Growing Support

 House Visits Continue in Chicago

 By: The Committee for Change

 UAL mechanics in Chicago recently hit the pavement to reach fellow active and furloughed mechanics. These mechanics know how critical it is to get information out and have authorization cards signed, which will allow for an election for the Teamsters. Chicago is just one of the latest examples of how united UAL mechanics are for a change in union representation. Not only in Chicago, but in cities across the nation, the momentum continues to grow.

Dividing up into 12 teams, UAL mechanics, volunteer organizers and retirees took to the various neighborhoods in the Chicagoland area. Teamsters Joint Council 25, Local 781 and Local 710 also provided manpower for the organizing activities. More than 250 houses were visited and nearly 100 mechanics were reached. Those who were not at home had information about the drive left outside their homes, which prompted many mechanics to call the Committee for Change for more information in the following days.

“We did well. Chicago is a big success,” said Jim Connolly, a UAL mechanic in Chicago who took part in the weekend organizing activities. “We went door to door in the southwest suburbs, got cards signed and left information. When I got back to work there was a lot of buzz.”

Ruben Gonzalez, another UAL mechanic in Chicago, enjoyed his conversations with mechanics in the area.

“We understand each other and can relate. We’re all going through the same issues—not just here, but all over the country. We’re all concerned with job security and the outsourcing of jobs. But we need to look forward. That’s why I went to get cards signed for the Teamsters.”

While UAL mechanics came out in full force, volunteer organizers and retirees also played an important role, and had a great deal to contribute.

Hernan Gomez is a 10-year member of Teamsters Local 781. The warehouse worker has been helping out with the UAL organizing drive for the past three months. Gomez has never worked in the aviation industry, but feels compelled to help mechanics. He has worked long hours, giving up his weekends and evenings, to help UAL mechanics gain Teamster representation.

“If nobody gets out there, the word can’t get out,” Gomez said. “People were impressed that we were knocking on their doors. Under AMFA, they never had anyone do that. I like participating because I can share the information on what the Teamsters have done for me, and what they can do for UAL mechanics in terms of better scope language and outsourcing protection.”

According to Gomez, many of the mechanics he visited already knew about the organizing drive, but not everyone had in-depth knowledge, although they were curious to learn more. Many mechanics were clearly excited and eager to talk about the Teamsters with Gomez. This includes George Graham, a 19-year UAL mechanic.

“This was a great way to introduce people to organizing,” Graham said. “I wish we had started all of this earlier, but I think the majority are willing to support a change, to support the Teamsters. I think it’s all settling in right now—the realization that United abuses AMFA as much as it wants. I believe the Teamsters is a better union all around.”