Originally Posted by
PicklePausePull
Thank you for your service, FamilyATM. I do understand the idea behind wearing the lanyard, and thank you for your clarifications. I simply disagree that it does anything concrete, and find the incessant harping about it symptomatic of misguided leadership.
Picketing, however, is a public demonstration that has some serious consequences, at least to the company’s (and the pilot groups’) image, and can be an effective tool, properly timed.
Your last point, I believe, is the most important. We are in negotiations now. Real unity is to get those flying DP’s to stop. Real unity is to agree not to bid the 767 without a pay rate and written agreement by the company on its implementation, before the bid. Real unity is to get the fired four back, seeing as how their termination is directly related to the garbage FDA agreement the union backed, twice!
Your idea that we start with something simple, like lanyards, is I think, way too immature an idea (not you, the idea) for a group of pilots already in their third contract. We’ve been there and done that. It ’s like reverting to cub scout neckerchiefs when you’re already serving in the military. We need meat, not slogans, or symbols.
A mature crew force needs more than neckerchiefs. We’re looking for real leadership. The past is also important to many of us, because, just like our elected politicians, past performance has a big impact on future trust.
I suppose I’m in the minority on this issue, at least on this board. But I think the emphasis should be on tough measures that create real power at the negotiating table. That is what will earn us a good contract. And I don’t see any real effort by the leadership to help police those areas that would produce the greatest results. Instead, some pilots are called names, like on the playground, because they wear a different Identity card holder.
Fraternally,
PPP
For Family ATM +1
We are Officially in Section 6.
There are 2 Teams (at least until a Contract is inked), ALPA and the Corporation.
ALPA is simply asking to Pick your Team. It is a simple choice really: Us or Them.
Unity cannot be over stated. Unity begins with Trust in each other as was so eloquently stated by FamATM.
During Section 6 Negotiations, A request to Wear a ALPA lanyard, PIN or a Sticker or Bag Tag is an easy simple task and a it is a No brainer. As was stated, Will these simple acts secure a Contract? No. But they do show resolve, both to each other and more importantly to the Company.
While at the Table, the Company Negotiators look directly past our NC Team and look directly at us, the Line Pilot. What they see there determines movement at the Negotiating Table.
If they see 50% wearing lanyards, how much movement do you think compared to if 100% of us wear one? And when and if The NC asks for more support, again, the Company will first look past our NC to see what the 4600 do. Actions speak louder than words. If the 4600 (or 90% +) comply, it is a safe bet that there will be more movement at the table than if only 50% of the 4600 Comply.
"Every Communication" the Union puts out is noted (and no doubt copied and filed) by Corporate Labor Relations.
When the Union asks its 4600 Pilots to do something, the Company takes note .Believe me , they pay attention. If the Union makes a simple request of the Pilots (like wearing a Lanyard or Pin) and say only 50 + 1% comply, believe me the Company takes note. When there is a Vote and only 39% of the Membership participates, the Company also takes note and likes what they see.
FamilyATM described the Trust issue perfectly. If a Large percentage Membership (90% +) always complies with a a Union request for support, not only does it send a Message to the Company that we are Unified, it also reinforces the confidence between the 4600 and assures each of us that we are ready, willing able to do what it takes to get a contract.
If the Union asks us to wear "ALPA" Lanyards and Pins, we do it. because we are on a team. Teams wear Uniforms. During Negotiations, the Pin and the Lanyard or Stickers and Bag Tags (if requested) are our Uniform.
I agree with the flying DP's doesn't help, however, most of the Voluntary flown DP's are by the same individuals and a small %.
I apologize for long rant. Just got to hotel after long night and it is time for bed.