Originally Posted by Carl Spackler

Two things. First is the model, which is the SWAPA model. They are a far more functional union in many ways. They have a great relationship with management but ONLY because they've stood up to management everytime with the important issues like scope. That has earned them a level of mutual respect from management. You don't earn respect being a lapdog...even though management will be glad to describe you as a "new style of union leader" in the Wall Street Journal if needed to make you feel better about your surrender.

Second, the BIG difference with a non-ALPA union will be the lack of conflict regarding the regionals. We can unabashedly go after returning our flying to us without facing the certain lawsuits from the regionals for failing in the duty to fairly represent. This is a HUGE deal. The fact that DALPA and ALPA cannot print a single word about scope or a single word about spending negotiating capital to get our flying back should tell you everything you need to know. An in-house union would have no such restrictions.

I know this makes me sound like a one note musician, but there is simply NOTHING more important than scope. And because ALPA represents both sides, they've self-muzzled themselves on this most important topic.

Carl