Robinson on the Ramp
“When I got hired, I jumped right into trying to organize because I saw the mistreatment and the favoritism going on,” Robinson said. “I wanted to get involved because I felt if you don’t, you’re accepting what happens to everybody.” It would take years of hard work, but Robinson and his co-workers would eventually organize with the Teamsters. In February, Robinson and nearly 8,000 of his co-workers joined the Teamsters.
“I knew the importance of securing a future. I did it to secure the things that 20 or 30 years down the road, my son could maybe follow in his father’s footsteps, working at an airline. I wanted there to be a structure in place and a voice that would never fade, that would always be there,” Robinson said.
Robinson believes young workers need to get more involved in their union. As a young worker on the ramp, Robinson had no family responsibilities, thus he was able to devote a significant amount of time to organizing his co-workers.
“Young people need to be active in their careers and their lives. As Teamsters retire, young Teamsters have to follow the leadership and learn the basics of the union, the history of the union and the principles. We need young, vibrant individuals who don’t take ‘no’ for an answer. They are the future,” Robinson said.
After many years of working to organize, Robinson is proud to see his hard work pay off and to finally be a Teamster.
“This union opens up doors, and teaches you so many things, to think that ‘this is not just about me, but everybody else around me and in society,’” Robinson said.
Taking a Stand
Recently, Continental Airlines began talk of closing seven stations around the country. This decision would have resulted in layoffs, but it was reversed after meeting with Teamster representatives.
“I believe we would never have gotten these stations back if not for the Teamsters working in there to protect these jobs,” Robinson said.
Five months after Robinson and his fellow fleet service workers testified before the National Mediation Board in Washington D.C., the board adopted an historic rule change, making it easier and fairer for airline workers to form their union.
“Nobody can divide or stop us, if we all come together—the young, middle aged, elderly, as one viable force. We are an unbeatable team,” Robinson said.
Reggie Robinson will be profiled in a Teamster Magazine article on the Teamster youth movement that will appear in the July/August issue of the print publication.
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