First and foremost, DW is NOT our leader. He is the person picked by our representatives, to be the FDX voice at national ALPA. To be OUR single point on national issues. Somehow, this has morphed over the last several years into a feeling that he is our leader. It is his manifest destiny to guide the ill informed into a better life. And for this he is paid very well. (max BLG plus max carryover every month).

Let's review a few of the more recent examples of how we have been "guided."

CRAF LOA--against some LEC leadership guidance (some of which seemed very well thought out). DW sent out a letter stating that it was in all our best interest to pass this LOA and the wording and objectionable areas would all be addressed during the contract negotiations......Well, we have a new contract but no new Craf section.

ANC move LOA--a message stating that in the best interest of unity we should pass this, instead of asking for anything in return. This way our unity will show the company how behind the negotiators we are and that will pay off in a quicker negotiation and better terms for us.....didn't seem to work very well, either.

Scope--We didn't even get a say in that BOHICA. Just a nice note informing us that it was in our best interests. That somehow us paying the company for the benefit we just negotiated was a good thing for us.

Now 60+. While it has been posted again and again. Somehow, ALPA national has decided that instead of fighting this safety issue like they should they are going to run over to the "winning" side and pretend they have always been there. There is NO WAY that having someone over 60 at the controls somehow enhances safety. If this was a safety enhancement then the safest plane would be one with three 60+ pilots. ALPA's position aside, our MEC is trying to get out in front of the issue, and again tell us what is best for us. Contrary to what the majority feel is right.

I've thought about this a lot and I believe the time is right to remind those that "represent" us that they are NOT our leaders. Just our representatives. They are not leading us into war. We are a smart and educated group. If our union feels the member are not on the same page they are, then either the membership needs to be further educated or the position the leadership has does not "represent" the members and the officers must adapt to that reality.

60+ is probably the biggest single career changing event pilots nationally have faced since we allowed regional commuters airlines to fly "Jets" (RJs) to move passengers in the 70s. Over 60 flying certainly will have a bigger impact than the B or C scale did.