Originally Posted by
Tattooedaviator
well said.
I don’t care what people think needs to be fixed. I want to know how it will be fixed.
Does ALPA just walk into SkyView (pick a building) and scare the **** out of everyone?
Is our company going to all of a sudden change its behavior because of our union?
Are we going to replace all of our APA leadership on day one?
How long do we need to wait until all of the magic at ALPA turns AA into the stuff of DAL/UAL’s dreams?
The argument for ALPA is that, structurally, it’s far easier to recall bad reps. Supposedly there are more checks and balances on union members bailing for management jobs. Better financial analysis/costing resources and negotiating attorneys/training for Section 6. Better member polling. The risk of a DFW rep using his personal agenda to create BS like “a non-vote counts as a no-vote” is minimized or eliminated. Then there’s the argument that ALPA leads the way with fighting Age 67, single pilot, TSA overreach, etc etc. Supposedly.
A move to ALPA won’t magically make this disinterested and disengaged pilot group suddenly more informed and unified. The same reps will likely run for MEC positions, it’ll just be easier to recall them if they suck.
No, your dues won’t “double”. It’s been stated multiple times that ALPA members don’t pay THAT much more in dues, and whatever new rate would likely be closer to APA’s current rate.
At worst, a move to ALPA seems like a break even. The upside is worth it to me. But I don’t think it’ll happen, because of our cluelessly content and disinterested pilot group.