Originally Posted by FlyZ (Post 980622)

This is unbelievably frustrating for a new guy. Pretty much forced to join ALPA (you don't have to join but you still have to pay dues). But since then I have yet to see them stand up for us on anything. I have yet to see one piece of communication written strongly enough to reassure the membership that our best interests are in mind. I get a glossy publication every month (waste of dues money) full of pictures of bigwigs shaking hands. The only information contained therein is a list of things National is doing.

But if so much progress is being made, why haven't things gotten any better? During my admittedly short time here, it has felt a lot more like socialism than a representative democracy. "Delta pilots, ALPA will argue on your behalf when it's in the best interest of ALL ALPA pilots". Which I'm starting to think means never. Where do I get a DPA card?

No, really, where do I get one?

Originally Posted by Jesse (Post 980627)

I tried voicing dissatisfaction on the DAL ALPA forum with how 88/90 pay is the only airframe to have a pay difference. In so many words what I was told was you have to give to get. You mean giving MD-90s to ATL and more revenue generating seats on the MD? For that we get nothing. A captain let me in on a secret: there aren't senior Capts or F/Os on the maddog...what do you expect?

Originally Posted by forgot to bid (Post 980654)

Funny. It's like a Captain told me, "fwiw, this is a Captain's airline." He said he learned that lesson the hard way prior to becoming a Captain. But I guess in truth, it's not an 88 Captain's airline either?

Some of the guys have said there are single class MD90s seating 166 passengers floating around the system. I've never seen one nor do any of the books seem to show it but I don't deny it.

Obviously 166 seats is more than the higher paying 737 and A320. However, 747 pay = 777 pay and they don't seat the same but maybe it's time if those two pay the same that the 738, A320 and MD90 pay the same?

Originally Posted by forgot to bid (Post 980654)

Funny. It's like a Captain told me, "fwiw, this is a Captain's airline." He said he learned that lesson the hard way prior to becoming a Captain. But I guess in truth, it's not an 88 Captain's airline either?

Some of the guys have said there are single class MD90s seating 166 passengers floating around the system. I've never seen one nor do any of the books seem to show it but I don't deny it.

Obviously 166 seats is more than the higher paying 737 and A320. However, 747 pay = 777 pay and they don't seat the same but maybe it's time if those two pay the same that the 738, A320 and MD90 pay the same?

Originally Posted by buzzpat (Post 980659)

Yes, and just to add some background as to how the 73-800 and -700 rates were equalized (and, no, they weren't initially). DAL or DALPA or whoever made the tradeoff to equalize the rates but not pay the international override when the -700 goes south of the Equator (eg, Quito). That's the way it was explained to me, any way.

Originally Posted by Nosmo King (Post 980655)

{Insert usual suspects here posting about UAL widebody payrates precedent and how the payrates will be aligned in the downward direction on narrowbody unless you want to give up something in return.}

As far as a scope violation by RAH, I wouldn't be surprised if NOTHING happens because that is safest for ALPA.

One possible scenario:

Individual files a grievance about RAH with MEC.

MEC won't pursue it but won't release it either.

If they releases it then a pilot (or a group of pilots) could pursue grievance OUTSIDE of ALPA.
There could be a possibility that ALPA would end up siding with the company against an outside grievance depending on the temperament of the MEC and the legal team at ALPA National.

There is always the slim hope that DALPA pursues this issue vigorously, not just paying lip service.

My guess is it will disappear into the filing cabinets if someone files a grievance over RAH and single carrier.

Originally Posted by forgot to bid (Post 980669)

I still say, what happens if the APA pursues this and proves RAH is a STS and kicks CHQ out of American Connection?