Teamster Local split in two. Members divided by the spelling of last name
In 2008, when the Teamsters raided AMFA and started representing the workers at United Airlines, they promised the mechanics that they would soon reap the benefits of Teamster “power. It turns out that UAL mechanics became the victims of a divide and conquer strategy.
At United’s San Francisco Overhaul Base, the Teamsters forced members with last names A-L to be in IBT Local 856 near San Francisco. Mechanics with last names M-Z were put in IBT Local 986 in Los Angeles – nearly 400 miles away! Mechanics working side by side were arbitrarily divided and placed in amalgamate locals where they numbered in the minority, and had less influence and voting power.
How would we feel if the Teamsters told us that Tulsa mechanics with last names A-L would have to join IBT Local 745 in Dallas, and members with last names from M-Z would be put in IBT Local 19 in Houston? How would that give us a more powerful voice in our union?
