The following is from a forwarded ALPA communication. While ALPA may not be perfect, I'm thankful that there are legislative affairs volunteers and staffers looking out for pilots. The more I read this, the more ****ed off I get. Our elected representatives in Washington tried to severely reduce and possible eliminate the ability for airline pilots to seek self help under the RLA.

While I'm as ticked off as much as the next guy about the state of our [pilot] union. On this one, I think ALPA deserves a well earned Thanks for any part they played in defeating this garbage.

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What has ALPA-PAC Done for ME?

Before Congress went into recess, language inserted in the Port Security Bill stated: (paraphrased) “…Any legal strike by transportation workers may be interpreted as an act of terrorism, and would allow the President of the US to mobilize the military”. The bill went on further to state (paraphrased) “…If any applicant to a transportation job has previously been a participant in a legal strike, that person can be denied employment because strikes by transportation workers can be interpreted as an act of terrorism”.

YES, READ IT AGAIN! This is just “a small part” of the continued attack on labor by this administration. Even though this was a Ports Bill, ask yourself; are WE transportation workers?

I am pleased to report that ALPA National Government Affairs, in concert with the Transportation Trades Department of the AFL-CIO, were able to get this language removed.This is what ALPA-PAC dollars do for us. They give us access to congressional leaders that are sympathetic to our issues. It may not be the best system, but it is what we have. We can either play the game, or sit on the bleachers and sightsee.