Dc, Busboy:

Your assumptions about those of us who "complain" is precisely the same sort of assumption DW makes about the junior guys. We're just a bunch of "whiners."

Perhaps some of us have been very involved in trying to affect change. Perhaps some of us have realized that ALPA is a failed model, and that there is little if any hope to affect said changes under ALPA leadership [sic]. Some of us have also been on the receiving end of pure lies from specific FedEx ALPA committees; lies that have cost us more money than our annual dues.

There are plenty of alternatives availible to FedEx pilots. I for one think ALPA is part of the problem, not a solution. I also think this pilot group is mistaken to swallow the ALPA line concerning age 65. It was not necessarily a "done deal" in Washington. Just ask the APA, SWAPA, and IPA pilot groups. ALPA had a lot to do with helping get Age 65 passed. It very well might have been tabled indefinitely if ALPA had not decided to ADVOCATE the rule change vice fight it.

Finally, since ALPA extorts 2% of my hard earned pay, You bet I have a right to *****! Or are you one of those Torries who think "taxation without representation" is valid?

 

Not even commies. Now that is an old school slam. Maybe a reference to Pharaoh DW next?

 

Busboy is seriously drinking the koolaid.

 

You are a "whiner" on here if all you do is complain. Let's hear some ideas on how to fix things that you think are wrong. That we we can bat them around and get input or expand on them....

Past...

 

It's not the name of the union, IT'S THE LEADERSHIP!

 

Just running the numbers in my head I come up with an average annual union dues of about $2500/crew member (that's probably low) and about 4500 crew members (yes I know some are on probation) - that equals about $10million a year we give to ALPA. Does that seem like an incredible amount for the support we get from ALPA? I just can't see how we (or any union in recent history) has gotten anywhere near their money's worth? Am I missing something?

 

Perhaps you should be asking that very question of the guys who lost their jobs until the union got it back for them, or guys who were standing tall in that room with a long table, facing serious allegations, only to have their issue resolved by union intervention.

That said, it sure is a lot of money we funnel to National, of course some of it gets spent on other airlines, just like some of my homeowners insurance goes to pay for the rebuilding of an unfortunate home owner's house in Southern California or New Orleans. I guess it's a cost of doing business with a national company. I guess we could "self insure" by removing ALPA and installing an in house union, but we've tried that with even less success. All in all, the dues paid to our union are monies well spent, regardless of how we individually feel about a given issue. At least that's my take on it. Your's of course may vary.

 

I'm going to go out on a limb and bet you haven't asked these groups what their position was on any legislative action pertaining to age 60. SWAPA in particular, as I believe, was out advocating for abolishing the age 60 rule. ALPA had, until it was clear it was going to happen with or without its input, stayed away from issue, neither supporting nor pushing the issue. This was a direct result of the mixed opinion of ALPA members from all ALPA airlines, not just FDX ALPA. Of course any position, whether determined democratically or not that runs counter to your position indicates that ALPA, national or FDX, is out of step with the wishes of, who.. you.

 

I think you may have me confused with the FedEx MEC! Wasn't it our own ALPA reps that went squarely against their own membership's wishes, even after using the democratic process?

APA was against the change and fought it right up to the end! Perhaps ALPA's dishonesty is one of the issues that got them thrown off American's property decades ago?

 

Notably absent in your response was my reference to SWAPA. I guess if ALPA had stonewalled the impending legislation and it was written to let the retired 60-65 years back, you would have blamed ALPA for not influencing the legislation to allow returning (retirees).

So we get it. You hate ALPA, blame it for all that (IYHO) is wrong with the profession. Why don't you quite ALPA, start your own union, get a bunch of cards printed to have ALPA de-certified by the FDX pilots, and sit by the popcorn machine in AOC handing out cards and spread your dribble. I'll be looking for you next time threw.