Deauthorization and new union search

[SAMC]

I am currently in an organization that is represented by the Airline Mechanic Fraternal Organization (AMFA). We have yet to get a contract, in fact, there has not even been an initial round of discussions despite being acreeded into the union several years ago. My question is, is it possible to decertify/deauthorize this union and seek other union representation? Our group is composed of Maintenace Controllers and Maintenance Planners for United Airlines. Bankruptcy has hampered the start of negotiations, but the initial word we are hearing is that AMFA is seeking to have our group simply added into or ammended into the existing mechanic agreement at United. 100% of our group is against this plan. Thanks in advance for any information you can suggest.

[OrganizingAdvocate]

Hi SAMC,

The AMFA is going through a very difficult time, especially with the situation involving Northwest. I believe the AMFA at one time represented over 10,000 employees of Northwest but, due to a poorly secured area within their agreement, 6,000 of those jobs were lost through subcontracting. Then the 4,000 were up for a new contract and I'm sure you are aware how that has gone thus far. I feel very badly for those workers.

If you would like to persue the possibilities of decertification of AMFA and certification of another union, I strongly encourage you and your fellow coworkers to consider the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) http://www.goiam.org/ as IAM is AMFA's direct rival and represents similar groups of employees.

[quote:063fd917cf="SAMC"]I am currently in an organization that is represented by the Airline Mechanic Fraternal Organization (AMFA). We have yet to get a contract, in fact, there has not even been an initial round of discussions despite being acreeded into the union several years ago. My question is, is it possible to decertify/deauthorize this union and seek other union representation? Our group is composed of Maintenace Controllers and Maintenance Planners for United Airlines. Bankruptcy has hampered the start of negotiations, but the initial word we are hearing is that AMFA is seeking to have our group simply added into or ammended into the existing mechanic agreement at United. 100% of our group is against this plan. Thanks in advance for any information you can suggest.[/quote:063fd917cf]