Didn't exactly answer the question I asked but don't worry about it because "the dude abides".

 

UR- I don't know if you are the cheapest guy at FedEx or the biggest arse, but you are piling up points for both.

 

I haven't said anything about contributing or not. The questions I asked are completely separate from that issue. I had hoped the guys who started this thread would be willing to answer some questions since they live there and posted their names. They've chosen not to do so as is their right. If you want to form an opinion about me because I've asked a few pointed questions, go ahead.

And just so the records clear, I sincerely hope these guys get their jobs back.

 

Don't worry, bro, nobody does that on this board.

I feel guilty for starting this dogpile and I'D be happy to buy YOU a drink next time around for all the consternation I've caused and I apologize. Look me up and lead with a smile if you see me out there and we'll have a few laughs!

***Mods, close this thread, I think we've all had enough!***

Wildmanny

 

To our fellow Council 14 pilots:

We are in Anchorage right now, making the best of our unpaid time off and focusing on our upcoming arbitration hearings. The support we are receiving from you is deeply appreciated and encourages us in this difficult time.* The words and deeds coming from you reminds us of what makes the Hong Kong base so special.* No matter what lies ahead for us, we will always value our association with you.

The support fund created by you is a heartwarming gesture of solidarity and sends a strong signal of our unity to the company.* Although we don't see an immediate need for financial support, our resources may eventually be strained by the legal challenges which lie ahead. It's good to know you have our back.

ALPA has pledged a "vigorous defense" of us but we've learned our association's mandate is to represent the entire membership (and itself) before looking after the interests of the aggrieved members.* That's why some of us have engaged outside counsel. Whether we utilize outside counsel or not, all of us are facing substantial unanticipated costs such as lodging and transportation during the arbitration process.** That's why your support is an important safety net.* We hope the MEC will follow Council 14's lead.* We also hope we don't come to the point we need to use the funds created by this gesture of unity.

We hear some people are flying extra trips out there and that is certainly their right.* We hope their financial situation is not any worse than ours.* If it is, we would gladly help support them in their time of need.* What is needed right now is unity, and leadership. We hope the unity of our fellow Hong Kong pilots will set a precedent for our larger organization to follow.

"Lead, follow, or get the hell out of the way," is a familiar military slogan.* The membership of Council 14 has given that saying relevance in this situation. The grass roots actions of our fellow Hong Kong pilots make this a great organization.

 

Fellow pilots:

This message from one of the HK4 is spot on.

Please pass this message to our fellow pilots and know there is a hell of a lot more to this story.

Contributions for these pilots have come from everywhere, not just Fedex. I ask if nothing else you just pass the word on this issue.

I am humbled by the support shown by our brothers and sisters in this fight.

To stand by and allow tyrants to prevail is unacceptable. The fact that this hasn't become an ALPA national issue addressed by Lee Moak shows how ALPA and the Leadership at The FDX MEC takes care of ALPA the institution, that cares little about it's members in times of true need.

Glad we had this little chat.

 

+1111111111111111

 

So what I'm reading here is that ALPA is promising a "vigorous defense" which is translating to "covering its own a$$".
There has got to be more to this story. Either ALPA has decided the Hong Kong four do not deserve direct support, or one of the key tenants of the union (protecting the jobs of its members) is not something it is willing or able to accomplish.
Neither of those conclusions fills me full of confidence so I hope someone can explain the whole story. I watched SS's video regarding the Hong Kong situation. I didn't find it very informative regarding what specific support our pilots in Hong Kong are getting from the union. But from what I'm reading here, they are paying for outside counsel and their fellow pilots are rallying to help pick up the tab.
I need some more education on what my dues are actually paying for.

 

You mean like a transparent, easily available (like on our ALPA webpage) monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual statement showing dues income and where every penny went? Don't hold your breath... After all, it's not your money! Or maybe it is? Well, you don't have any right to see (to the penny) what it was used for! Or maybe you do?... A long time ago when I was doing volunteer work, I asked to see what each committee spent on Association Buy-Back and incidentals and was told to pound sand, it was none of my business. I doubt the philosophy has changed much since then.

 

With the Anti-Union agenda that is center stage after the Wisconsin Governor recall election last week, we may be asking ourselves what relevance ALPA has or will have in the future.

Standing up for core issues such as the HKG 4 might be what will be required to maintain our dignity. As for administrative issues like accepted fares, training, pairing and line construction, heck I'll even throw in PAY RATES, we may soon find ourselves at the will and whim of the company.

ALPA National might be too worried about saving themselves to get too fired up over our "little" issues.