Originally Posted by
BeatNavy
So the Union is supposed to represent the wants of the pilots. If the majority of the pilots want this merger fund gone and dispersed to members, and we are loud about it, shouldn't the union do as its members wish? Isn't that what we pay them for? I've been watching the Delta TA fairly closely, and their pilot group spoke. The union tried to tell the pilots what is best for them, and they said hell no with a resounding majority no vote. I wish we at Mesa would stand up to the man (and the union) and stop taking some of the crap (like this stupid merger fund). Assess the money when it's needed. I would guess a small fraction of those who pay into the fund will actually benefit from it when and if it is needed. Where is the outcry besides that one chap who brings it up every conference call?
The guy who brought up the question of why we pay in to the merger fund didn't really understand the purpose of it. After it was explained, he came back and said its probably a good idea to have it.
Anyone who understands business will tell you that the regional side of the industry is undergoing consolidation. As carriers have a harder time attracting people willing to make $20-30k/year, they will lose flying, and the pilots will need somewhere to go. Along with contraction comes mergers/acquisitions. The merger fund is a pool that they would use in such a case that we are bought/merged to protect your seniority rights. Just look at US airways.. They never sorted out the USAir/AMwest situation, and now AAG has to negotiate with three different representation chairs. Legal representation isn't free.
Now I ask you I'm the most constructive way possible: what would you have the union focus on? And I don't mean "everyone should make $150,000.. I mean realistically. The MEC is made of volunteers from our own pilot group. Don't you think they/we have our own best interest in mind? If you think they need to do better at something, why not contact a REP and have a conversation about the direction we are headed and how that aligns with what you think is important; or better yet, why don't you volunteer for a position and make a difference?