Originally Posted by
Elmer Fudd
So the Legacys are getting to use some of the millions they have deposited over the years. Sounds good to me.
But what if we use more than we deposited? It invalidates your argument for decertification. One of SkyWest's arguments for not joining ALPA was that the Regional pilots did not want to subsidize legacy screw ups.
Originally Posted by
Elmer Fudd
Do you agree that someone at ALPA NATL that answers the phone should make more money than a new hire / professional airline pilot? ALPA NATL is here to serve the pilots, but is has turned into a self-fulfilling entity, where it serves itself.
We have set up a system that rewards experience. New hires lack the longevity that maybe a 20 year ALPA employee might have. Are we making an Apples to Apples comparison?
If I run off the runway on some dark night on the other side of the planet and am facing a team of Police investigators who I can't understand, the last thing on my mind is going to be how much the person answering the phone gets paid. I'm just happy they are there and on my side with answers to questions that I've never contemplated. Same situation when a letter comes from Oklahoma stating my medical is in question because of an ECG a decade ago.
So much of ALPA's work is done by volunteers that we get a tremendous deal in any event.
Originally Posted by
Elmer Fudd
The conflict is that ALPA NATL want all the pilots to be members. Some of the pilot groups are interested in the same jobs. NATL can't represent both sides at the same time. It's like having one lawyer to represent both a husband & wife that want a divorce. It's not hard to understand.
If they are "interested in the same jobs" let ALPA facilitate those employment goals, as ALPA just did with the Compass and Mesaba pilots. We do have the same goals of improving pilot pay, career security and advancement. Rather than finding Counsel for divorce, we should get a little marriage counseling.
ALPA can, and should, represent both sides towards our common goals. It is called unity.
Take the case of Spirit. The Spirit pilots struck mostly over First Officer pay (showing a lot of unity over a "junior pilot" issue). Management was intent on breaking the strike and tried to fly the airline. Not only did the Spirit pilots stand unified. The profession honored a ALPA picket line.
Thanks for your reply and dialog.