Unbelievable. Not surprised ALPA would install a leader who isn’t even an active pilot. What a ****ing joke.

 

Well the ALPA president can be retired, so not really that surprising.

 

Alpa it's all about who you know and what people (voting members) you can place in easy Alpa positions...

I mean it happens at all levels of government in this country so why not Alpa. Alpa is just another political group at the national/ MEC chairman level. Nepotism at its best!

 

I mean, how else do you think it should be done? You think people are going to just elect random people off the street with really good "I promises?" and no other verifiable skills? Everyone in that was "known."

 

I usually like your posts even if I don't always agree with them. But you are really missing the point of PBs and Rolling Thunder.

It's not about everyone bidding RSV or everyone getting PBs. I have sat a lot of RSV but never Rolled Thunder, and probably never will because I need to know at least some of my off days in advance of the month starting.

Just because I don't personally use it doesn't mean I don't see the benefit to the pilot group. How jammed up does CS get because of Rolling Thunder or even just a few PBs sprinkled on a RSV pilot's sked? How many more GSs or even good deal WSs go out to lineholders because of RSV GSing? I bet quite a bit.

In addition, and most importantly, PBs severely penalize them for 'running a little hot.' I'm pretty sure this summer would have been a staffing mess no matter what. But maybe, just maybe PBs and Rolling Thunder will make them think twice about trying that next summer (cue jokes about air line management and longterm planning).

If we toss PBs what incentive do they have to ever go back to a 'normal operation'? Instead we'll just see every summer run this way except there will be no way for RSVs to have bare able skeds.

 

I guess there's other people that do work for alpa out side the LEC's and are known to people. For example Ryan A.

 

They work for ALPA.

ALPA on the other hand works for other, selected, people.

Politics 101

 

That's a great theory, but practically speaking, I would guess that only about 5% of the pilot group is actively engaged in union politics whether it be running for a position or even voting. That can be borne out by looking at LEC meeting attendance. It isn't really bottom up. It is squeaky wheel which takes a back seat to the good old boy network, to wit: Hartmann

 

It is bottom up. If you choose to not participate in it then that is your prerogative. Who else in life do you blame for your self-induced problems?

 

Not a critique, but literally every organization from the PTA to the HOA to the church ladies book of the month reading club is like this. ALPA is no different, and unless the bylaws are rewritten to compel mandatory participation, it won’t change.

You wouldn’t want it to either. Imagine endless meetings full of people who find t actually want to be there.

Organization is oligarchy. Best not to lose sleep over it.