Originally Posted by
DeadHead
I think this just goes and shows that there is a major disconnect between your average American airline pilot and ALPA representation.
I feel as though Captain Sully has his pulse on the majority of the pilots of this country, and I wonder why ALPA hasn't sent someone to Congress to discuss these very same issues. Maybe they have, and I missed it, but I see a sincerity with Captain Sully and a lot less politicking.
In my opinion, it seems as though our "Fearless Leader" would rather pose for a photo op, rather than postulate and propose real change to an industry with degrading standards of treatments and compensation.
I'll support my union, pay my dues, and do my best to stay informed, but somewhere in the equation it needs to be self-evident that ALPA National is doing what's best for all of their represented pilots, collectively.
The US Air merger integration was and insult to every single pilot at both of those companies, and ALPA should have done more to see through fair and equitable integration.
You're right, there IS a major disconnect. Prater himself said right after he was elected that he never wanted the job, just enough juice to get a job in DC with ALPA as a consolation prize. Which is why he begged Woerth to help him figure out how to do the job. His first dilemma? How to give the job of Executive Administrator to one guy...when he promised 3 airlines the slot for their votes.
The staff is embarrassed for ALPA and what it stands for. All Prater and Helling want to do is walk around with stogies jammed in their mouth and a scotch, looking like big labor bosses and looking for photo ops. They have made ALPA a joke on Capitol Hill. Which is why the ALPA chief lobbyist quit last year; he didn't want his reputation trashed by this guy we call President.
Can't blame him...he has to live in this town. Prater is just here long enough to destroy decades of hard work and go home.