Originally Posted by paxhauler85

All of you guys are extremely thick.

It isn't national's job to babysit each airlines' MEC, although it seems it should be given what's happened in the last year. Each MEC is given a lot of freedom to operate as it needs to. When a representation hearing comes up, they handle it. No phone calls to Mommy. When they are negotiating, no handholding. Each MEC is free to set whatever goals they want, or agree to whatever concessions they feel they need to. Case in point Pinnacle and PSA.

Your dreams of a robust chain of command from ALPA national down to the committee members is a pipe dream. Each MEC operates like a city. The federal government isn't breathing down their neck each day wondering how the new park is coming along. ALPA gives them their money (via an approved budget) and sets them free, bound only by the by-laws and policy manual that ALPA and each MEC has created.

It's nothing like you assume, and that's why everyone has so much trouble accepting the fact that the real bad guys in these situations are the elected reps that sit on your same seniority list. Anger towards others (regarding terrible, concessionary contracts) is 100% misguided.

Don't misunderstand, National is a organization laden with problems and overpaid people, led by a guy who cares little for his constituents. Be that as it may, those idiots in Herndon didn't negotiate or send out the PSA or Pinnacle TA for a vote. The MECs did, and the guys THEY appointed negotiated the contracts.