Originally Posted by
Pineapple Guy
WHAT ARE THE CHOICES T? I'll make it easy. There are 4 options:
1) Do nothing - ATA loves this option
2) Compromise and achieve 90% of what we want - the apparent ALPA approach
3) Go for a homerun, but risk a strike out - the apparent CAPA approach
4) Wish upon a star - the typical forum approach
I'll take option 2 every time.
Pineapple, I would suggest to you that your willingness to settle for Option #2 goes to the root of ALPA's problems since the Duffy era.
To wit; when Elizabeth Dole suggested she intended to have us all aim for the little cup, Captain Duffy was offered an alternative. Have
the then 44,000 strong ALPA send tightly sealed fluid filled jars to the dear lady to express our displeasure. He was horrified and said we
needed to just "go along."
ALPA's continued unwillingness to stand up and demand more has continued. Our profession as a result has been denigrated by
management, abused by egotistical, headline grabbing politicians and made the butt of jokes by the travelling public.
Maybe ALPA needs to grow a set and stand up with everyone else for once...for the profession and the professionals. "Safety"
is what it's supposed to be about. Once you compromise, it's hard to get it back.
Congress will support you when they see you have the public behind you. The public will support you when you stand up and say
"we will not risk your lives over insufficient rest." And a few cancelled flights, with respectful PA's made to the passengers by the
fatigued crew will end up going viral on YouTube like the JFK landing...and the media will be on board.
Then..."Dear Leader" Babbitt...a former ALPA President...will understand that pilots CAN stand up and be a force that he must deal with.
That's why maybe
ALPA should stand up with CAPA, IBT, APA, SWAPA, USAPA, IPA and others...for once.
Ya' think?