ALPA? Again?
FAPA has done an absolutely unbelievable job in the grand scheme of things. (Disclaimer I have been involved in one way, shape or form for the past decade so I am biased as hell but the proof is in the pudding. Prove me wrong)
Prior to BK FAPA negotiated the second CBA on property. Eight years later it leaves A LOT to be desired but at the time it was a huge improvement over the first CBA, especially when you consider the economic environment that existed at F9.
During BK FAPA managed to protect every letter of the contract (work rules) while giving up pay and some benefits all of which were/will be contractually reinstated prior to any new CBA negotiations. I do not know of any bargaining unit that succeeded in mitigating the damage to such an extent during CH 11.
After BK they were raided by the IBT yet remained alive on life support while fighting multiple phases of litigation via Eschien, the District Court of Colorado and the District Court of Wisconsin. The individuals humping ALPA's pant leg today are the same folks that were demanding that FAPA shut down and distribute the FAPA bank account to the pilots. That was an incredibly short sighted and misguided mission at the time and the same folks continue to suffer from the same maladies today. There were some individual battles lost (monthly bidding by some via the IMSL, later reversed) but ultimately FAPA won the war.
The IMSL arbitration, fought by four different unions (ALPA, IBT, UTU and FAPA) was unwound by FAPA. Can anyone name another Union that successfully vacated a binding arbitration? I am not talking about delaying the inevitable I am talking about burying the list forever.
For the first time in RLA bargaining history (someone tell me I am wrong) a concession was monetized and carved out from a CBA into a Commercial Agreement. Pilots became actual investors as opposed to stakeholders and an equity share awaits IPO.
FAPA regained its representation status (someone tell me the last time a union was ousted only to be replaced by the NMB), yet a vocal minority of the pilot group believes ALPA is the answer.
The "ALPA" discussion has been going on for some time. It was started by some folks that have serious personal issues with ANYTHING FAPA. It amazes me that not long ago, ALPA visited during the initial representation dispute after the RAH acquisition. They quietly flew back to Herndon, there was too much heavy lifting for them to join the fray. A few years later FAPA petitioned the NMB in an effort to escape the IBT after the Indigo transaction. The malcontents immediately contacted ALPA but they once again decided to sit it out. Too much heavy lifting remained.
ALPA has completely turned their back on the Frontier pilots twice, yet somehow they are the answer to all of our problems?
The gents from Herndon are selling ALPA now, after the hard work is done, the hay has already been put in the barn. They like to throw out costs in an effort to scare some into thinking independent unions like FAPA will have difficulty financing negotiations. Keep in mind FAPA has already bargained two Section 6 CBA's, a BK, an IMSL, multiple LOA's, multiple levels of frivolous litigation filed by the IBT. FAPA isn't going to run out of money. They remain silent when the topic of mergers is brought up knowing that ALPA merger policy is meaningless and provides zero additional legal protection.
If ALPA is elected we will all get new tie tacks. They sure do have pretty stickers as well. The name outside of the union office will need to be replaced, but the handful of folks busting their arses on behalf of the entire pilot group will remain the same. We don't need ALPA, ALPA needs the Frontier Pilots, that is the only reason they are back...for the third time.
Do any of you want an agent that follows the path of least resistance? When the going got tough, FAPA put in the work and made it happen. ALPA ran home.
If you have a problem with any individuals within FAPA you should run for office and impart some change. ALPA isn't going to change anything for you.
Rant over.