Originally Posted by RJtrashPilot

For those of you wondering about the $20 assesment:

Without getting into an argument over if we are going to merge with another regional or not, it would be wise to just pay the $20. It is a cheap insurance policy to put an attorney on retainer should his/her services be required in the event of a merger amongst regionals.

Thanks to the past MEC administration, we are behind the curve on this. Our former MEC Chairman was strongly advised by ALPA National to get a Merger Committee together to prepare for such an event. He did not do this and now the current MEC must play catch up. Mesaba already has a sizeable merger contigency fund put aside and Compass is represented by the NWA MEC. We are being assesed this money because ALPA prohibits using dues money for mergers amongst ALPA carriers. Separate funds must be set aside for this.

If this money is not used, then it will be refunded, as is required by ALPA. This money will only be used for the purpose of retaining counsel for Comair pilots. This is YOUR SENIORITY. I think $20 per month is a wise, cheap investment in your career and your future, and your seniority. I'm sure there are FOs and Captains at Mesaba that are junior to lots of Comair pilots that would love to retain their relative seniority, meaning they would trump you in a merger.

Someone asked about non payment. If you do not pay, then it is treated like non-payment of dues. You are put in dues arrears and then eventually placed in bad standing. If that continues for too long, you are kicked out of ALPA. Since this is a union shop, being kicked out of ALPA means being fired from Comair. Those are not Comair MEC rules -- they are ALPA by-laws.

If we were to integrate and our MEC did not start this Merger fund to get ahead of the curve, most of you would be crying foul for not doing anything. So, they are screwed either way. I believe they made the right choice by choosing this route and getting a plan in place.

I have already made out my check for $240 and it is stamped in the envelope and will be mailed out tomorrow.