Published 26 Oct, 2012
In another step to further mobilize and strengthen our resolve in the fight for economic and social justice for our members and working people, the Transport Workers Union of America has entered into an agreement with the Transport Workers Union of Australia to form the Trans-Pacific Transport Unions Alliance.
The alliance allows both Unions to share best practices on research and campaign strategies as well as, gain influence in dealing with privatization issues, multi-national employers, and corporate airline alliances.
“Transportation unions have to coordinate activity around the globe to match activity by international companies in the transportation sector,” said TWU International President James C. Little.
TWU’s issues with American Airlines are similar to those that TWU Australian, which has 60,000 members that include workers at Qantas Airways, is confronting with Qantas.
The companies in the aviation industry are adopting similar and often exactly the same strategies against the aviation community,” said Tony Sheldon, National Secretary of the Australia union.
Qantas has been moving to cut costs, and in August cancelled orders for 35 Boeing Dreamliner jets after it posted a full-year net loss for the first time in 17 years.
“The Trans-Pacific Alliance is about two proud unions sharing our knowledge and resources for the betterment of our members,” said Little. “TWU in America and Australia will be working closer together to get the best for our members and their families.”