Originally Posted by
newKnow
I wonder what does a future Delta Pilots Association (DPA) do with the leaders we have elected in the past that is different than what DALPA has done with the leaders we had? My point is that I believe National ALPA and ALPA's problems are people and unless I'm missing something, DPA would have elected the same people they did for DALPA and the results would have largely been the same.
I mean sure, it is obvious that National ALPA has a huge conflict of interest with the RJ drain. But, isn't it up the the individual MEC's to determine the course and priorities of their negotiations when the time comes. Isn't CAL/UAL doing that exact thing right now?
Yes, national ALPA dropped the ball on pensions and age 65 and a few other things. But, we (and I use that word loosely) voted everything else in ourselves and our MEC's allowed it. I think we are our own worst enemy, not some organization. We allow our elections to be focused on popularity contests, not issues. We worry that the more "radical" candidates may be too radical and bring the company down. We don't participate. And when we try to participate, we are shot down or ignored because we don't "know the right people."
While there are more than a few instances where DALPA did (or, didn't do something) that have occurred over the past few years that have made me more than a little mad, it is important for DPA to explain how they would behave differently if they were in place with the same elected leaders that DALPA had at the time.* If they can't, I don't see why their efforts aren't made towards putting different people in the right positions.
New K
* What would DPA have done to save our pensions back in bankruptcy?
* What would DPA have done to keep Age 65 legislation from passing?
* What does DPA do that UAL/CAL MEC's aren't doing now to get rid of rj's?
* What does DPA do to mend the new rest rule proposal?
New,
The answer to all your questions is - No one knows for sure. One thing about this whole movement that might not be obvious is the fact that competition is good. I think ALPA National is a little too comfortable with DALPA and kind of assumes "Where else are they going to go?"
Maybe ALPA national should be more concerned with keeping 12,000 Delta Pilots happy then getting the next 300 member Pilot group to join.
For one thing, if this union drive is close, or even credible, - I don't believe we will see any more attempts at SCOPE erosion at DAL. Both the company and the union will get the message - The DAL Pilots will not suffer any more SCOPE grabs without a fight.
I for one applaud the guys for doing this. I am not even sure what would be best for us in the long run - but the fact that the natives are getting restless will give DALPA and the company pause.
Lee Moak (who I don't personally know, and assume is a stand up guy) said we are drawing a line in the sand at 70 seats - well that never happened. Maybe it was inevitable, and maybe it wasn't - I don't assume to know the truth. For years it appeared he proscribed even talk about SCOPE issues, and at times didn't even mention any SCOPE related issues in his Chairman's letters. When it was mentioned that this might be because he did not want to antagonize potential ALPA National voters (RJ Pilots) we were told by the DALPA defenders that we were paranoid and Lee had no intention of running for National Office.
Well maybe we are a little paranoid, but looking at our last ten years it is understandable, and just because you are paranoid does not mean that people are not out to get you. I personally think whatever the outcome this in house union drive is a good thing for Delta Pilots.
Scoop