Still questions on AMFA
In their column "How should militant workers describe
AMFA?" [in the January 25 Militant] Arlene Rubenstein and
Ernie Mailhot affirm their position that AMFA [Aircraft
Mechanics Fraternal Association] is not a union, but explain
it will become one when it is certified to represent the
9,500 mechanics and related at NWA [Northwest Airlines].
For the most part I agree with the analysis in the column, especially the point that is the workers, not the officials, who are the union. The point that workers are in a better position to fight the bosses when they are organized in an industrial union forged in struggle rather than an explicitly craft union committed to working with the company. I would add that the workers are also stronger in a union that organizes the bulk of workers in the industry.
However I still do not understand why the Militant put so much focus on AMFA not being a union rather than dealing with the strategy that AMFA put forward for skilled workers in the airline industry. Such an approach would also put the Militant in a better position to take up the IAM tops capitulation to AMFA's ideology when it organized the splitting of the IAM at NWA, UA [United Airlines], and US Air. More explanation of why the interests of skilled and unskilled workers are the same and how the value of labor power is determined would be helpful in doing this.
Mary Martin's column on the need for a united fight by the workers organized by Teamsters, IAM [International Association of Machinists], and AMFA against NWA is helpful in clarifying the challenge in front of airline workers. Whatever the outcome of the current efforts of AMFA to divide workers in the airline industry or the IAM's "restructuring," airline workers will be forced to reforge their industrial unions in struggle.
Larry Johnston
Vancouver, British Columbia
Can I get the `Militant'?
I hope and pray that this letter finds you all in the best
of health. The reason why I am writing you all is to see how
I go about getting the Militant newspaper. I have been locked
up over 15 years flat and I got five more to go. Doing time
in Texas is hard.
A prisoner
Rosharon, Texas
Subscription, books, etc.
Regarding information, subscription, books, etc.: This
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books you have for sale. Is there a membership fee or do you
have a branch in California? Please send me order forms if
possible and any other information you might have.
A prisoner
Delano, California
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