Resolution in Support of Machinists at United Airlines
WHEREAS, The AFL-CIO and its affiliated unions are deeply concerned by United Airlines intransigence in its negotiations with its employee/owners who are members of the International Associationof Machinists and Aerospace Workers and the possibility of presidential intervention in these negotiations.
WHEREAS, In twenty-four months of negotiations, United has failed to recognize and reward the sacrifices made by IAM members to rescue this airline and return it to profitability. United overlooks the simple fact that these employee/ owners are working for 1994 wages and have watched the value of their ownership share decline precipitously due to management incompetence.
WHEREAS, United is intent on demanding concessions, not only from its machinists but its pilots and flight attendants as well, in order to secure the government loans made available to airlines in the days following the terrorist attacks of September 11th.
WHEREAS, a thirty-day cooling off period has been instituted by the National Mediation Board and United has now withdrawn all tentative agreements in order to preserve its options in presenting its case to a Presidential Emergency Board,
WHEREAS, President George Bush has signaled his intent to convene such a Presidential Emergency Board and actively intervene in these negotiations,
BE IT RESOLVED that the AFL-CIO and its affiliated unions will support the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers in its fight with United Airlines.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the AFL-CIO and its affiliated unions will oppose any and all government interference in these negotiations including the convening of a Presidential Emergency Board and the enactment of any legislation that would delay or prohibit a strike by members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers or impose the terms of any contract on them.