Originally Posted by
Sink r8
I'm getting more and more lost on this one, Bar. As far as I understood the issue earlier, there might or might not have been a meet-and-confer failure, something we couldn't demonstrate, and Delta used their leverage to drive the Pinnacle reorganization, which includes the pilot deal, which now sounds like it comes with a semi-automatic flow progress, where Delta can take out applicants it doesn't want. And some have even said it might only be a preferential interview deal.
As far as ownership of permitted flying, we permit it, and Delta contracts for it. Seems to me each DCI carrier has a ling-term contract for their protection. How does this one break the mold, other than what I described in the preceding paragraph?
Not arguing with you, just trying to understand issues.
This one breaks the mold because it allows another pilot group to come in and deal with Delta management. In this case, Pinnacle exercised an "exclusive" relationship with Delta management because the Delta pilots were not even advised such negotiations were taking place.
There were multiple violations of ALPA's Administrative Manual, Section 40. But, the biggest concern is the abrogation of our MEC's autonomy as it has been defined under our Constitution and Bylaws.
ALPA National is saying "there is nothing to see here, move on." Some D-ALPA Reps have taken the time to research and wrap their heads around this. They are very concerned. Some D-ALPA Reps call up the COC to see what they should say, and that's what they say. Perhaps a Special MEC meeting will provide an opportunity for Reps to share their perspectives and learn from one another.
The rubber meets the road at a couple of points. First, as a loyal ALPA member, I have to hope the Representation Department and Officers will take seriously their duty to uphold the Constitution and Bylaws and nip this thing in the bud, sooner rather than later. (so far, no joy) Then it becomes an issue for ALPA's Executive Council of MEC Chairmen to take up. They collectively can over ride a President.
My guess (and I don't know) is that ALPA's attorneys are going to be perceived as the trusted experts and their opinion will matter greatly. The problem is that ALPA's attorneys work for ALPA and advocate for their client. In this case, that means when a conflict may exist between national and a MEC, national wins (they sign the paychecks).
Once the mainline MECs figure out that national (may) let express carriers walk in and deal with mainline management in a way that preempts and limits the mainline MEC's bargaining, the mainline pilots will run out of ALPA like someone yelled "fire" in a crowded theater.
Don't take this as advocacy for decertification. No alternative is in a position to replace ALPA. ALPA does a irreplaceable service on Capitol Hill and has the potential to represent us most effectively to our management. The Pinnacle contract poses a problem which should be resolved in the normal course of union governance. A lot of good people work in our union and we have to trust they will do their job, even at the risk of being unpopular. Lee Moak has been effective and has mostly been good for our union. He may not see the harm in letting regional carriers engage in "left over bargaining" and I see no great harm in the results of the Pinnacle agreement. The great harm is the threat to MEC autonomy and the unilateral bargaining which appears contrary to our Constitution and Bylaws.