Sam Cirri, President
Local 514
Last Tuesday TWU Local 514 received several complaints from our members because a union that does not represent them held parties on the base. After investigating this matter, we learned that the International Brotherhood of Teamsters a group that is attempting to decertify the TWU was allowed to send cakes to several work areas for these “parties ” some of which were celebrated on company time. It is obvious that the Teamsters funded these events to solicit support for the raid against the TWU.
TWU Local 514 is all too familiar with the Company’s strict rules that prohibit these activities. More than once, management has refused to allow TWU officials similar access to respond to raids. Yet, for some reason, the Company seems to have made an exception for the IBT.
There is of course, one possible explanation for management’s conduct. Throughout the bankruptcy process, the Company attempted to significantly lessen restrictions on outsourcing of overhaul work. The TWU fought these attempts and was able to keep restrictions on outsourcing that are much stronger than anything the IBT has negotiated for its members at other carriers. AA management might prefer negotiating with the IBT given its willingness to allow outsourcing of overhaul work. However, that decision ultimately rests with our membership, not AA management. For that reason, I request that American Airlines’ management cease providing assistance to the IBT raid.
Sam Cirri, President Local 514