Originally Posted by
Bucking Bar
It is, in my opinion, foolhardy arrogance to think a guy from the bleachers (even a veteran player) could simply climb the fence and pinch hit with equal effectiveness as the experienced team who has spent months in preparations and years learning to work together well.
This is of course a silly characterization and is typical of the folks that think wisdom and competence only can reside if Delta pilots work under the banner of ALPA. If those same pilots work under an in-house banner, they immediately become unqualified back-benchers. Silly.
Originally Posted by
Bucking Bar
Further, it is my opinion that splinter groups are made of people who like to splinter. People (perhaps honorable and well intentioned) who have strong opinions and who want their way. It is most common for splinter groups to quickly devolve into conflict, then divide again in a sort of self propagating nuclear chain reaction until their heavy hitters are rendered mostly hot gasses.
Another silly attempt to characterize a thoughtful attempt at democracy as a splinter group only desireous of splintering.
Originally Posted by
Bucking Bar
There are certain emergency scenarios which overthrowing the bargaining agent is a consideration. But like Egypt, expect severe economic harm as the result. As a basic rule, money flees political instability. It has got to be worth it.
4,200 of your brother Delta pilots consider this an emergency. I believe a big majority of Delta pilots agree, but there are still a surprising number of pilots who don't even know that an in-house union drive is happening. I firmly believe that if DALPA wanted a confidence vote and did so by calling for an election, DALPA would lose by a large majority. But even if I'm wrong and every pilot has heard of DPA and only 4,200 of us support them and the rest totally support DALPA, you really should re-think describing 4,200 of your fellow pilots the way you just did.
Originally Posted by
Bucking Bar
Some have so lost focus that they target our brothers instead of targeting management in their attempts to negotiate a contract. It is a trend
Kind of like the targeting of brothers that you've just done?
Originally Posted by
Bucking Bar
Being properly focused and being unified are how we will get a better result in Contract 2012.
Not as long as DALPA is the bargaining agent. The only hope we have of any meaningful gains is if DALPA is threatened with replacement. They need to feel that pressure every single day they negotiate on our behalf. It still may not make a difference because ALPA will be so heavily involved in our negotiations, but it's the only check and balance we'll have.
Carl