Originally Posted by
Daniel Larusso
You make a solid point about the reality/difficulty of a recall-of course that was already brought up several pages ago by a couple of the junior varsity members you speak of. But in case you didn't see it here goes: a recall is next to impossible because it can only be done by the MEC which at least on the surface is showing complete loyalty to DWebb. You'd have find a few MEC members willing to recall, find appropriate candidates to replace the others including Webb, and establish an effective and cohesive grass roots plan to discredit the MEC members who support Webb to get a recall motion successfully approved for even a vote. At an airline this big, my guess is that it would take 6-8 mos. of ground work minimum and that's if you are focused and motivated from the jump off. That's probably lowball considering the low local population in our largest domicile, reaching the hinterlands would be harder and all the incumbents would do is pack each recall motion meeting with local MEM pilots who support them. What I just wrote is reality, but probably is a little too dirty and political feeling for the masses around here-something that the politicians who accept ALPA positions know all too well. That's why Webb can say things like if you loses his job over this so be it. I seriously doubt the entire MEC is firmly behind what is going on here, but the dissenters are likely outnumbered and are not about to stick their necks out for any kind of opposition when they don't have the guns to pull it off. Appear unified and save your bullets for another day.
Capt. Zman is right about better education from the union being needed, but it ain't just the newhires or the junior. There are plenty of senior types on here and in the system who don't know much about the machinations of ALPA at both the local and national level. Alot of the junior varsity team has been around the block more than you give them credit for and the rest are sharp and tend to be quick learners if you give them the info. Ever consider that part of the reason that they are so mad at ALPA is that they've seen this movie before and the popcorn isn't tasting any better this go-round?
This is from another thread
Obviously there has been enough noise that the membership has seen several e-mails, and a AOC meeting. The MEC's position still is "we know what's better," and so we (the membership) need to step to the next level of voice which is begin a recall effort. If the MEC continues to ignore the majority, then, the recall happens at 66%. So if the recall doesn't happen, DW/MEC continues on their line of thought, I guarantee that we'll have a much bigger showing in the next elections. - Not a bad thing -
Did any of you get the e-mails about the lack of turnout of the at the LEC meetings? I know I'm going to be at more meetings and become more involved.
If the current MEC does stop it's line of thought,and does what the MEC is supposed to do, then it's not a bad thing.
If all in all, the only outcome is that we get more involved in an entity that has great impact on our careers, QOL, pay, benefits, longevity of the company we work for; we've all won.
ALPA CONSTITUTION Everyone should read it, I never even thought of it before this.
ARTICLE XVI - RECALL OF OFFICERS
B. Recall of any officer of the Association may also be accomplished in the following manner:
(1) If twenty-five percent (25%) of the Active members in good standing petition the Vice President-Administration/Secretary requesting a recall of any of said officers, it shall be the duty of the Vice -President-Administration/Secretary to circulate such a recall ballot to all Active members. If the Vice President-Administration/Secretary is the officer whose recall is being requested, it shall be the duty of the President to circulate such a recall ballot. Such ballots shall be returnable to the Election and Ballot Certification Board, and a reasonable deadline date shall be specified thereon. Recall shall require a two-thirds (2/3) vote of all Active members in good standing voting in such recall election. The Election and Ballot Certification Board shall certify the results of such recall election to the officers, the Board of Directors, and the membership. When such recall is accomplished, such recalled officer shall immediately be divested of all authority, prestige, and rights commensurate with his office.