Splash

ALPA's #2 is running for the top job. I don't think Prater has even announced if he will run for reelection yet. Rice must think Prater is vulnerable or not doing a good job. I think both of those are true.

Prater's "Takin' It Back!" campaign has failed. Maybe one of the reasons was Rice's failure to support his boss? Now he wants to take over. Figures.

It would be nice to see Lee Moak in the job. He has been successful in merging DAL and NWA, and actually has leadership abilities.

ATCsaidDoWhat

Rice was "shut out" pretty much from Day 1 by Prater and his toadies. He was seen as a threat because of his knowledge and contacts and was shadowed by John Sluys and another guy who watched and reported every move.

Moak can do the job, question is why would he want it? The union has a 30 million plus judgment against it from the senior UAL pilots, the junior ones have one filed for at least as much and the TWA pilots case hits the docket in spring, with a fairly high potential for a 100 million plus judgement too. That's a lot of assessment money to go to the membership for. It would make a lot more sense to take DAL out as a stand alone. They have the mass and the infrastructure to do it.

The real question is whether or not the CAL pilots will support Prater.

PCL_128

Paul is by far the best man for the job. I'm glad to see him running.

Moak is not considering running, from what I hear.

RedeyeAV8r

Just wait until 24 hours before the Election at the BOD, thats when the fun and politics begin.

Shrek

Wow aint that the truth - been to one of those BOD meetings and the politics that ran around there were a little "much" for me

It wasn't fun

Fishfreighter

No, but its ALWAYS entertaining.

slowplay

The same Paul Rice that tried to ensure there was no US representation at IFALPA where ALPA pays over 50% of the dues? It took a lot of SkyTeam work to undo his actions. Ask our new IFALPA rep if you want more details.

If you said "Paul is by far the best man announced so far for the job" then I might agree. But that would be a one man show...

ATCsaidDoWhat

Rice got jammed out of IFALPA by the Prater gang. Prater was convinced that Rice's presence and knowledge would diminish his. Not hard to do.

The scene in Mexico City a couple of years back was sad. Prater, Helling, SLuys and company...including a select set of "groupies," walkig around, cigars jammed in their jaws, drinking expensive scotch...offended a lot of IFALPA folks. Especially when they knew what Prater was doing to Rice.

My guess? Rice, Prater and Moak. Moak scares a lot of folks because they see ALPA as becoming Delta centric at the harm of others.

If he loses? He will take DAL out independent. That will be the threat to get votes. "ALPA can't survive without us."

Prater will be unacceptable. Moak will be viewed as dangerous to anyone but DAL's needs. Paul has baggage to be sure, but will be seen as the safe choice.

Unless someone else steps into the fray who has a track record, is respected and seen as someone who can truly unite everyone.

Should be interesting. Especially when Prater has some of his own, closest, hand picked inner circle actively working against him.

slowplay

Regarding IFALPA, that's pure Horsehockey. Your position might be considered more accurate if you were talking about the day to day workings of 1625 ALPA.

You speak as if you were there, and here I thought you were an ALPA bashing Teamster. Teamsters don't get invites to IFALPA...neither do CAPA airlines. Each country is represented by the largest Union.

So I guess "you heard..."

Please....

If Delta had wanted to leave ALPA there were plenty of times in the past to do it. Now? Why? OBTW, Prater is from CAL. Oh, Rice is from UAL...CAL is merging with UAL to form a new UAL comparable in size to DAL. Is anyone fearful of a new UAL centric agenda? Didn't think so.

I'm hoping we get some good candidates with vision to throw their names in the hat. There are several guys that fit that bill. There are several folks currently occupying 1625 offices that need "to pursue other opportunities", imo. Track records can work for and against you!

ATCsaidDoWhat

I agree. There are several good possibilities out there. Why would Moak leave? Why stay? He has the mass and synergy to have all the clout he needs in DC. He also get's to keep all his dues money for his airline. Maybe the question to ask is who is working with Ford-Harrison to get rid of all the Delta regionals?

Yes there is deadwood at Mass Avenue...as far as IFALPA, don't be foolish enough to assume you were the only person present or knows IFALPA folks from other countries. As far as your union assertions, you ought to know better...it's about trade unionism and working for all pilots...regardless of affiliation.

Right?