Today in the Sky linked to an article in the Minneapolis Star Tribune about a survey sent out to Northwest and Delta employees about what they want the company to be like post-merger. (I never found the questions though, please send them if you can find them.)
The unions that represent Northwest’s ground crews and flight attendants weren’t to pleased. Take a look at this excerpt from a statement on the IAM 143 website:
In their latest attempt to destroy our organization, both NWA and DAL have decided against meeting with District 143; instead, opting to deal directly with the membership in their latest divide and conquer scheme by asking for your insight.
You might be like me and wonder why we didn’t hear anything from the Delta side. Last night my friend Rick pointed out to me that other than the pilots, Delta’s employees generally aren’t unionized. If anything, this is just a continunation of past concerns from the Northwest unions about their representation in the new Delta.
Honestly, I think this is an overreaction. The airline is asking front line employees for their opinions about the merger – doesn’t seem like a big deal. Personally, I think the IAM and other unions should use more restraint in the future. I’m at the point where I take many of the union announcments with a massive grain of salt, and I wouldn’t be surprised if others have the same feeling – which isn’t good for the unions when they have more valid complaints.
Dan, unions want to be between their members and the employer. Its partially about control.