ALPA is, once again, faced with the challenge of integrating two member airlines, UAL and CAL. If the national organization does not represent both sides equally, additional lawsuits are possible. Unlike an independent union where the best interest of the group can be pursued, ALPA is forced to remain NEUTRAL or face potential consequences. The UAL Furlough Longevity Lawsuit currently underway is just the beginning of ALPA's legal woes stemming from the UAL/CAL merger. If ALPA is found to be taking sides in the UAL/CAL integration, the resulting litigation could be even bigger than the TWA Lawsuit.
In reviewing the most recent ALPA National LM-2 filing with the Department of Labor, a curious consulting payment to a Delta Pilot was discovered under Schedule 15 - Representational Activities.
The discovery of this consulting fee caused DPA to dig for an explanation.
Captain ----- served as a key member of the DAL Merger Committee during the merger with NWA and provided computer expertise that was pivotal in the completion of the combined seniority list. He obtained a great deal of experience relating to mergers and how Delta managed to combine two major carriers.
DPA has received several communications from Delta and United pilots indicating a Delta Pilot may be working solely for the UAL MEC regarding Seniority List Integration on a consulting basis even right now as proposed lists are being presented. Based on the LM-2 discovery, DPA approached Captain ----- and directly asked if he is assisting the UAL pilots in their Seniority List Integration. Captain ----- stated he would rather not speak about this private business matter. He recommended DPA contact the UAL Merger Committee for more information about his involvement. DPA sent an inquiry to the UAL Merger Committee Chairman. We have not received a response yet. DPA also asked Captain ----- if he currently has an official ALPA position. He replied that he does not.
On the surface, it seems perfectly harmless for an expert to be brought in to assist in a complicated matter. Unfortunately, this situation is much more precarious when scrutinized.
If a Delta Pilot were to receive payment from ALPA (either from the national budget or the UAL MEC) for assisting the UAL pilots only, a major problem arises. At the most basic level, a Delta Pilot and ALPA member has no business advancing one ALPA group to the detriment of another ALPA group. DPA has long held that a "conflict of interest" naturally exists because ALPA is simultaneously attempting to represent competing carriers. If ALPA dollars (see LM-2 excerpt above) are being used to pay a Delta Pilot for helping the UAL Pilots prevail over the CAL Pilots, then the "conflict of interest" becomes the basis for another discussion about Duty of Fair Representation.
Delta Pilots should not be involved in any way in the process of determining the seniority for thousands of pilots at another carrier. If it should go poorly, UAL and/or CAL pilots might attempt to blame Delta Pilots for the outcome. Additionally, Delta Pilots should not be using information gained at Delta to assist in the merger of a competitor. DAL management should have a dim view of any Delta Pilot aiding the competition in any way.
DPA Members and Delta Pilots should consider these questions and seek answers where possible:
"Is it appropriate for active union members to receive consulting fees from their union?"
"Isn't Flight Pay Loss sufficient to compensate members for their work on behalf of those they represent?"
"Should ALPA provide expertise to one side of a dispute and not the other when both sides are ALPA members?"
"Is it proper for an ALPA member to drop trips for ALPA work when they do not have an official ALPA position?"
"Should any Delta Pilot be involved in any way in the Seniority List Integration process of two other ALPA carriers?"
Delta Pilots should investigate this issue by asking their current ALPA Representatives if they object to any Delta Pilot involvement in the UAL/CAL Seniority List Integration.
Delta Pilots Association - DPA News - Is ALPA Taking Sides in UAL/CAL*Merger?