Originally Posted by
A320
The new MEC in 83' decided that the pilots were not bright enough to know all the issues regarding a contract vote so they took away membership ratification from the pilots until 94'. When pilots were demanding membership ratification during the fabled ESOP negotiation the MEC refused to allow the pilots the right to vote. They knew it wouldn't pass. They only agreed to allow membership ratification after the ESOP was passed. There are many on the MEC who think we line pilots are just a bunch of sheep.
To be correct, no ALPA MEC, had membership ratification prior to 1983. The by-laws had not permitted it from the organization's inception in the 1930's. The logic was that it was not in the pilots best interest to allow uninformed, management sycophants, and anti-union types to undermine the negotiators. Management would never give their best offer until they saw where the no votes would come from. They would then only have to appease the smaller group.
We did have straw votes, that were backed upped by the membership's right to recall those who ignored them. There was a vote on the ESOP, it was overwhelmingly in favor, and the fact that no one was recalled proves it.
This generation wants membership ratification for everything, so be it. It has only given you substandard concessionary contracts, but at least you can say you have democracy. I would rather tell management "don't talk to me, talk to my rep."
The old way required membership to trust but closely monitor their leadership, now people think they have the union on autopilot. If they don't like something they will just vote it down when the ballot comes out. Unfortunately, it does not work that way, and you are paying the price.