Very briefly. I know where we stand.First off, how would the union be fooled? I seem to remember certain guys begging local 509 to file a petition and them refusing. They had the numbers to do it with. The IBT left it up to the individual locals to handle the activity. I seem to remember the International almost refusing to get involved at all in any way shape or form.
The IBT dropped the ball in not handling this when it became clear they had an opportunity to turn this into a full fleged campaign. Who knows how many locals sat on their hands refusing to file or to help out drivers who petitioned their locals for help on how to organize. There is no one to blame but the International.
Second, you drivers watching this unfold wishing for someone else to do something for you, and "hoping for the best" while "reserving the right" to petition, are leaving your "friends" out on an island alone. Either you get with the program and file, or this all dies a slow painful death.
I suspect most take the cowards way. No one is going to file, and you have no support whatsoever. What's done is done and the four are alone until it plays out.
There were locations very able to file, under ANY percentage required by the local. The petitioners put the brakes on at the very last minute. Cold feet? No public explanation was ever given.
The IBT dropped the ball in not handling this when it became clear they had an opportunity to turn this into a full fleged campaign. Who knows how many locals sat on their hands refusing to file or to help out drivers who petitioned their locals for help on how to organize. There is no one to blame but the International.
On this we agree. Figuring out why requires some uncomfortable speculation...