Originally Posted by nerd2009

ATLANTA, GA (WABE) - Thousands of Delta Air Lines pilots say they're unhappy with the union representing them. At a meeting Wednesday in Atlanta, some of those pilots said it was time to oust the the Airline Pilots Assocation, or ALPA, in favor of bringing in their own, independent union.

Some of the reasons pilots want ALPA gone include conflicts of interest, excessive spending, and allowing Delta to outsource jobs to regional carriers, said Tim Caplinger. About a year ago, the Detroit-based pilot started the "Delta Pilots Association." His goal-- get enough grassroots support to assume representation of Delta's 12,000 pilots.

"Delta pilots really do want to be proud of their company. They want to be proud of their representation," Caplinger said. "Currently, we're not proud of our representation."

Before DPA can take control, half of Delta's pilots must sign and submit an authorization card saying they want the change.

So far, Caplinger says 3,300 pilots, or about one quarter, have done so.

"It's already taken a year, and it might take another year. But we're in it for the long haul because it's the right thing to do," he said.

But fellow Delta pilot and spokesman for the current union Buzz Hazzard disagrees that ALPA is neglecting its obligations.

"As a union, [ALPA} can offer Delta pilots what no other union can offer them. That's the strength of a national union and the resources that accompany them," he said.

Hazzard added that previous attempts to bring in a new union have also failed.

Whatever union pilots ultimately decide on, future stakes are high. Delta pilots can start negotiating a new contract in about eight months.