Originally Posted by
Lambourne
ALPA sucks. However, putting UPA in place would effectively be; Same Clowns, Different Circus.
Until we can get a union that has leadership that is interested in representing the pilot group, versus their own personal agendas we are doomed to mediocrity. Just take a look at the candidates running for current positions at the MEC and LEC levels. I wouldn't want to share a layover cocktail with them from past experience and darn sure don't want them running the union. But what are the options? The best and brightest don't want this job due to the soiled reputation ALL the MEC members seem to drag with them.
We have corruption at all levels of ALPA. Local and especially National. The salaries are absurd, the governing rules are archaic and the entire national union is driven by a desire to recruit more RJ companies to the party.
Gone are the days when I could read an article about the hard work ALPA has done to get a piece of important safety equipment installed on an airplane or where they have intervened to make an airport, arrival chart, departure procedure etc safer through sound reasoning and lobbying. Instead ALPA has sat on CREWPASS for 9 years, they have increased the retirement age but not the retirement benefits. The union no longer represents pilots, it is corporation that is dependent upon dues dollars to keep it running. It is sad to see what our union has become.
For the downfall of ALPA at UAL I lay it at the hands of guys like Glawe, Whiteford, Gallud, Barton, Swindels, Briggs, Benson and Wallach. These individuals put their interest and agendas before that of the pilot group as a whole. As a result they weakened the association and have given birth to the idea of kicking ALPA off the property. Had we had true leaders and forward thinkers running our union we would not be having this conversation right now. Instead these people have created a pilot group that doesn't trust ALPA. I would hope we could escape getting rid of ALPA and just return it to its former state of being a leader in safety and integrity. Currently it lacks both in vast quantities.
L
Good post. ALPA and Corporate Management suffer from the same problems as our government. You hit the nail on the head. I wouldn't run for a govt office for all the same reasons I wouldn't run for an ALPA office.
I hope (as with our government) for a change for the better, but it never really seems to happen.
I am not saying I blame ALPA for where my career ended up, there were a lot of circumstances beyond anyone's control to be dealt with over the last decade. However, I wonder if more could have been done in the interest of ALL United pilots, rather than just the big dogs. Maybe I am way off in my thinking, maybe not. Either way, whats done is done. Prove me wrong current ALPA Officers!