We hear this call to either link up with another union, or de-certify this one and start fresh, almost every year. The problem with linking up with another union is with whom? If we link with the, so called, stronger NALC, whose interests will they look to satisfy first? It would be foolhardy to give them access to our routes and expanded territory while they are stagnating and we are gaining in membership and territory served. If we go to an outside union, who is going to explain our system to them? We can't even explain it clearly to an arbitrator. If we de-certify and re- form, during the unprotected year of de-certification, we would be prey to all the other unions and PO management, and in the end, may just end up weaker than we already are. Reform is a slow process, but it must take place internally. Progress is being made.
