The President's Report— Winter 2011

ARE YOU BETTER OFF? by Tony Gibson It has been approximately 90 days for below the wing, and approximately 60 days for above the wing since the outcome for union representation was determined on the Delta property. For all of you that voted no, has Delta fulfi lled its promises to you? Was the loss of a collective bargaining agreement truly worth the pennies per hour put back into your check now that you no longer have to pay union dues? Has delta come through on the increase in wages they said they would give you if you were not union? or, Have you seen more promises and excuses from the Company that you trusted so readily? How much has really changed? How much will truly change if our petition on your behalf is denied? Lots of questions have been asked, with very few answers.

I want to be clear with each of you on the Delta property—if the petition is upheld, it will be incumbent upon you to make the right choices for yourself and your family. Health care cost, overtime rights; and seniority will all be at risk for you to permanently lose. To those of you who are union supporters keep up the good fi ght. It is important for you to vote yes; but also for you to ensure that 5 people you know vote yes at your station, along with the other stations where you have friends and family. Now is not the time to surrender, or leave your fate in a CEO's hands. A wise person once told me, 'A man is only beaten when he believes he is beaten, not when you do.' Delta believes you are beaten; the remaining question is, "Do you?"

The Local is still available to each of you to attend the meeting at 6 p.m. the fi rst Wednesday of each month. It remains a place that you can come to ask questions, and seek answers. It remains a place of solidarity and strength for those of you that care to utilize it. It remains a place where respectable freedom of speech reigns; and a place where varying ideas are embraced and discussed among adults. It is a place where improvements can be shared regarding our union, and a place where we can resolve issues that do not involve voting out a union because of internal politics. It remains our union home. I hope to see you at home, once per month, but more than that I anxiously await your return to the IAM family.

Fraternally,

Tony Gibson
President
Detroit Air Transport Local Lodge 141