Originally Posted by
capncrunch
This may/may not be valid in regards to a power struggle. If it is true, do you think if that issue was resolved that going independent is a bad idea?
Asking because I'm curious.
There are folks who believe that no matter what, leaving ALPA is bad. This may be a valid concern. I understand why some feel that way.
I'm of the mind frame that if done right, and done right being the major concern, that we would be better positioned if 100% of our dues went to 100% of our concerns. Maybe that is naive.
It just seems that when part of our dues are used to support the groups we get worked against, we are losing out. Maybe that is naive as well.
It seems that if we never even consider going on our own as an option we are limiting ourselves. That is why I sent my card in, so I have the option.
Thanks for the thoughtful response and honest intelligent questions.
The entire reason for the DPA is the power struggle. They cannot be divorced. Not all supporters or sympathizers of the DPA are complicit but at it's core and in it's leadership it is a way for people without power, I suspect those who had it once, to usurp the elected leadership.
As for the second part of your question, I don't think and independent union would be as effective as a national one. Unions derive their power from the numbers of people they represent. More members means more votes, money, and influence in the halls of power. Look at SEIU and AFSCME. While I abhor their politics and tactics, there is no denying their power and effectiveness in government. On the other hand you have the UAW and USW and the Coal Miners. Their power is shrinking with their memberships.
Imagine if ALPA represented all airline pilots. Think of the influence we could wield. I think that is what ACL is getting at. I think that is what Moak is working towards.
We also have a problem in this industry but it is common to all unions*, that one group of members can vote to sacrifice another group of members' jobs to better their compensation. I like what Bar says about this. Union means unity. All our jobs are equal. We make that compact with each other when we join.
That is part of the problem with the DPA. Generally speaking, those who seek power over their fellow man, rarely deserve to have it.
*FedEx ALPA voted furlough mitigation which reduced ALV in order to not furlough the bottom. Can any FedEx guys elaborate? I was told this on the golf course by a FedEx pilot.