Originally Posted by
thrust
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.
What ALPA doesn’t do is change the company’s behavior. We have all seen the company violate the contract. We are still waiting for the company to implement items in the contract- and we are about to start working on a new one. I don’t see AA as being scared of a new Union banner.
As for Union leadership behavior and supposed checks and balances to prevent things- “supposedly” isn’t facts. Human behavior is human behavior. If a union rep wants to go management, and the company wants them, unless it’s specifically in the C&B, can ALPA actually stop it?
as for dues, you are probably right that over all, at any given years end, the dues rate probably won’t be any different- but pilots are cheap- and the older they get, the cheaper they are- so if it means even one month of dues is higher than 1% outside of section 6, people are going to lose their minds.
With regard to the “Gustin Amendment” - that will still be in effect if there is a merger vote- and as far as I can tell- it’s only applicable to this scenario; none of our other voting counts non-votes as no votes. So yeah, maybe it will prevent something like this in the future- but it won’t get us there today.
Fighting age 67, etc. - there is also the argument that more unions being against it, the better. Yes, ALPA represents a lot of voices, but in DC, it’s one union.
Say the board does approve a merger vote- when do we get to hear from ALPA National on why we should vote them in and HOW they will fix the things that the pro-ALPA camp says is broken? Will there be multiple town halls from/with them where they present their case? Do they want us, if so, why (rhetorical). I won’t speak for others, but without hearing from ALPA National, I won’t vote for them.