Originally Posted by Bucking Bar

Why don't we try basic unionism? Use the leverage created by D-ALPA's legal right to be the exclusive bargaining agent for Delta flying.

Step One: Research modern Corporate and Representational structures. Update our thinking that seniority lists can bridge Corporate Structures and Certificates. Others have done it, but ALPA has not accepted it as possible, yet.

Step Two: Announce ALPA's intention to be an exclusive representative of Delta flying. As contracts expire, require that contracts be renewed with ALPA carriers. This immediately increases ALPA's legitimacy and those who believe they gain at ALPA's expense (is SkyWest & Republic) see the value of the Association and line up to get on board to avoid being shut out.

Step two: Draw D-ALPA's Representational Circle as big and inclusively as can be rightfully justified.

Step Three: Come to management with a common bargaining platform, led by D-ALPA (we are sort of heading this direction already). Be reasonable with our contractual demands. As our current MEC Administration correctly points out, we do better when the Company does better. This means a lot of status quo at the sub-100 seat level, but hey, it sure beats whipsaw with your carrier here today and gone tomorrow.

Step Four: Restore ALPA's Merger and Fragmentation Policy. Accept that with real career security comes the business of merging disparate seniority lists. There are pragmatic solutions to bidding (which I posted and were liked by both NWA and Delta pilots alike during our merger) which would provide the career protection and advancement that pilots seek.

While this plan is a return to basic unity and unionism, it requires some very new thinking. The concept that D-ALPA can be the exclusive provider of pilot labor within the Delta brand is unbelievable to many, but we need to recognize the ease with which management side steps our scope blockade by simply setting up a new corporate structure. In effect, ALPA needs to respond with "we don't care how you structure your airline, or how you buy your airplanes, if the airplane flies, we operate it - period."

Completely legal, completely old and yet, oh so new. Just my humble opinion on what we need to make our union truly relevant in our profession.