Originally Posted by
Bucking Bar
TSquare,
Yes, ALPA denied ASA & Comair pilots an ability to bargain with Delta management and fought them in Court. (D-ALPA wasn't even a party to the litigation)
Yes, without ALPA blocking, a regional airline unit could (conceivably) make an end run around us since they would be able to negotiate with Delta management. Some say our contract would protects us, but during self help the Company could sign deals with other pilots. Those deals, signed prior to our contract, would create both bargaining leverage for the company and a very real threat of alter ego replacement.
There is also the question of our "left over flying." ALPA has prevented DCI carriers from establishing scope which controls our outsourced flying.
If the DPA thinks it can recover our flying, they need to think through the next several moves of the Chess game and realize that they'll be playing defense too, not just offense.
As I watch our numbers, I am not pleased with Delta's stagnation as our competitors (and our so called friends within SkyTeam) grow. I am sure the Delta MEC is fighting for us. When I think of the DPA replacing ALPA, I have to resolve the question, "can the DPA protect my job more effectively?" Thus far, the answer is no.
On the scope front, we're in a fight for our lives. I've got to pick the experienced team which provides the best, structural, chance of success.
What you say here is absolutely no different than saying that DAL pilots cannot bargain with UAL management. THey are two separate companies as are Comair and Delta. This is a non issue IMHO. But interestingly enough, you raise precisely the conflict of interest issue that has national. How can they serve 2 masters? They cannot. period. I'm not saying that DPA is remotely a real answer, but your argument isn't convincing me of much at this point.
And... I can say this too: If ALPA national tries in any shape manner or form to delegate what we can and cannot do when bargaining with our own company, I will personally call LM and tell him to KMA. The ALPAoids have been steadfast in their denial that national has no agenda wrt it's constituent airlines. I think you pretty much shot that horse square in the forehead.