Originally Posted by
Karnak
If any pilot union allowed 10-15% of its membership to "call the question" at any time, the ability of the union to get things done would be impacted. THAT is the problem with this.
You're a sharp guy. You know that 10-15% of our pilot group is perpetually angry.
Should they control the agenda of our union?
From a pure statistical standpoint, that's what you're telling us.
Let's say there's a miracle, and the DPA doubles their support over the next year...to 30% of the pilot group. Should less than a third of our group be allowed to interrupt contract negotiations for a No Confidence vote?
Leading up to the Northwest strike in 1998, a small group of pilots were opposed to the strike. Statistically, it was a small percentage. Should they have been allowed to insert a representational vote? What percentage denotes "unity"? 60%? 85%? 95%?
Give me a number and then tell me how much time and effort the clear majority should spend trying to unify those that will only be happy if things are done exactly their way.
Yes, they can, but only if they can work within the current system. Like I have said, if DPA can get the support to create a grassroots movement within ALPA to effect change, great. It will get more pilots involved.
DPA as a separate entity is not a wise move, and will cause great harm to this pilot group and profession. Work within the system, and get the change you demand. An organized DPA within ALPA could do this, but as a standalone it will fail, and hurt this pilot group. They may already know this, but there is damage being done.