A Labor Day message from Paul Rinaldi
"The labor movement was the principal force that transformed misery and despair into hope and progress. Out of its bold struggles, economic and social reform gave birth to unemployment insurance, old-age pensions, government relief for the destitute and, above all, new wage levels that meant not mere survival but a tolerable life. The captains of industry did not lead this transformation; they resisted it until they were overcome. When in the thirties the wave of union organization crested over the nation, it carried to secure shores not only itself but the whole society." - Martin Luther King Jr. (Speech to the state convention of the Illinois AFL-CIO, Oct. 7, 1965)
On this Labor Day weekend 2009, I'd like to reflect on the significance of Labor Day and how it pertains to our Union. As the great Dr. King made mention in his speech to the AFL-CIO nearly 50 years ago, throughout the history of this country organized labor has fought for everything from safe working conditions to better benefits and wages. Union brothers and sisters have literally given their lives for the belief that workers should be treated fairly and respected by their employer. Union efforts garnered employees such things as eight hour days, weekends, overtime, paid breaks, paid vacation, childcare and seniority.
I don't need to remind any of you that the FAA imposed their dictatorial work and pay rules on Labor Day of 2006. Much as the "captains of industry" Dr. King spoke of, the FAA resisted a fair contract. To be sure, an inflammatory and intentional act designed to taunt organized labor and, in particular, to belittle our Union's efforts to reach a fairly negotiated and ratified agreement with an agency that never had any intention of engaging in good faith bargaining.
Over the past three years, I have spoken to thousands of our members about the importance of remaining united and not allowing the FAA union busting tactics to divide, split or fracture us. I am proud to say that we have remained unified and stood up to the FAA and we have come away stronger in many ways as a result of their archaic and draconian methods and actions. We withstood their best effort to break us while all the forces were aligned in their favor. We have overcome these self-proclaimed captains of industry, just as our sisters and brothers before us have done throughout the history of labor itself.
As we approach a time when we will once again have a ratified agreement it is clear that we will have our work cut out for us as we attempt to ensure the Agency's proper implementation and application of that agreement.
As your President, I vow to you that I will spend every single day of my term ensuring that your rights are protected, the process is adhered to and enforcing all collective bargaining agreements that are negotiated in good faith. That is the very core of what I will bring to this very important office.
Over the course of this long weekend, I know most of you will be working on the front lines, away from your families keeping the skies safe. I hope that each of you can find the time to reflect on the value of what you do and be proud. Be proud of your profession and be proud of your Union. NATCA is a proud member in good standing in the House of Labor and I am proud to have served as your Executive Vice President during one of the most difficult periods in our organization's history. Together we stood tall and proud in the face of tremendous adversity; thank you. I hope you will honor me by electing me as your next President.
I wish each of you and your families a safe and enjoyable Labor Day weekend. I thank each and every one of you for the enormous amount of effort that you contribute each day to our Nation and our Union. Remember your families and our other NATCA sisters and brothers that serve our country and that will be away from their families over the Holiday weekend keeping our Nation and skies safe.
In Solidarity,
Paul Rinaldi
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