Originally Posted by
acl65pilot
Most get involved in Union work because they are angry. Not all, but many. You want to affect change, do something, anything. P2P is a good way to start.
I know you are going to lambast me for suggesting to volunteer when one is not happy, but being told to volunteer when I had concern after concern is exactly what I did. It's not the end all, but its a start.
We as a pilot group need critical mass of our group. A divided group results in less leverage. How much less? Unknown, but looking inward and infighting that is not looking to improve the union nor the results means we are focusing on less process and product which directly effects every Delta Pilot and their family. The reach of this is not just 11,700 pilots but their families. That results in probably close to 100,000 lives being effected by a group not focusing on showing up to meetings demanding changes in whatever they see as wrong, and instead looking for a "easy" button that offers change without specifics,and unrealistic cure-alls .
The work may not be easy, and probably will be painstakingly frustrating for you, but I honestly feel that is more pilots double-downed on their careers and their union the results would be tangible.
Just my .02.
While I don't agree with most of what Purple or others continually say on here, I understand the frustration. I am continually disappointed in many of the outcomes ALPA, weather it national or local, delivers....or better yet fails to deliver. Most of that anger and frustration is we don't believe we are getting what we expect or more so what we request, whether it in face to face meeting with reps or via surveys.
I used to say and believe the same thing you and 767 speak, which is to get involved! While I still think it is vital that all members get involved in participation, it isn't vital that they become volunteers within ALPA. We all have reasons to get involved or not and I respect and am very grateful for those that do step up. I just have trouble believing everything we are told by ALPA b/c we have all been let down so many times. Do I think there are better alternatives? Not at the moment, but I do think more involvement from the membership is important.
All that being said, ALPA lost the respect of it's constituents when it failed to deliver on what many felt were opportunities. No of us were "in the room" but all of us know what we put on our surveys. There are still opportunities to be had and I am cautiously optimistic that the membership will make gains with these opportunities.
ALPA needs to earn our respect back by being more open. I have seen more transparency in the past 6 months and more face to face from volunteers. It's all a good start, but ALPA needs to continue to do what the membership ask not what ALPA thinks is best.
I thank you for stepping up and volunteering to try and make an impact on our union and this pilot group. I just hope the other members of all LEC's will do the same as I know you will.