Originally Posted by
Bucking Bar
The Manager is exactly right when he states the politics of fear were used to coerce those who might have shouted the agreement down. Like him, I resent the misinformation which made our union appear weaker than it really is.
Couldn't agree more. It was the ultimate example of what a low opinion our ALPA leaders had/have of us rank and file types.
Originally Posted by
Bucking Bar
One component of "fear" is that most of the time we fear the unknown. The information disparity between ALPA and line guys is used to give the politicians the upper hand, but it detracts from true understanding of the issues which would allow the pilots to make informed decisions regarding their careers. The politics of fear fits right into the "trust us, we know what is best for you."
Spot on.
Originally Posted by
Bucking Bar
To get back on topic, I've read nothing what so ever that the DPA intends one iota of difference from ALPA in this regard. In fact, by parroting the politics of "conflicts of interest" they set the stage for exactly more of the same. The difference between them and ALPA, is ALPA was smart enough to know what it was doing & roll out the straw man.
You lost me on this one. First off, what written reference gives you the opinion that DPA intends to be not one iota of difference regarding the politics of fear? DPA stating the problem with ALPA's conflict of interest is simply a fact by a large portion of our pilots. DPA won't be representing the very airlines that we've sold our flying to. How does stating this set the stage for more use of the politics of fear?
Originally Posted by
Bucking Bar
Like previous straw men, baseless threats have confused many line pilots and even some working within ALPA. They fail to understand the greatest tool available to our union and fail to appreciate it. The result is a weakened ALPA who's future is at risk from apathy and efforts like the DPA.
ALPA's future is weak alright, but not because of the DPA. ALPA's own actions on so many different levels are what have brought the DPA to the forefront. I don't care about the future of ALPA. I care about the future of Delta pilots. If DPA focuses hard on unity and the interests of Delta pilots, why should we care about ALPA's future?
Carl