faith.
Received: Wed, 31 Aug 2005 10:11:56 -0500
As a wife of a striking mechanic, and a protestor myself, I want to say great job and keep up the good work. The rally last Saturday was very energizing and I would like to see more events like this to keep the momentum and support visible. Many family members, co-workers and friends would like to assist where possible. I would love to see your website have information on how the general public can help (i.e., food shelf donations and other opportunities to support the cause and the families affected). In addition, I know people who work in the hotel industry who are "extremely concerned" about the "quality" of the replacement workers they are housing. I am curious if particular hotel chains signed a deal with the devil to house the scabs. If so, I will forever support a ban on usage of those hotel chains. Would this information be readily available or could we find out?
Thanks!
Received: Wed, 31 Aug 2005 10:40:03 EDT
I think the union should look at picketing in front of all the sport franchises that NWA flies charters for, since they are also going to picket in front of management houses and hotels housing the "scabs". The players belong to a union. Seems the baseball players and recently the hockey players were on strike over pay issues.
At the times I've been on the picket line, I've had several crews from Delta, United, Skywest, UPS and American stopping by shaking our hands and offering support and that they understand why we are out there. NWA pilots and flight attendants are now dropped off on the other side of the terminal so that they can't see or talk with us if they want. Many wish their counterparts of ALPA would of had the guts to honor the picket line, as many have concerns of their unions ability.
Lets keep staying strong and chin up in this battle
Received: Wed, 31 Aug 2005 11:18:56 +0000
Just wanted you to know that I'm, my whole family (and everyone in my office are) thinking about you guys all the time. I hate the way it's going, but know that you are not surprised. You guys have known the course of this thing for a long time. America doesn't understand what happens when the labor movement of this country doesn't hold the importance that made America great. We've gotta send them all back to school to read their basic history lessons. You guys/gals are courageous and heroically patient. Although I know you feel there are few choices left to you except to strike, you are doing the right thing! Hang in there.
Received: Wed, 31 Aug 2005 08:41:33 -0400
To all Striking NW mechanics,
As a former Eastern Airlines pilot who supported the IAM strike against Frank Lorenzo and his band of raiders, I would like to wish you the best in your efforts to save the company you've supported for so long. I regret that you're not receiving the support of the other organized groups on the property and that you have to contend with the low-life opportunistic scabs trying to steal your jobs. Best of luck and remember their ARE those of us out there that support your efforts.
Received: Wed, 31 Aug 2005 12:40:36 +0000
Just heard today about an incident at the International Gates in MSP. One of our Avros had just cleared Customs and our ARJ gate guys had
just pulled up to do an LC1.
They saw someone, presumably a NWA scab mechanic, walk up to the Avro and open and look in the Oil Bypass Pin doors on engines 3 and 4, then walk into the RH gear well and he started looking at the wheels & brakes.
Our guy called the lead and apprised him of the situation. Happily, one of our FAA inspectors was in the office with the lead at the time. The
inspector's reaction was "Call the police, call the Local (FSDO). I'm on my way over there."
Our guy walked over and confronted the "mechanic" by saying "Hey, what's up?" The scab looked at the Mesaba uniform, then at the Avro, and said "Oh! Is this one of yours?"
The Airport Police showed up shortly after the confrontation and did their checks, then released him. Our guys had to re-open the panels the scab had opened and document the inspection in the logbook. They made sure to be specific as to why they had to open the panels.
Apparently, the crack scab team that NWA has employed was not informed as to the differences between a 4 engine high-wing Avro and any
aircraft that NWA flies. It is an easy enough mistake. Its got 4 engines, it must be a 747 or a A340, right?. Luckily one of our Saabs wasn't there. they might have mistaken it for a A319.
Received: Tue, 30 Aug 2005 19:56:27 -0500
Hi Webmaster -
this is an email I just sent to NWA canceling my flight.
Thought you'd like to know. Good luck.
Dear NWA:
I have just cancelled my NWA flight because I do not want to cross the picket lines. I have been a loyal NWA customer for years. And for the first time ever, I have chosen to fly another airlines when NWA flights were available. I know that there are arguments to be made on each side. But the obscene salaries of NWA top management in contrast to working-class America was just too much for me. I will not cross the picket lines. I realize the entire industry needs to be rehauled, and sacrifices will need to be made on both sides. But NWA management
needs to re-train, re-organize, and focus on their employees, and not so much on their more-than-adequate salaries. I hope this message reaches management. Thank you.
Received: Tue, 30 Aug 2005 06:54:16 -0500
NWA had a collision on a taxiway at PDX yesterday (Monday). The only print version I have found appears here:
http://www.katu.com/stories/79282.html
The Northwest flight was number 5 to Narita, an A330-200. Apparently the NWA wing clipped the horizontal stabilizer on the tail of a Horizon Air plane. NWA flifo currently shows yesterdays flight # 5 with an estimated departure of 10:00 AM today. Delay cause listed is "aircraft
damage-weather."
Are NWA pilots being distracted from their normal disciplined cockpit performance by concern about flying planes that are no longer properly
maintained??? That certainly is why I have temporarily stopped flying NWA--and maybe permanently stopped flying NWA. Not to mention I don't ever cross picket lines.
Received: Mon, 29 Aug 2005 17:36:22 EDT
I am a UAL 777 Capt. in SFO who walked the picket line in 85' to try to preserve the quality of our profession for the future. I was just a young 727 S/O at the time, but it left an indelible imprint on my life. We too we're being buffaloed into a strike that Dick Ferris wanted us to take. It was very scary to know that you we're doing exactly what they wanted you to do. Yes, the times have changed, and so have the players, but not
the underlying values involved. While we, as you at NW AMFA, wanted our company to survive and prosper, we also wanted a sense of
dignity and value for the employee's that built and maintained our once proud airline. We also knew that at some point you have to draw a line in the sand over what the true value of our jobs we're. Many of us actually felt we may never fly for UAL again...including many very senior pilots nearing retirement, who put it ALL on the line. I was never so proud of a particular group within our whole group. There is one thing that I would like to pass on to those of you fighting this seemingly one-sided fight! I was fortunate to have a small group of friends/peers who decided to weather that storm together. We discussed all options and interacted with each other in an open, honest manner. We all had up and down days, and tried to support each other through all events.
The one main thing we decided was this: Even if we failed, partially or completely, we knew we we're doing the right thing. We also knew that sometimes people never get a chance to find out what they are made of, and what they really stand for. We decided that we could look ourselves in the mirror, that day, and any day in the future. And someday, we would be able to look our children in the eye and tell them we put it all on the line for something we truly believed in! I wish you the very best in your proud endeavor. You have my support, my prayers and my respect. If at some point your group needs to adjust your target, you will still have that respect. Only you, walking the line, can know what is the right thing to do!
May you prevail with honor!
Received: Mon, 29 Aug 2005 10:28:28 -0400
My father has worked for Northwest for many years. It is unbelievable that a company of this size looks to reduce the experienced workforce. These folks have dedicated their life to working toward making air travel safe and thanks they get is pay cuts and lay offs. Just unacceptable, put the experienced workers back!
Received: Sun, 28 Aug 2005 13:16:25 EDT
I am a former twa f/a, long term striker, now screwed AA f/a. I know that ABQ is a small operation for NW. What strike actions are happening here? Thanks and be aware that most real airline workers support you. My wife and I were on strike for three years at TWA and know well the damage an evil company and its company whores can do. True airline workers are behind you and would like to support in any way possible.
Received: Sat, 27 Aug 2005 20:05:08 -0500
Shame, shame, shame on you Star Tribune. A newspaper in California carries this article about this afternoon's AMFA rally in MINNESOTA:
http://www.montereyherald.com/mld/montereyherald/business/12494635.htm
...and the Strib carries this about the rally:
http://www.startribune.com/stories/535/5582742.html (Zero pictures. Zero. Don’t you want people to see the support for AMFA?)
... and this mostly (though not completely) the same old same old from the mouths of management:
http://www.startribune.com/stories/1778/5581969.html
...and a many-page blog from someone skipping around the system observing a public that has little knowledge of the situation, and mostly cares about the price of their ticket. How about a blog about what the mechanics FAMILIES are sacrificing in order to even bargain with a stone-walling company? Shame, shame, shame.
Received: Sat, 27 Aug 2005 11:31:34 EDT
Hi...
I read the article of the flight attendant who refused to cross the picket line. I also did not cross the picket line and now am in a similar situation.
The reason I am writing this, is that we need to use situations like this to help gain support of the AMFA strike. I am the vice president of the IAM local in Memphis. I chose not to cross because I first of all believe you do not cross another's picket line, but the main reason is this is union busting and we all need to stick together. If they can get this ladies job back, then others will not be as intimidated to follow her lead. I am also trying to push that when I am ready to return to work, I simply go back to my former position with no repercussions. This would give our people the incentive to follow.
If you would please keep me informed of situations similar to this and the outcome, I would appreciate the information.
Received: Fri, 26 Aug 2005 18:47:24 -0400
BTW, it doesn't really matter anymore. NWA has convinced the media that all is well. The only thing that will change the perception is stray aluminum and body parts scattered over several acres.
Received: Fri, 26 Aug 2005 18:17:21 -0500
I just got in from a 5 day trip
Thought you might like a little real-world, non-media, un-NWA-influenced news
Things are "going", but certainly not as smoothly as the media, spoon fed by NWA management, is reporting.
Lots of delays, and it's going to get worse.
We had some guys come on to fix a window frame on the DC-9, aircraft left. After watching them try to figure out how to take the window frame out at the F seat, I couldn't take it any more. I walked past & asked them what they had found. They responded that they couldn't figure out what was wrong with it. I just said uh-huh, and walked away. A few minutes later, they figured it out and went to the frame beside the A seat. No shit.
Another walked on our plane today & after trying to "casually" look for it, asked "where are they keeping the flight attendant log book nowadays?". The captain said, from his reclined seat in FC, "it's right where it's been for the past few years". He wouldn't tell him. We laughed until he finally found it right there in it's holder on the back of the F/O's seat.
A friend today told me on the crew bus that they had a guy on to fix the PA light on the forward F/A panel (it was burnt out). Well, since the guy couldn't get it to light up, and "reveal itself", he finally had to ask her exactly which light was inop.
Same girl, different flight the reading light above the aft F/A jumpseat was burnt out. Dude comes on to fix it, twists it around a few times (not getting it to come out), then resorts to pounding on it with his fist. Hey, if it doesn't come out the first time, just get a bigger hammer right? It will come out then, but might be a bitch to put back in.
Heard reports of a guy asking exactly where to put the oil in a DC-9 engine.
And the pilots are talking about how everything is just getting MEL'ed and deferred. Works fine in the short term, but most of them will be expiring in the next few days. Then what? Time to actually fix them right boys, if you can.
And, if you can get the story in today's Detroit Free Press, they mention a flight to Pittsburgh yesterday taking a 90 minute delay (as reported by a passenger, NOT the company). That was actually my flight. We had a fuel leak (loose bypass valve reportedly) and a bad sensor on the aft airstairs. NWA had resorted to putting a bunch of passengers on our flight, to connect to Continental (in Pgh?!?!) to EWR, then on to somewhere in the northeast. Obviously, they all missed their connection in PIT, so now they were stranded in a city that we serve primarily with Airlink RJ's, and every single one of the PIT - DTW passengers on the return misconnected. Pretty good customer service accomplished there.
I don't know what's going to happen, but it's certainly not the rosy picture that NWA has brainwashed the media into believing. Then again, I doubt that any one of our so-called executive management team much cares. They'll just continue to rape their millions, drive us into the ground, and move on to their next victim.
Anyway, thought you'd be interested in a "been-there, seen-it" report.
Feel free to pass it on, (just try to cut my name off before forwarding if you can)
Let me know how things are going.
Received: Fri, 26 Aug 2005 16:32:59 -0700
Saturday night, 20AUG05... my crew shows up at the gate in HNL only to be told by gate personnel that the aircraft we'll be flying in tonight just had an emergency landing. It was on its way from Seattle to Maui and lost so much oil in the right engine it had to divert and land in HNL.
As we walked onto the jetbridge we could see six or seven replacement mechanics walking around the right engine looking rather clueless. There was also a woman with a purse standing next to them and we would find out later that she worked for the FAA.
It looked as though we weren't going anywhere and to be honest, we didn't want to go anywhere on a broken airplane supposedly fixed by a bunch of rookies who may or may not have worked on a 757 engine before. But sure enough, NWA made the decision to fly it... giving us what they called a "one-hour release" meaning, we were told, that the plane could be flown for one hour to see how it would perform.
So the boarding began and after an hour and a half of paperwork signing we left the gate... all of us feeling a little compromised.
A little more than an hour out over the Pacific ocean... the lead was called up to the cockpit and told we had a problem. The right engine was leaking oil again and there was a good chance we'd have to turn around and go back to HNL. We were told to stay tuned.....
Halfway through the flight, the lead is called back up to the cockpit and told that the engine was still leaking oil but we had reached the 'point of no return' and would continue to SFO.
Needless to say, it was a very long night... and while the passengers slept completely unaware, we were left sitting in the back galley wondering to ourselves if the oil leak would get any worse or how a 757 might fly with just one engine. (I never did have the chance to ask
the captain this.)
The airplane landed safely at about 7:30 am and all of us walked off the airplane furious at the situation NWA had put us in.
Again, the reason I share this is because I very much feel that our lives were placed at risk unnecessarily and I'm very upset about it.
We did talk to our base manager upon landing and he assured us that our concerns were 'duly noted' (what this really means I have no clue.)
I then placed a call to the FAA Whistleblower Protection line and will make a full report to them tomorrow (Monday).
Received: Fri, 26 Aug 2005 22:18:48 -0500
Hey guys we need to get on the local newspeople. after constantly reporting andy robert's lies about no disruptions at the onset of the strike now they are again quoting him as a reputable source, saying everything has RETURNED to normal. Without questioning his original lie. We need to call them on their blind acceptance of corporate lies. If things we know of are being reported incorrect, can we trust ANYTHING they report?? We all know in the end the facts will show, but lets assist the end arriving.
Received: Fri, 26 Aug 2005 22:32:35 -0700
Thanks for standing up, for holding the line for working people. After 19 years as a mechanic at United Airlines, I was recently fired after I injured my knees on the job. After 4 operations they fired me for failing to return to full duty. In any case, I was glad to picket at SFO last Saturday, and to see and hear the support. You are doing a great job keeping important postings on the site.
Received: Fri, 26 Aug 2005 08:12:16 -0500
Is it ironic that the MAC (minnesota) put such restrictions on picketing? After all with Vicky Grunseth aka pool party Grunseth's now
ex wife appointed by Pawlenty to the MAC. Shame on you guys who thought politics have nothing to do with work! Speaking of
politics, lets keep an eye on NWA's ETOPS certification. We already know of the 757 diverting to HNL. Corporate greed infects
everyone, from the top down all the way to the individual working overtime.
Received: Thu, 25 Aug 2005 23:19:14 -0500
At the MN State Fair today we noticed their 1833 booth beholds a sign stating "HONOR LABOR" ..... Hhhhhhmmmmmmm. Hypocrites!?
Received: Fri, 26 Aug 2005 00:42:54 -0400
The Battle Unfolds at Northwest
"We're experiencing normal operations, consistent with this time of year," said Northwest spokeswoman Tracy Carlson, referring to
the first 3 days of the strike at that airline. Northwest, in an effort to demoralize and isolate striking mechanics and cleaners, are
portraying their operations as unaffected by the work stoppage. They are also hoping to assure potential passengers that operations
are safe and normal.
While the airline has by no means been grounded, this battle, crucial to the future of all unions in the U.S., is far from over.
Departure statistics for Saturday were forwarded to Airline Workers News Service by an undisclosed source. They are as follows for
Saturday, August 20:
78 departures from Memphis- 38% on time - 24 maintenance delays.
218 departures from Detroit-12% on time - 113 maintenance delays.
256 departures from Minneapolis- 15% on time - 108 maintenance delays.
For Minneapolis on Sunday, August 21 out of 276 departures, 223 flights departed late, with 122 of those more than one half hour
late. The following day in Minneapolis, out of 291 departures, 223 departed late, with 69 more than 30 minutes late. KSTP News, of
Minneapolis, reported that many passengers were saying that departure and arrival screens, reporting flights as on time, did not
reflect reality.
Northwest aircraft, as of August 23, had over 600 MEL repairs. These are repairs which do not ground aircraft, but which must be
repaired in the near future. According to mechanics interviewed on the picket line in Minneapolis, "the FAA has fits" when the
number of MELs reaches 300 on a given day. These mechanics also believe that the increased MELs reflect pilots and flight
attendants being especially safety conscious. There have also been some serious safety incidents during the first 4 days of the strike.
On Saturday in Guam the nose gear of a 747 aircraft collapsed, forcing the evacuation of all passengers. On Sunday four tires on an
inbound 757 exploded. Also on Sunday in Detroit, a DC9 outbound flight had to return to the gate because the cabin filled with
smoke.
While the strike by AMFA has been dealt a blow by the failure of other unions at Northwest to honor their picket lines, they have
begun to garner support from local unions and rank and file workers around the country. The PFAA has pledged to support AMFA in
every way possible, although flight attendants will continue to fly. In Detroit an Emergency Support meeting has been scheduled for
August 24th at the offices of Labor Notes magazine and a benefit Ox Roast is scheduled on Saturday at the IBEW Local 58 Hall
starting at 5:30. Also on Saturday, labor activists in Minneapolis will meet at AMFA headquarters at 10 AM to form the Northwest
Workers Support Committee. A Strike Support Committee has formed in San Francisco as well. They held their first meeting on
August 23rd. Newspapers in Detroit and Minneapolis have also noted large numbers of workers from other unions on the picket line,
as well as support from the public in general.
The issue is union busting, pure and simple. The task for every airline worker, regardless of their feelings about AMFA, is to make
sure that Northwest is defeated in its plans to crush AMFA. This means walking the picket line, giving money, organizing support
events and encouraging others to do the same. All of our futures depend on the outcome.
Received: Fri, 26 Aug 2005 00:10:10 -0400
Looked through a few log books looks like mgrs are signing off a lot of the work
Received: Thu, 25 Aug 2005 23:29:15 -0400
A WOUND IS NEVER HEALED UNTIL ALL THE SCABS ARE GONE!!! STAY STRONG
Received: Thu, 25 Aug 2005 12:37:25 -0800
Keep up the fight! This family of a laid off mechanic (2003) totally supports your efforts, knowing how hard striking is financially and emotionally on the lives of everyone involved. Rank-and-file AMFA members’ solidarity and commitment to principles is a huge contrast to the blatant greed and dishonesty displayed by management. ALL of you are better and worth more than NWA deserves!!!!!
Received: Wed, 24 Aug 2005 20:41:42 -0500
Is there a web or email address to forward links/photos showing the truth about what's going on in the nwa system? for example today the a-320 that diverted to billings? We need to expose the company's true regard to safety, thanks.
Received: Wed, 24 Aug 2005 07:24:51 -0500
I'm writing this letter to congratulate all the mechanics on the way that they are conducting themselves during these trying times. I'm the wife of a mechanic, so I know (first hand) of the stresses that are placed on you from the company, media and replacement workers, that could compel you to get so angry that you lose control. Yet, everyone has kept their cool, behaved with dignity, and have spoken the truth boldly. I'm very proud of my husband, and I'm proud that he is associated with men & women that have such STRONG character, as you do! Keep up the great job & keep strong!
Received: Wed, 24 Aug 2005 00:53:19 -0500
Nick Coleman's column in the August 24th Minneapolis StarTribune is one of the only local articles supporting the AMFA. Most of the media--newspapers, radio, TV--seem to swallowing NWA's press releases hook, line, and sinker.
The column is at:
http://www.startribune.com/stories/1778/5575700.html
NWA Customer (when the planes are properly maintained--certainly not now)
Received: Tue, 23 Aug 2005 14:33:03 -0500
As a former employee of NWA, I have several friends and and old work colleagues out on the picket lines. They and your membership are in my thoughts and prayers. Keep up the fight and don't let corporate greed win out. FYI...I chose to fly Sun Country for my future travel.
Received: Tue, 23 Aug 2005 12:35:11 -0500
NWA Mechanics,
Just a note to let you know that I plan on booking my flight west in September on another airline, even though NW offers the only
non-stop and I need just one more flight to get enough points for a free trip. My inconvenience is small compared to what you are
doing to keep jobs the mechanics have earned and which they perform so well. Good luck.
Received: Mon, 22 Aug 2005 20:52:50 -1000
As a NWA Flight Attendant who voted to do a sympathy strike and was involved in the Northwest Lawsuits where my computers were confiscated and I was accused of the alleged “sickout” during the millennium I find it interesting that Judge Doty barred your AMFA members at Mesaba from striking. Has anyone done research to see if he has NWA stock? I just emailed a group in DC An Organization of Americans for Legal Reform asking their help. I found his indiscretions to be unfounded in another case.
http://www.halt.org/about_halt/in_the_news/1999/federal_judges.php
It is time to stop the NWA bankrolling of judges.
In Unity,
Received: Mon, 22 Aug 2005 23:39:50 -0400
Today we've just seen the media here (DTW) get pressured by "you know who" to quit covering our side so much, or else???
no more advertising.....
Received: Mon, 22 Aug 2005 20:18:37 -0700
amfa...I am a FA who voted in support of mechanics and cleaners. I cannot explain why other Flight Attendants voted NO except for the fact that NWA sent out 4 "MUST READS" all threatening that we would be FIRED if we decided to STRIKE. I think this alone was the reason for the NO VOTE.
Received: Mon, 22 Aug 2005 21:58:49 -0500
Flew into DFW from APN connecting to DFW Was like magic, landed and taxied to the gate in less than 5 minutes, C30. On the way in after landing I noticed 6 gates in a row at A concourse with no planes. Kind of unusual for Monday morning or I have been missing something since the new terminals opened up. I intentionally left the terminal to go out of security and to talk to the strikers to show my support.
Don't give up up, don't ever give up.
The future of organized labor depends on this.
I just wish someone could explain to me how Richard Andersons compensation after 2 years of NWA could justify what you guys are asking for. He did nothing but reaps the benefits for life.
Received: Mon, 22 Aug 2005 22:35:33 EDT
Are you planning any pickets at IAD or DCA? Let me know if I can help out in some way, I have a few days off. I am a Teamsters pilot flying for Netjets. Our union is encouraging guys not to fly NWA until this thing is done.
Good luck guys,
Received: Mon, 22 Aug 2005 19:57:58 -0500
My name is **********, I work for Qwest and am a member/steward of CWA 7200. I would like to purchase one of your shirts. I noticed the one in the Trib with the Cobra, if provoked will strike. Is it possible to purchase one of these through your local? We are hoping Northwest will come to their senses and get everyone back to work. Maybe they could split up the executive pension and their bonus's with the workers.
Their problem should be with the oil industry not the people that keep the planes flying, on time!
Received: Sun, 21 Aug 2005 21:29:13 -0500
Hang in there, all of you. You are doing the right thing not just for yourselves but for all the workers of America. This is what being an American is about. Courage to stand up and take chances for what you believe in and to fight for your rights.
I admire all of you. NW is not going to be able to keep up the show and the flying public will hopefully wake up to the danger it is in by flying NW right now.
Wishing you all the best,
A former NW passenger and the sister of an AMFA member.
Received: Mon, 22 Aug 2005 07:41:30 -0600
amfa--I am sorry that the flight attendants have all turned to sheep and we will be next on the plank!
I wanted to let you l know that they are having major problems with the tugs (reading directions while driving the equipment!) the almost hit an aircraft in Memphis sat., in msp the turns of aircraft are going very slow and I have heard dtw is worst!
my thoughts and prayers are with you all (I am currently looking for another job) see you in the picket line soon....
msp fa
Received: Mon, 22 Aug 2005 11:30:22 -0400
Being a retired UAL employee I want to thank you guys for the courage to finely stand up to corporate America GOOD LUCK
I am ashamed the other airline unions are not backing you guys up because it's their fight too
Received: Mon, 22 Aug 2005 12:38:11 -0500
I'd like to find out what is being done about these reports of trouble makers at the terminal one report was a male going around to each amfa member and telling them that they should die a long and painful death. The second report was a male wearing a black motor cycle shirt who was going up to passengers and telling them not to fly NWA both of these reports happened at the terminal. Is NWA responsible for hiring these men to make trouble for AMFA maybe even trying to make them look bad in the public eye. Is there some recourse we can take is any one discussing this matter at all...??