Originally Posted by
Carl Spackler
When you do, will it make any difference to you? Won't you just be saying that we need to work harder to change ALPA from within?
Like I told you a few posts ago, if you get verifiable proof that ALPA will refuse to allow a MEC to regain their flying then yes, it is a mortal wound in my opinion. To date I have not seen one factual piece of evidence in that regard.
What does having "issues with it" mean? This is more of that slippery language you use so often. Does it mean you'll give serious consideration to a new in house union, or just working harder to change ALPA from within? Issues?
I stated "issues" because I do not want to put a preconceived opinion out there. The talk of 1500 hrs was and is great, then there was talk of as low as 750 with some sort of course work. Not a big fan of either. I can see ALPA trying to negotiate away the 10 hrs with a 36 hr reset in theater for something like this. For me it ends up with what saves more jobs. THe current limit is 250 so anything that does more than doubles the entry hours requirement is a "win." I know you do not beleive that, but it would be. Like you I would prefer it as close to 1500 hrs as possible, but there were some glaring issues I had with the proposal on flight and duty time limits. I am a realist in the fact that I know this is a power struggle between the ATA, and pilots. It is about money when it should not be. Heck even the government admitted that by putting cost figures in the proposal.
What is a bigger threat to our careers is Emirates trying to levy the UAE's allowance of military base locations for more landing rights for their carrier in this country. Europe and Canada shot back and lost basing rights there. If we have to settle for something less than 1500 hrs to get the government to back fighting the UAE on this, I understand it. It is all about politics and the maneuvering that always goes on. Changing unions will not all of a sudden allow every issue to be dealt with separately.
The deal was supposed to be 1500 hours. Now you're already conceding half that requirement? Dude!
Like I have said above I can see why it might be trimmed. Not that it makes me "happy" but I understand the reality of the situation. Reality is often ugly.
You couldn't have mischaracterized me more. It is just the opposite. Too many good people go to ALPA and within no time flat, the structure called ALPA corrupts them into forgetting who they work for. That structure of policies and bylaws authored by entrenched staffers, lobbyists and cowardly lawyers are the cancer that will kill ALPA.
Carl
Fair enough Carl. I misread what you have been saying. I took it to mean it was the people not the structure.
I have seen people change their tunes when starting ALPA work. I often wondered why? I have had a few explain it to me. It comes down to the fact that the solution is never simple. There are people that need to go in DC. I agree with that.