Originally Posted by
DeadHead
Basically refusing to fly the q400 would have set the standard. I think the Pilot Group missed a golden opportunity to show management that the pilots weren't going to starstruck by newer, bigger aircraft. I'm not a huge union guy, but ALPA was overdue at Colgan.
I think getting the union drive going sent a message, but having the organizing committee guys not sign up to fly the Q400 would of set a standard and set the bar and I believe that would of sent an even stronger message to the pilot group as well as management.
I'm sure there are many who disagree with me, but I'm a true believer of leading by example. Eagerness to sign up to fly the Q400 by union organizing committee members, I feel was counterproductive to a union's cause. I truly believe the organizing committee guys should condemned the pay rates and refused to fly it from day one.
I knew most of those guys and, all in all, they are decent guys. Personally, I just would have liked to of seen more pilot unity.
Interesting, thanks for getting back to me.
While I agree w/ you about the poor payrates on the Q, having members of the organizing committee flying the Q was critical. I waited to make the transition until my base was being dismantled, because I am opposed to the pay. Also, I was a member of the OC prior to transitioning....and am now a member of the MEC/LEC. So, I had the opportunity to assist in organizing on the Saab side of the house....and the Q. Double trouble for mgmt.
You're entitled to your opinion, of course; but, I've done more than my fair share trying to improve things around here...as have the other members of the OC, MEC/LEC's. In my opinion (since I'm still here and you're not....congrats on your escape, btw
), having OC members flying the Q provided a voice of reality to many of the brand new FO's. Keep in mind, mgmt was pumping these people full of all sorts of BS in an effort to prevent us from organizing. Instead, the few OC guys here, were able to debunk the BS and as a result, we have a very strong group on the Q.
Rest assured, things will change around here....payrates included. Better to lead the group from the front, than wait and make the move after things improve! Slogging it out in the gutters, as it were.
