On a recent trip to HNL, I engaged multiple IAM representatives in lengthy discussions. One such discussion profoundly impacted me and illustrated how different the two Unions really are.
A local HNL IAM representative repeatedly questioned me about AMFA’s Democratic Process. This rep was utterly astonished that we value each Member’s opinion, let alone any Member’s opinion. He asked me several times “do you really trust your Members to make the right choice?” To which I responded “Yes, AMFA is a Member-lead Union, where every Member has a voice.”
To illustrate how democratic AMFA is, I carefully explained to him the following facts regarding AMFA’s negotiations process:
- We have an open Contract Proposal Submission process which is open to all Members.
- Those Contract proposals are gathered, sorted, and compiled into like proposals before being sent to the Membership for ranking via a survey.
- The survey rankings are used to structure the negotiation process for each Article on the table.
- We have open negotiations which allow Members to attend active negotiation sessions.
- Members are invited to voice opinions when we are in Union caucus.
- Members are provided written updates on negotiation sessions, usually, within 24 hours following the close of the session.
- Negotiation Committee Members are available, between sessions, to Members for questions or comments regarding the update or any other matter.
- For the purpose of transparency, I did explain, that sometimes, during negotiations, Executive Sessions are requested by the Company, where the parties privately discuss sensitive matters. Those discussions are completely off the record and CBA language is never negotiated in private.
- Any Tentative Agreement reached is sent to the Membership for ratification following a roadshow education and question/answer process.
The IAM reps stood there in disbelief hearing that a Union would trust its Members in such a way and made it clear that they would never allow open negotiations or include Members in any Contract negotiation decision making. I further explained that the same Democratic Process applies to AMFA Constitutional and Local Bylaw changes and every referendum is ratified by the Membership.
In my opinion, after engaging in this conversation, the loud and clear message is that the IAM does not trust its own Members to make good choices regarding their own career. They treat educated and skilled Technicians as if they were children having no ability to make smart choices. AMFA was founded as a Member-lead Union and values every Member’s voice and opinion and trusts Members to make the right choices regarding their career and the future of the Union.
In Solidarity
Jeff Heard
AMFA L32 ALR