AN OPEN LETTER TO AMFA WORKERS

The union said the cuts total more than 18 percent when reductions in benefits such as sick time and holidays are factored in. In his absurd decree, the judge admitted that this ruling was not motivated for entirely economic considerations but in part “for United to maintain good relations with unions that had provided concessions” (New York Times, 2-1-05). In other words, he wants AMFA to become just like the IAM.

AMFA has chosen not to strike at this time because of the temporary nature of this ruling. We urge AMFA to devote all of its resources between now and the termination of this ruling to prepare for a strike. After all, the chances are overwhelming that United and the court will insist on translating this measure into a new, permanent reality. And if United suspects that AMFA is not prepared to strike at the end of this period, it will be encouraged to demand even greater concessions.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE! The struggle of AMFA workers to defend their standard of living should not be viewed in isolation. What happens to workers in one sector of the economy contributes to the creation of a “culture” which then spreads to other sectors. There is nothing so successful as success. So when workers are victorious in one industry, workers elsewhere are inspired to follow their example and employ their tactics. Defeats, however, are also contagious as everyone begins to lower their expectations. If United Airlines is allowed, with the help of the courts, to nullify its contract with AMFA, then all workers will face the same threat since their employers will simply want to follow in United’s footsteps. In this case, an attack on one is clearly an attack on all.

Therefore, we urge AMFA to reach out to the community and other unions in order to create a united front in this struggle. In particular, it is crucial to reach out to the flight attendants, pilots, and other airline workers because many of them voted against these latest concessions. The more support that can be organized, the greater are the prospects of victory. We will all win if you win.

In 1970, the top 100 C.E.O.’s received 40 times as much as the average worker’s salary. Today they receive over 1000 times as much as the average worker (New York Times, 1-18-03). Enough is enough! Let the millionaires pay for United’s financial woes, not the people who have sacrificed and done the hard work to keep this airline in business. Labor cannot allow another PATCO! All working people and those fighting for social justice should come to the defense of the AMFA membership who are simply defending their standard of living.

Workers Action

e-mail: sf_adam [at] rocketmail.com

Workers Action is a socialist organization. We support all independent working class actions where working people are fighting for their own interests.