Originally Posted by
sigep_nm
Not saying that I am totally against it, but it is the representives responsibilty to keep us informed on the happenings of the union, and their resposibility to include us all in the medium in which this is represented. I shouldnt have to go SEARCH for the issues. I pay for this and it should be afforded to me and rest of the group. This was back doored no matter how you look at it. Also the thing that bugs me was that there was no statute of limitation that was placed on this issue, which means this was going to be permanent, which should require a vote of the masses, not a personal conviction by the "courageous union reps:
It is NOT the responsibility of the rep to keep you informed. ALPA national did put out a lot of literature, video and conference calls on this. You don't have to search for this material if you would have signed up for the blastmails or check the '
My ALPA' section of the ALPA.org website. I don't feel this was back doored at all. ALPA went out of its way to educate evryone, especially those who were to vote on this. As far as this requiring a vote of the masses, the constitution and by-laws do NOT allow for that. The good news is that you can do something about changing that if you feel that strongly about it.
Originally Posted by
sigep_nm
There are plenty of issues that I am aware of and some that I am not, but this issue was back doored from day 1 and was not a simple case of trying to change the length of a particular overnight, or a change in training. This was a major change to the constitution and would a affect a large number of pilots. The only people that seemed to know about it were union people, and they werent talking about it.
I am for one am very pro union, but to hint that none of us union members are permitted to dissent against our representitives is counterproductive and borderline tyrannical. Heres an idea for ALPA on how to get more dues money. Open up negotiations and get us all better contracts, and there is your extra money, or if you want us to pay more dues, ask for it, dont behind the backs of others to get it.
ALPA actually postponed the vote to give them time to put out literature and a video on this. They didn't do any of that for the last two votes to change the constitution and by-laws. If the "union people" weren't talking about it, were you asking about it?
I don't think anyone hinted that union members aren't permitted to dissent against their reps. As for increasing dues income by negotiating better contracts, ALPA can do NOTHING about the economic conditions of the particular airline that is in section 6 negotiations. Opening any contract negotiations at this time in our economy might actually produce a weaker contract in the end.
Originally Posted by
Mason32
Yes, we do have internet access to information now, can get onto email lists, can listen to teleconferences but that does not absolve ALPA from this issue. Something such as a constitutional change should have been an all out campain by staff to ensure EVERYBODY knew this was going on, and so that everybody could contact their reps, by voice, phone, email or in person. Was there any directive from ALPA national that this be posted on ALL union bulletin boards for XX number of days? Things could have been handled much better... I am just glad it failed, although I am surprised at how many wanted this to pass.
I agree that this could have been handled a lot better and that ALPA could have done a better job of informing its members. But all members always have the ability to contact their reps by phone and email. You don't have to wait til you fly with them or you run into them in the crew room to ask them questions.
Originally Posted by
ChickenFlight
Keep it in mind when they come up for re-election lest we want history to repeat itself for the worse.
And this is why I think some reps were political courageous to vote what they felt was right rather than to worry about their next election.