Originally Posted by
FoxHunter
YES! Why do think the American Airlines pilots left ALPA in the early 60s.
The Beginning
Just reading Section 29 of our contract. If you haven't read it, it is VERY hostile towards any attempt to not pay dues, up to the point that the company WILL terminate you if you are delinquent or refuse to pay; didn't know that was in our contract.
Just to clarify...it's not my plan to quit the union. The reason I wanted agancy shop in 2006 was because the thought of non-members benefitting from the contract that we were paying for pi$$ed me off.
It is now my opinion, though, that having the ability to quit and take our money with us might actually keep ALPA more focused and energized on helping us attain our collective goals. As it stands right now, I can't see any reason for ALPA to do or say anything that we want them to unless it directly benefits them. They have our money and that's what they want. If what is being done makes us happy in the process, that's just icing on the cake. If we aren't satisfied with the service we are receiving, tough cookies. Thanks for your patience with my questions; our "union" has bigger problems right now then agency shop and dues complaints, so this will just have to wait.
I don't know what is going on between the various MEC members, LEC's, block reps and committtee members; I'm not sure that I really want to.
One thing is for certain - We are not acting like a unified group of pilots right now, and this is not good.
We are 12 months from our contract being amendable (again) and just lost the Chairman and Vice Chirman of our Negotiating Committee. If we can't stop the personal attacks and swallow our pride on certain issues for the greater good of the pilot force, we are going to get our a$$e$ handed to us in the next round of discussions. Right now, we are our own worst enemies!
How do we fix this?
Stay active, informed and involved.
Participate - Vote, Call to Arms, etc.
Talk to your reps and ask questions.
Voice your opinion.
Listen to the other side.
PROFESSIONALLY support the decision when it is finally made.
and most importantly, KEEP IT IN HOUSE!!!
Just my 2 cents...
Fly Safe!