Fall of 98, FPA did a webcast of a domicile meeting. Union leadership talked about a pilot the company had sitting on their side of the table responding to some scheduling issues with "We ain't crashed one yet" and how that pilot had flown so little in his career at FedEx. Or something to that effect. TF, the pilot represeneting the company, sued complaining about all the mental anguish (I think he lost his medical for that one for a bit). I believe he sued FPA, WH and MW for $10M. It was settled out of court but the settlement was sealed. Since then, no more attempts at webcasts.

 

Thanks for the details.

But it sounds like the union may have been at fault for their comments --- not the fact that response was webcast.

Admittedly, webcasting a hub mtg makes it more open for all to see, and therefore folks would need to watch out from saying anything legaly malicious.

However, it is also an opportunity to show all the good things the union is doing and for folks not in Memphis to actively participate via e-mailed or phoned in questions.

What people want is more access to what is already being said to folks in mtgs in Memphis.

How can the union justify that none of the hub turn mtgs in the CONUS during the LOA process/vote were held outside of Memphis?

They couldn't jumpseat someone up to IND, EWR or OAK to make presentations or answer questions for those crews?

(If they did, I sure missed it)

Additionally, the mtgs could be recorded, screened by the ALPA lawyers for content, and then loaded on a website for later viewing.

I think live webcasts would be best --- but then again, having a link to an on-line version would still be a great improvement in communications/access to information.

I think it would show the union leadership in a better light, because folks wouldn't have to get their information paraphrased and filtered by those who were lucky enough to be in Memphis during the meetings.

Thanks again for the history lesson.

 

If they are going to say something that could be construed as sensitive for those who are not in attendance or may not be members, why can't they just make a motion to go off the record for a bit and shut the camera's down?

 

It would also allow the union to highlight a lot of the good work they do for us behind the scenes too. Its a win/win deal IMHO. The guys do a lot of great work for us that nobody sees. This would be a way to highlight some of that work.

 

So they say.

 

Every have someone escort you in when a CP wants to talk? Ever bust a training event and need someone to talk to? Ever have a question about the legality of flying for someone else on the side? ALPA gives you a place to start and get some unbiased info. I'm glad to say I haven't needed any of those services--but its nice to know they are there.

Again--they ain't all bad... We got areas to improve, but the union does a lot more for guys than just negotiate contracts. Kind of like a lawyer--an overpaid, worthless POS...right until you NEED one. A good career means you never need your union. However--if you ever do...it will be worth the all the dues you've paid.

And if I didn't really think this I wouldn't run...I'd just b1tch.

 

Videotape the block meeting. I can show up at the ALPA office on a day off, flash my FedEx ID, spout my member number, and watch the video in a small dark closet. I'll even sign a hold harmless, lawsuit waiver, non-disclosure agreement, if you insist. Worked for aero club safety meetings! Value for my dues, please.