Read an article from Bloomberg News about Boeing using the internet to begin an informational campaign to convince their machinists not to strike. Address:http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=awlihvmtTOCA&refer=homeMore than anything I find this quote indicative of why organized labor in the private sector is on the decline in this country:"Boeing has ``shot itself in the foot'' by involving workers in the give-and-take of early talks rather than letting labor leaders sell a negotiated -- and better -- deal to them, said Wroblewski, president of Seattle's District 751 for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.I am sorry, but when has providing information to anyone who wants it, going around the Union? Granted, the employees need to know that it is the company putting out their point of view. But, the ability to see each offer presented in real time is bad? As an employee I would love to see the process as it unfolds.The fact is, that while we often talk about holding large corporations accountable for their actions and push free flowing information, why don't we expect the Union to do the same? In the future I believe that it is going to be near impossible to hide contract negotiations from employees. No more back room deals or pretending like everything is a victory. Ultimately this strategy might fail for Boeing, but I firmly believe this is where we are all going in collective bargaining.
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