***this is not a flame***
Is there serious support at Atlas for leaving ALPA for the IBT? (
http://atlasforteamsters.com/)
Having been at 6 airlines, 3 ALPA, 2 IBT, and 1 independent (IPA), I've got to say independent is the way to go.
The white paper posted on the above website talks about you being a small airline, not having enough time till your next contract, not having enough time to build a war chest, yada yada for the reasons for not going independent and going with the IBT. Two words:
Huge mistake
If you're that dissatisfied with ALPA, then do it right, don't to the expedient thing and go with the IBT. They are horrible. They'll tell you anything to get your dues money, after that forget it. They could care less about you. I know your former MEC was elected to be the Airline Division president but who cares, he's not going to change a damn thing.
The NetJets pilots just left the IBT. Those guys really have their $hit together and figured they'd rather save the money they're sending to the IBT for themselves.
Use this opportunity to become independent, forget the IBT.