Redeye summed it up well. But those that think they are being forced to pay due's don't ever see the "free ride" side of the equation.

The point has been made many times. If you really don't want to be an active member of the association then quit. Then you're simply a non-member paying maintenance fee/admin fee's for the benefits you get from the contract. It's really that easy, but none of the pilots complaining about the Agency Shop have the fortitude to put their money where their mouth is. If this really wasn't about the money, and it was about your Union, you would have quit along time ago!


Now that's a "PICKLE", isn't it?

.......and Bull Sh!t walks....:rolleyes: Nobody has to pay dues, here or anywhere. Just vote with your feet. A couple airlines are non union and all corporate (part 91) operators are non union. Move on if it creates so much heartburn.

Your either part of the problem or part of the solution.

Or you could look at it this way....since you have to pay the same price of admission no matter what, you might as well accept the membership card and the additional freebies it comes with. Like full color magazines, tie tacks that never have pins long enough to function as useful tie tacks, and free lanyards. Actually, the calendar is a useful bonus that may well be worth the membership card.
But really, agency shop is probably the most effective means of reducing a national level organization from worrying too much about the specific interests of its individual member organizations. And there is no clearer indicator that your "product" is substandard than forcing everyone to buy in whether their payments are called dues or maintenance fees.

I've had several professional discussions with non-members. They eventually tell me, "It's not about the money."

I'm always prepared with my reply. I challenge them to prove to me that it's not about the money. I challenge them to make a tax deductible donation to a charity of their choice in the same amount as their dues would be, and to send the receipt to ALPA as a protest. No one has taken me up on my challenge yet ...

IT ALWAYS ABOUT THE MONEY!!! :eek:

Shack......

I would prefer if I didn't have to pay Federal and State Taxes either or FICA or my homes Association Dues, but I have to.

Without Agency shop, we would have guys quitting over every issue they disagreed with.
You will never get 4600 to agree positively on issues. It is just the way it is.
Want to see an truly ineffective Union, look at no further than FedEx ALPA 1 and FPA. Why do you think the majority of the Membership wanted Agency Shop in the 2006 Contract. It was to stop or minimize the Freeloading. A member might not have issues with the Leadership today. Maybe he will with the next group. The Bottom line is the Union got us this contract and compared to everyone else I'd say they did OK.
Everyone gets the Benefits, everyone should pay, its that simple.

If you don't pay you electric bill (your free choice) the Electric Company cuts off your service. :)

And yet, when they get the chance, unions fight to defend the exclusive representation clauses in their contracts. They prefer to represent the freeloaders, rather than let them negotiate with their employers separately.

Michigan GOP explores further limits on unions | The Detroit News | detroitnews.com

Wait...Weren't you saying that you were the smart one around here? You think that exclusive representation for our union, is a bad thing?

I have not stated my opinion on it. We just had one side of the freeloader argument presented and I simply am pointing out that when given the option unions prefer freeloaders to losing exclusive representation. Let me know if you need me to dumb down the explanation further.

As for the smart one; GWOE teaches us we are all in the top 10% of our peers. I would presume that extends to intelligence.

Oh no, that's quite alright. Your initial post was dumb enough. :D