Originally Posted by
Check Essential
Sorry. Didn't mean to restart a DPA debate in ths thread.
I agree with sailingfun though. Sorry Carl. There needs to be a deadline.
I think DPA has honorable intent and many admirable goals but they have about another 3 or 4 months to get their cards in and schedule a vote. If they have fallen short by the time the calendar turns to 2012 then in the interest of unity they need to suspend their efforts and let DALPA concentrate on the contract. Justified or not, the DALPA troops are way too distracted by DPA.
You cannot force unity in my opinion. Unity is earned through respect and honest communications. If ALPA won't do it, DPA will. If ALPA won't produce a TA based on what the pilots really want, a majority of us will vote NO and send them back to the table. I don't believe you can use the general concept of "unity" as a bludgeon to stifle the democratic process. You'll only make the desire for a new direction stronger.
Originally Posted by
Check Essential
Carl - face it, your presence makes those guys hyper-ventilate. That's a good thing right now. But not next year.
I don't think I make a damn bit of difference. But if by "your" presence you mean the DPA's presence, I think you're right. But they need to be hyper-ventilating. I want them more scared of us than they are of not getting their next plumb management/government job.
Originally Posted by
Check Essential
Its just my opinion but I think if DPA continues their activities into 2012 then they will be harming the pilot group (and any chance they might have of getting enough cards any time in the future).
I respectfully disagree. I have no trust in ALPA to look out for my future. They've proven themselves untrustworthy in court. But I'm stuck with them right now. As such, I have to support their efforts to gain the maximum we can gain, until the second I can replace them.
Originally Posted by
Check Essential
Urging a "NO" vote on any TA they see as inadequate is perfectly legitimate. But continuing to advocate the decertification of ALPA is not. Not while the contract is open in Section 6.
Again, I respectfully disagree. We can all walk and chew gum at the same time. If ALPA is upset because they think they will be negotiating with a gun at their heads, that's exactly how I want them to feel. Especially during the "meet and confer" sessions with the regionals that are doing the majority of OUR flying.
Carl