This kid is good. World's smallest violin, world's smallest Violinist, masterfully playing, "My heart cries for San Francisco Airport Workers." Pity FR has no sound capability; I'm sure this will be a hit song.
Posted on 11/24/2001 9:24:45 PM PST by KQQL
San Francisco Airport Workers Upset They May Lose Jobs Over Citizenship
By Karen Gaudette Associated Press Writer
Published: Nov 24, 2001
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Security screeners at San Francisco International Airport are upset that they could lose their jobs under a new federal law requiring them to gain U.S. citizenship, and the city's mayor has offered to intervene. Some workers have threatened a sickout Sunday that could create kinks as travelers return from the biggest travel weekend of the year. But airport and union officials said the majority of workers were expected to report to work.
"We understand from the union that they're confident there won't be any type of action," airport duty manager Bob Rotiski said Saturday. "The union has a good feel for what the employees are going to do, and they've assured us that they're not going to walk out."
SFO spokesman Ron Wilson said workers' supervisors would fill in for employees who do not come to work.
The new federal law requires all security screeners to become U.S. citizens within a year. Leaders of Service Employees International Union Local 790 say as many as 80 percent of the 1,200 screeners at SFO are legal residents, not citizens. Those not already on the cusp of attaining citizenship could lose their jobs, said Daz Lampares, SFO representative for the union.
Union leaders say they hope workers stay on the job Sunday and let SFO director John Martin and San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown negotiate with Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta on a plan that would allow the busiest airports to employ some non-citizens.
The mayor "has definitely indicated he would try to talk with federal officials," said Brown's spokesman, P.J. Johnston. "This is not a typical labor issue where the workers have a beef with management. This is a situation that's been handed down from the federal government."
Johnston said no meeting has been scheduled and he is unsure what type of plan Brown would submit.
Wilson said airport officials empathize with the workers, but worry a walkout would shut down the airport and hurt chances of a compromise.
AP-ES-11-24-01 2054EST
Now every one of these jokers will have to fill out forms listing their life histories in some detail, and if they happen to be here illegally, or have felony records, or a few other juicy details, well, betcha somebody finds out!
I'd love to be able to sit out there and watch this one unfold.
Who friggin' cares?
If the unions want to strike in support of non-citizens airport screeners then fire them all.
I hate the fact they wanna federalize these people (can McDonalds be far behind?) but they cry over citienship?? ugh... its one of the few things in the law I agreed with!
Ohh! Boo-hoo!
FLICK! NEXT...
I don't think this is too much to ask.. As a matter of fact.. I like it.
to go with that whine? It's always nice to see where one's loyalties lie.
Oh My Gosh. What a gaggle of whiners.
Let's see, which to choose?
Citizenship
.....v.
Losing my job
Hmmmmm.
That should be a no brainer. If they hate being US citizens (read the Congressional intent in this legislation: "we want your loyalty, sworn in an oath to the US"), why don't they go home? Pouring salt into the cut, they want to force the airline industry to suffer massive slowdowns to make their point that they are such worthwhile workers they shouldn't have to submit to US laws? Yeah, that would win them major points with the boss all right.
The very thought that non-citizens are allowed to work in positions which involve major security issues risks international ridicule for America.
I DID read this article right!!!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.