Originally Posted by
satchip
How do we fight that trend? Unity. Right now we have almost zero power. Only through unity can we gain the political clout to affect the debate in the halls of government where all these decisions are made.
I think this is ALPA's plan. If they can capture a critical mass of pilot labor, they will have more power to get things done in Washington.
ALPA already represents the majority of airline pilots in the US, therefore they should have the power and political clout to effect
change in DC., not just debate.
The first problem is that ALPA does not do what the majority of their members desire when they have a chance to effect legislation.
May I present exhibit 1. Age 65.
The next problem they have though Sat is that regardless of how many members ALPA has, they will not have what the ATA has. $$$$$$$$$$. (Coincidentally, ALPA came in on the side of the ATA on the age 65 legislation. Imagine that.)
$$$$ + a great lobby = favorable legislation.
So, what should ALPA do in the face of a superior war chest and lobbying effort from the ATA? It is time for ALPA to act like what they are. A labor union. Where would we all be today if they had done just that at the most critrical juncture in recent history earlier this decade. Had ALPA stood up for the USAirways pilots and all of its members when the first threat of wiping away their pension was sounded, our futures would be profoundly different.
If there ever was a time to use S O S, that was it. The next critical opportunity lies with cabbotage and the Emmirates aggression.
Will they have the stones?