Originally Posted by
TheManager
Disagree. The legal resources we currently use in negotiation have a conflicting interest to the pilot group, but, not necessarily to the DALPA Committee/MEC members.
It is appealing to think that perhaps one day we as pilots could hire a law firm to represent our needs without succumbing to prejudice and outside or parallel interests.
And as for economic resources, please. An investment bank is much better suited for that than EFA ever will be.
As for safety, can't speak to that accurately but I believe it is outsourced/made available to other outside unions as well like aeromedical.
And as to influence in Washington, debatable. Stark reality is that no matter how large ALPA is, they will never have the financial firepower that A for A has or Boeing.
Only real tool ALPA has is SOS if a situation was definitely career threatening. Question is, would they ever use it? I'd say doubtful with LM there in Virginia.
Still haven't shown me proof that our attorneys have ever favored the outsourced flying over the pilot group that has allowed "permitted flying" (which DAL and NWA had allowed in their contracts since the start)
Didn't the DAL MEC hire an "outside law firm" for C2K that was next I useless yet cost the pilots a significant amount of money?
Your knowledge of the ALPA EFA is incorrect.
Safety isn't outsourced, AFAIK. AMAS is available but at a cost, and we wouldn't be buying with the "group discount" anymore.
Influence in DC? You do realize that ALPA won the court case and got the Ex-Im bank. They pushed the FAR 117, got the cargo cut out to the Senate floor for removal; have ensured FFDO funding for the last 3 years when the WH and House have tried to reduce it to $0. Wrote and got bi-partisan sponsorship to stop CBP Preclearance facilites.... Boeing isn't the only threat in DC, and ALPA is winning way more often than not.
A4A's CEO is afraid to oppose ALPA's legislative agenda.
I think LM is willing to play hardball if it was the only way; but burning bridges in DC has consequences. It much easier to influence policy when you are at the table (ALPA) than if you are stuck outside the building (CAPA).
We will disagree all day long, it's a matter of opinions versus facts and the ability to actually produce for members. I still think ALPA is the best avenue, you don't. We will both try to improve the lot for Delta pilots together as we go forward, a great Thanksgiving to The Manager and every Apc'er!