[Broad L.A. support for pilots shows changing mood…]

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Broad L.A. support for pilots shows changing mood of workers United agreement.

United's strikebreaking was seen by many for what it was. This strike reflects a changing mood, toward increased militancy and a desire to begin to fight back against these attacks.

While support for ALPA among IAM members was low at the beginning of the strike, as the union-busting character of United's position became clearer support grew rapidly. Everyone knew that their future was at stake.

The IAM rank-and-file became acutely aware of the meaning of the no-strike clause. Everyone felt powerless, especially as the desire to support the pilot's picket line grew.

All the sympathy in the world couldn't change the fact that the IAM kept the company running. The IAM International did make a cryptic threat of "not standing idly by" while management engaged in strikebreaking.

But at no time did the IAM threaten to strike. Rather, the IAM engaged in some tomfoolery by going to court to see if they could get out of this clause in their contract in order to give the impression of doing something.

"We're next"

But not everyone was happy with this situation. IAM Local 1781 in San Francisco, which represents 6000 members, put out buttons saying "I.A.M. scab 8 SOCIALIST ACTION

PILOTS

HErT Two.

TIER PAY

PLAN JULY 1985 LOS ANGELES—United Airlines miscalculated the determination of the 5300 striking pilots and the extent of the support they would receive from other sectors of the labor movement.

In Los Angeles, the Labor Alliance Against Concessions supported the striking pilots and participated in the United Pilots Strike Support Committee. Over 1500 pilots and flight attendants attended a march and rally at the office workers have been on strike over six months.

When production workers, whose contract expires at a different date, left work, District Director Valenta led the marchers in appealing to these steelworkers to offer the support needed to force the company back to the bargaining table.

Pilots explained the importance of the support they'd received from the flight attendants, saying that without it they couldn't win their strike. A number of the production workers stopped to listen and a few joined the picket line.

remained high among them. Many pilots stated that they never understood the value of a union before.

As one pilot said: "United Airlines changed me from a management orientation to a strong supporter of the union. I went through picket lines. I drank Coors beer. Boy, have I changed. No Coors beer in my house, and I'll never go through another picket line."

This sentiment was echoed many times by other pilots and flight attendants. There is a definite turn in the union movement. Members are waiting for their leaders to call them to action. Only labor solidarity can stop the employers' attack against the unions.

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SociAlist Action