Regardless of Bob's status, he does make a valid point. Unity is a myth when the senior members pass resolutions behind closed doors, and directly at the expense of junior members. Age 65, side agreements destroying parity, Tit for Tat agreements with the company giving away the store on the FDA, negligently negotiating away quality of life issues in the contract while focussing on retirement issues alone, all add up to this "union" being about the junior membership paying dues for the benefit of the few...those at the top.

Compensation for some of these inequities has caused some to wrongly conclude that it is alright to fly DP's. Another instance of selfishness. Moreover, open time trips are constantly flown at straight time, because the membership is undisciplined to wait until the company offers time and a half. Again, no leadership from the union.

Thus, unity is an illusion here. The sad part is that the company knows this. That's why we get so little from the company. They know they can offer a deal to the "leadership" and they'll bite, as long as that deal favors the pilots at the top. In fact, the entire concept of Agency Shop favors no one but the company. Now, the membership has no practical method to hold our own leaders [sic] accountable. All the company needs to do is continue benefitting the boys at the top and they can continue to turn the screws on the rest of us, saving big bucks at the same time. Kind of a sorry situation considering the net income of the company, don't you think?

So, yes, Bob may not enjoy credibility due to his non-member status. Yet, his opinions are spot-on and I think should be debated and discussed by the membership. Unless, of course, you're happy with the status quo.