Im afraid on this one to some degree I have to be sympathetic to the mechanics. They make less than the mechanics do at the local car dealer. Should they loser their job, then they can easily find a comperable paying job without the liabilities and responsibilities that come with the FAA license.
Its tragic, and a lot of my friends (Pilots) are probably in for some really hard times, but the aircraft mechanics have a lot of sympathy from me. They are the most grossly underpaid group in the airline business. The next time you get your car serviced look up the shop rates for labor. Then compare that to the 30 or so dollars an hour that the aircraft mechanics top out at. Then remember that the Aircraft mechanics generally work outside in the elements, very late at night when the aircraft is done flying for the day...
As they are still underpaid right now, why should they make even further less than an auto or truck mechanic? I don't see as they have a whole lot to lose. I certainly don't see what the payoff will be in the future.
I am much less sympathetic to the other IAM groups (bag smashers, fleet services etc...)
Cheers
Wino