Originally Posted by
DAL 88 Driver
Apparently you are. If you've read anything I've written over the years, you should know that I'm all about NOT giving up. That's my biggest problem with DALPA. They gave up on our behalf. And without getting our permission to do so. Have you missed all the arguments from DALPA about how we can't expect all that much? NMB, APA, USAPA, pilot costs, yada, yada, yada. Every argument in the book for why we can't expect to be paid anything like what we were paid prior to bankruptcy. A clear agenda to lower expectations.
You don't argue against what you're trying to achieve. Therefore, it's clear that DALPA has NOT been trying to achieve anything like restoration. It's clear that DALPA has accepted bankruptcy as a reset, establishing a new baseline from which we only expect "reasonable" improvements. Heck, I've written this stuff so many times over the years I don't see how you could have possibly missed it! I'm the one "giving up?" Unbelievable.
No, it's believable.
Did you vote in the last LEC election last October? Did you call anyone else to vote? Let's stop the blather and cut to the chase.
If you did vote--as you told me your weren't--you have given up and are part of the problem.
If you voted, how many other people did you get to vote similarly to your vote? How about even just the f/os you flew with during that month or two?
It's really simple. There are people on the MEC who feel the way you do. They do not have the votes to get done what you are proposing. A different philosophy rules the MEC, and subsequently the MEC administration, and subsequently a very large percentage of the Executive Council and Executive Board at ALPA National. Bylaws and policy manuals can be changed to reflect the will of the membership--if it is indeed the true will.
Either: The majority doesn't agree with your direction, in which case you just have to deal with it OR The majority is getting squashed by the minority through subversive maneuvering, in which case you have to change your leadership through voting and hope that there is a consensus on the MEC which agrees with your point of view OR you can try a futile battle to change unions ensuring that management will close the door firmly in our face and simultaneously close off Washington to any meaningful input as well.
Your choice, and it sounds as if you've made it. I've made mine as well, and have prepared myself for the ensuing disaster or an even more fruitful retirement. Either way is fine with me.
I'll say it again, I'm on your side.
PS, thanks for not calling me a liar, again.