Originally Posted by
Polarfr8dog
First, I think this topic DOES belong on the Newhire forum as it's gives potential candidates a way to view the ins and outs from a line pilot point of view. Having said that, I find AtlasSlave's comment very disturbing and here's why:
I don't consider myself a divider IF the union leadership is doing something behind the backs of the membership that only represents a chosen few and sort of reminds me of "backdoor" deals that WERE done with the JCBA. The profit sharing BS is just one of them I heard straight from the horse's mouth where he happened to be out of the office when some of the guys decided to vote on it and that way they new it would pass. But that's in the past.
We not only owe it ourselves but to each and every crewmember to take an interest into what our elected leadership is doing and if you don't agree with something by ALL MEANS question it.
An awesome read on this very subject is The Forgotten 500 by Gregory A. Freeman. And yes, it is Non-Fiction (true). For those of you that won't take the time to read it in a nutshell during World War II, a bunch of Airmen bailed out into Yugoslavia. At the time there were two different leaders wanting control over that country after the war. Well, there were moles established in the English intelligence offices that steered Britain towards the Communist leader and supplies were cut off from the leader that was helping save and take care of these Airmen. Eventually, everyone was rescued but only because of secret operations to get it done and avoid the Germans. Again, a very good read to show how if you don't question your leadership things can go awry.
As I said earlier, I'm not a divider but a person that will stand up and hold the line. There are a few here that know me personally and know I stand behind my Union. However, as the saying goes keep your friends close and your enemies closer. And just because they're your elected leaders doesn't mean you have to follow them down the proverbial path. What kind of great country would the United States be if our ancestors agreed with everything England wanted way back in the day. Did they call them dividers??? Nope, think they called them patriots and stood up for their beliefs of freedom of religion, separation of church and state to name a few.
In Solidarity
There was no negotiation to vote on for this JCBA (SCBA?) as you put it. Two approved CBA's were amalgamated and therefore no vote. None required. This next one will be voted on without question.
We agree on way more than we disagree. Please read my definition of a divider again after reading your response. PLEASE question your leaders, but actively working against them is what I am talking about. Blind faith is stupid, and we agree on this.
Union politics is not like those of our country's government. In the union, we are one group and one group only; no political parties. Our elections are to decide who among us will speak for us; all of us. There is no opposition party that is expected to work in an adversarial role within our politics and against our leaders; we have management for that and it is enough.
We are the union and it is a team sport.