Originally Posted by
buzzpat
No, I think the drive for DPA would start anew the day after we would be forced to vote for a contract that does not approximate a regaining of scope and worthwhile pay and work rule recapture plus. Thats my expectation and goal.
I agree 100% with those goals.
But is ALPA even interested, willing or able to deliver this though? If we reign in the AS code share abuse, doesn't ALPA have to sign off on something that "harms" another ALPA group? If we reign in RJ outsourcing, doesn't ALPA have to do the same thing?
Speaking of the insane 255 modern DC-9-10 fleet at the DCIs, a large portion of which are ALPA, has DALPA "met and conferred" with the other MEC's yet?
If not, when? If so, what was said?
If we "aren't allowed to know" then that means DCI MEC's will be privy to DALPA negotiating strategies and knowledge that the DL pilots won't be allowed to know.
Likewise, regardless of the secrecy of it all, if C2012 does not significantly reduce outsourcing (or maybe doesn't even reduce it at all!) a very strong case can be made for the inherent ALPA conflict of interest that many, DPA supporters or not, have been saying is an irreconcilable flaw to begin with.
Ask yourself if you really have faith in ALPA national and/or DALPA (at all levels, not just some great reps here or there, which DALPA absolutely does have) to be willing and able to fight hard for scope recapture. Many doubt ALPA at any level has that resolve and/or ability but that's technically just opinion at this point. But the comprehensive lack of specifics is a fact.
When we ask ALPA/DALPA about scope recapture we get responses that would rival a career politician with a glass of water sitting at a long table in front of a Congressional inquiry.
Now, maybe ALPA/DALPA will hit a home run WRT all the things you mentioned, including scope. But if that doesn't happen, and maybe even if things get worse (but even if they stay at the same level of unacceptability) then will it be better or worse to at that point have a potential alternative that's ben saying "see I told you so" that at least has some momentum and 4000 cards already in the cue, or have to start over on the ground floor? Or try Teamsters? Or another in house? Or go rogue with TWU?
I don't think the "donut" drive is much of a threat if ALPA/DALPA does right by this pilot group. It will fizzle out on its own at that point, as it should. But if we don't take a VERY significant bite out of outsourcing, its may be time to call BINGO and go to an alternate.