Originally Posted by
GunshipGuy
I have asked that question, and since he's not in a position to personally gain anything more than any (regular dues paying ALPA members) of us here it seems a simple answer: His motivation is to do what he can to keep the union as honest as possible. Now when I ask myself what's the motivation of those who want to squelch his input and minimize it I also ask, what's their motivation? It would seem they like the idea of opaqueness and keeping secrets from those of us who are not on the inside. Why is that? Personal connections; ambition for higher positions? Who knows, but I don't think they're as impartial as those who dare ask the questions that seem to get non-answers or deflections like "you don't understand the system" or "why don't you volunteer?" And before you ask, the answer is a dues paying member should be allowed to ask the questions he/she wants of the organization they're paying.
Good post. Good questions.
I can only point to process when it comes to questions of opacity. This is the process per out by laws at DALPA. To violate them would open the union up to all sorts of potential litigation. If the process is not followed anyone can claim malfeasance and go after the Union.
So I guess my point is that if there is opacity, and you don't like it, you need to press your reps to get that changed in the by laws.
Nobody would ever argue with the fact (or they shouldn't) that union leadership is beholden to the membership. In every way.
I would only offer this, Carl unlike many others has a potential conflict of interest with regards to DALPAs very existence. That is a different animal than keeping leadership responsible and looking out for OUR best interests.
Anyway. Good questions I think and worth addressing by all of us.