trapper & groncher,
Good points, all of them!
Would either of you agree that our lack of presentation is, at least in part, owing to a kind of defeatism pervasive in our collective mentality?
I have meet so many extremely talented people in this field, but get them talking about our pay scales, benefits, and future outlook - it's like pulling the pin on a grenade. The first response is invariably anger and it never quite seems to progress beyond that point. They're all so conviced it can never get any better that they just grumble (in varying degrees
) and then give up.
I couldn't agree with groncher more that we need to search for, or create, an organization that is better able to represent our collective interests with finesse.
Pilots have extraordinary solidarity. In addition, their representation very skillfully forges and maintains respect for the people they represent, as well as strength at the bargaining table. I feel that typical representation for mechanics may have a lot to do with our public image.
So what now? Considering that we work hand in hand with pilot's to make safe and successful commercial flight possible; maybe an added division of the major pilots' unions - that works in tandem with their established strength? Or perhaps a new international organization for AMT's modeled after those organizations?
Whatever the answer, I am absolutely sure of one thing--we only stand to lose behind being divisive with pilots.
[This message has been edited by mriya225 (edited 18 September 2000).]