Originally Posted by Pineapple Guy

How about a suggestion? Let's have an intelligent debate without all the hyperbole. Shall we?

I DO have a different perspective toward ALPA than you and many. And its for one simple reason.Most of you see "ALPA" as some amorphous blob, or even worse, see it as a single person (Moak), with evil intentions, or incompetent, or both, whose primary job is to find ways to hose over the Delta pilots (or sometimes just "you").



I bet most guys on here percieve our DALPA Reps as I do, hardworking, co-workers who are fighting for a better career for all of us. That by the way the way does not mean that I always agree with them.

I see the reality. The "political ALPA", which is really the only part people complain about, consists of only about 30 guys at the Delta level, and (from what I know) about 10-15 guys at the National level. I know the vast majority of these guys. And with very few exceptions (and there ARE a few exceptions in my opinion), all of these guys are upright, hard working, honest, intelligent human beings, and fellow pilots who do the best they can to make the best collective decision they can for the long term betterment of the Delta pilot group (in the case of the 30), or for the betterment of ALL ALPA pilots (in the case of the 10-15). While there are certainly a few with hidden agendas, I simply don't believe the majority do.

Agree 100% icluding the exceptions. Heres my exception: I was told repeatedly that Lee Moak had no Plans to run for ALPA National when guys (including me) were dumbstruck with his "evolving" postions on Scope - specifically from a 70 seat "line in the sand" to allowing 76 seaters. Lo and behold, Lee had political aspirations beyond DAL that coincided nicely with his Scope views. Very convenient.


I have tremendous respect for their willingness to put up with the BS from keyboard warriors who constantly disparage their hard work, assign nefarious motives to them, and always have the answer for every problem that is so obvious to see. Yet, are seldom willing to actually attempt to do any of the heavy lifting. Having said that, a few on this board HAVE stepped up to the plate, and I applaud them for their efforts. I am quite confident that they may end up with a different view of "ALPA" once they get involved more deeply. I've seen it happen over and over again. Some on the current MEC got involved because they had all the answers, only to find out the problems are a bit different when you actually are responsible and held accountable for the effects of your decisions.

And BTW, in the interest of full disclosure, I am NOT (nor have I ever) been elected to one of these ALPA positions, but I do do ALPA work.



Not ready? Caught off guard? Lacking power?

For what?

Because Delta signed a contract for flying that is outside the scope of our PWA, just like they've done dozens of times before? Because Delta (possibly - we still don't know for sure) changed a corporate policy (modified hiring standards), something totally within their right to do?

Not according to yesterdays Code-A-Phone. Lets hope its correct.

I don't recall DALPA being consulted when Delta changed their paint scheme. I don't recall DALPA being consulted when Delta changed their logo. I don't recall DALPA being consulted when Delta changed lawn service providers at the GO. I don't recall DALPA being consulted when Delta changed caterers. And on and on. We have a PWA that says we will fly any aircraft that [fill in the blank]. We ALSO have policies that govern and limit what others can do. But how Delta (or these others) do that is totally up to them. IMO.

I just don't see the problem here, other than I agree with Sink r8, that purely for optics, DALPA should have been consulted and given a heads up. I honestly don't know whether they were, but the appearances seem to indicate they weren't.