Originally Posted by
Monkeyfly
Question for my leftward-leaning brothers and sisters:
ALPA has long touted its close realtionship with Labor and, by association, the democratic side of the aisle.(Although not in every issue) In addition to my dues, I am asked to contribute money to "Back th PAC". Those that do contribute are championed by the union in the "Roll of Distinction".
I generally have no problem with this, as long as it produces tangible results and doesn't undermine unity, which I believe is the real strength of the union, above politics.
Today we have the perfect opportunity to see whether the money and loyalty we have spent as a union will have been worth it.
The question is, if the NMB, and by default the POTUS, defer or equivocate on our request for release does he still deserve our loyalty as Airline Pilots/Employees?
The President could just as easily ask the opposite question of ALPA: "I do you guys a favor by putting the most pro-labor NMB in recent history in place, and you thank me by trying to go on strike just months before my re-election?"
Look at it from his perspective. He's trying to get re-elected to another 4-year term, and all he really needs is a few months of time to get it done without any major unrest that the Republicans can use against him. A major airline strike right before the election would doom his campaign.