The No Votes Have It—But Do They Really? by Chuck Justin, Editor, The Transporter In recent data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics full time union workers median usual weekly earnings averaged $917 per week compared to $717 a week for non-union workers. Over and over again it is proven that being part of a union increases a person's overall wages and benefits. With that in mind, I cannot understand the willingness of many our union brothers and sisters to discard this proof, and vote to eliminate their union representation on the job.

Since the representation votes, many rumors and much hearsay has been thrown around the workplace. The worry and stress over this speculation has become intense by many, as they try to figure out exactly what Delta will do now that the union has been voted out of the workplace. And, most of it is just that—speculation. There are many things that we do know will take place if in the end we truly become non-union. The real truth is that without a union and a collective bargaining agreement to protect us they can do whatever they want within the law. State and federal statutes are very scant and weak. Here is some of bad news faced by former NWA employees that we know is true:

• You will lose your right to negotiate any and all improvements in wages, health benefits, and pension; along with safety and work rules.
• That approximate $3 snapback (most call a raise) could be it. Are you on a level? That could delay you getting it. After you get it, when will your next raise come? Who knows, you are now dependent on the goodwill of the company. A negotiated raise schedule is no more.
• Your OJI time accrual will be eliminated. Yes, they have OJI time, sort of. You will receive 66.67% of your pay for up to 26 weeks after your Certified Time (your sick time) is exhausted. So instead of earning specific time paid at 100% for your OJI, you have to use all your sick time first, then they will pay you at 66.67% of your normal rate of pay for only 26 weeks.
• The $27 a month supplemental insurance for retirees is gone. Reports of bills for between $500 and $600 have come in from retired members for the same coverage.
• No more defined pension program. Your only option is the Delta 401(k) program. Though Delta offers matching funds this could be discontinued at any time. Fuel prices are rising. They will have to cut costs somewhere.
• Job security has been lost. You no longer have representation or a grievance process to protect you on the job.
• All bidding rules are gone. The company determines the number of full-time, part-time, and ready reserve employees in each station. Start time rules have ceased. That sweet early start time you enjoy today could be gone tomorrow, or replaced by an even sweeter split shift (sarcasm).
• You lost 2-3 weeks of vacation; this is dependent on your seniority.
• Seniority has yet to be finalized.
• Your Long Term Disability insurance is being replaced by the Delta plan which pays less and costs more to you. The average worker will lose around $500 a month under the Delta plan compared to the IAM plan.
• No overtime equalization. First come, first served, and open to favoritism.

And, this is just a sampling. The loss of your union representation and contract costs each pre-merger Northwest employee around $12,500 a year in pay and benefits; though you saved $50-$60 in union dues each month (this an important issue to many), but you have lost hundreds and thousands of dollars each month in benefits.

If the NMB finds in favor of the IAM, and they order a new election, I hope that each member will consider these facts before they vote. Everyone needs to recognize what these benefits mean overall to each person, and the impact they will have on their future. Spending time campaigning for personal issues that just affect you and a few others; voting against the union, because you have a personal issue another individual; or working against the organization that you were fervently active in over a disagreement, is counterproductive, and means absolutely nothing unless there is union representation, and a collective bargaining agreement at Delta Air Lines. It is imperative and crucial to the future of every Delta worker.

In 2005, skyrocketing fuel prices brought huge losses to the airline industry bringing Northwest and Delta, along with others, to file for bankruptcy. In bankruptcy we lost a lot as employees of these two companies. Right now, today, history is on the road to repeating itself. With a barrel of oil hovering around, and expected to top the $100 mark, airlines are already adding fuel surcharges to ticket prices. Delta will eventually have to cut costs. Without the protection of a contract, and a union, our standard of living, stretched to the maximum now could be decimated. Don't let this happen. Help provide a bright and successful future for everyone. If given the opportunity—vote, vote union—vote IAM.