Union efforts during shutdown
 

I think we should be encouraging our union reps to push for greater co-operation and coordination with our brothers and sisters in ATC. Even though I know it isn't exactly the same as Reagan, it's starting to rhyme and I think dropping the ball and failing to cross coordinate hurt the industry for pilots then and we have only begun to recover these last few years. I think it is especially important with contract negotiations looming. You can't be absent for years then send one card(billboard) asking for help and expect people to care. I think we could have a historically monumental contract, but only if we expand the team. If we don't, I can foresee flying becoming as dangerous as driving as cutting is used as a means to demand compliance. I think if we all voice this to our reps then it will push ALPA to be more active and thus effective. Just putting it out there so at least others think about it, or know they are not the ONLY ones thinking about it.

specifically, what do you want alpa to do?

It's a nice thought. You even through some catchy phrases in there like "expand the team" and "greater cooperation and coordination." What does that mean? What resources should our union be devoting to a group of government employees with a mostly toothless labor union that is, at its very core, a target of this current administrations labor policies?

if it isnt safe, set the brake. I carry more gas during ATC issues. As much as it pains me to see things get delayed, im not paid to be on time. Im paid to be safe. I dont have an issue with diverting either and im not flying into ATC zero airspace.

I know it isn't a fix but alpa pac doesn’t need to get into the fur ball that is far beyond pilots issues. Congress is well aware of their current theatrics and effects.

i do want alpa to advocate for more good controllers, better training and a better pipeline. Which has been echoed by the senior controllers i have talked to in person.

I also find it ironic that nobody has missed a paycheck yet everyone is sick. Well, all my kids friends are sick, maybe its just crap staffing and the FAA blaming their staffing on funding lapses that havent hit yet.

ALPA does advocate for those things, as well as better infrastructure. So does our CEO.

Like others have said, I believe this sort of advocacy exists between ALPA, airline management and industry groups. "Team building" is a good thing. Is the Federal shutdown the catalyst for your post? We all know that it will be resolved and folks will get paid. I think we can put that concern to rest.

The best ATC interactions I've had in my careers have been tower cab visits, ARTCC tours and controllers in the jumpseat. It's rewarding to hear/observe each others perspectives on the system we all operate in.

You can donate your ALPA dues they returned to you to the US government. Maybe that will be enough to get it resolved

So be the change you wish to see.

or just start a thread on APC

they will both have about the same amount of impact

You won’t fly to an uncontrolled field? Delta flys to plenty of airports with control towers that don’t operate all day.

How many of those close at noon on a Tuesday in Southern California?

airports that are uncontrolled due to lack of traffic are a lot different than some of the world’s busiest airspace and airports going ATC-zero.