Start the RECALL process!!!!!

 

I have, it's called passing out as many DPA cards as I can, and making sure that goes to a vote. If that doesn't scare the Dalpa reps, nothing will. That is the best way to get better results. If they don't perform, then they don't deserve to represent us.

 

The problem with only that, is that DPA isn't in place. The ability to recall a Rep is.

 

Okay, let's play a game?

1. Pay or scope?

2. If scope, what pay?

3. If pay, or when it comes to pay, what work rules?

 

And in other news...




Delta passenger accused of threatening seatmate

AP – 13 hrs ago




SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A Salt Lake City man faces federal felony charges after authorities say he threatened a seatmate on a Las Vegas-bound flight.


The Deseret News (Salt Lake airplane passenger carried knife on board, made threats, police say | Deseret News ) reports 60-year-old David Alan Anderson was charged Tuesday with having a dangerous weapon on an aircraft and retaliation against a federal law enforcement officer by threat of murder.
Court documents allege that before his Delta flight's scheduled departure Sunday, Anderson elbowed the passenger next to him to "claim" an armrest, then placed his foot on the person's leg, prompting the seatmate to tell Anderson to move over.
The complaint says Anderson threatened the passenger saying, "If I have a knife, I would slit your throat."
The complaint says responding officers found a knife in Anderson's bag. After his arrest, the complaint says, he threatened police and FBI agents.

 

Wait til they get on the 739.

Seriously there needs to be a movement that says middle seat gets both arm rests. It's not fair that the middle seat gets no window and nothing to lean on and the aisle guy gets to put his feet in the aisle and lean that way. Why should the guy at the window get 2 arm rests plus the window and the guy in aisle gets both arm rests and aisle to lean into while the guy in the middle tries to open his peanut bag with his elbows touching?

Not to mention the chic in front of him puts her seat all the way back and then puts her head on her boyfriends shoulder.

Long live the E-Jets, 767s and right side of an MD88... or left side of the MD90. screw the middle seat.

 

Or, and just spitballing here, no windows and no armrests for anyone. An aisle seat pax gets promptly smashed in the knee by drink cart or A line's excessive girth.

If no one's happy, everyone's happy.

 

How long does it normally take ALPA to get a GOOD contract? If they don't give in early and then manage our expectations with spin about doom and gloom, I would say 3-4 years after the opener. If that is true, there is plenty of time to see if DALPA wants to engage, or maybe get a new bargaining agent. That opener will be huge, and the survey prior to it is important.

 

My issue with that logic is this:

First, it makes the person signing the card feel like they have put a big FU to DALPA, but what does it solve? Not much?

Second, now that that person has blown off the representational association that WILL get the next contract, there is no check and balance within the system to make sure that you are getting what you want.

Third, recall is a really good motivator for many reps to do their jobs. Some state, "recall me if I am not doing a good job." The reality is that with DPA on property those that would mount a recall and truly exert the pressure feel they have done their part when they mailed their card it. What they need to be doing is holding their reps accountable. The simple fact is that each and every rep knows that too many of the pilots that have put in DPA cards feel that their responsibility stops there. They will wait for the new union, and not realize that by doing so, they will end up with an agreement that they have to live under for four years plus the time to negotiate the next one.

Fourth, in line with three, if your fears are justified, then what you are saying is threefold

A) ALPA sucks and I am willing to let DALPA agree and sign a sub-par TA so that DPA gets in.

B) I am done with ALPA and the process, and even if it hurts what we can get at the table, the pain that this group will feel for the next seven years is necessary.

C) Because I am willing to accept A and B, you are by default telling just under half this list that their "best interests" are your position, and if the DPA "threat" hurts what they will make, it is for their good.

Number four is really what gets me. We cry and scream that DALPA/ALPA is not listening to what we want, and what we say is in our own best interests, but as I see it, DPA and their willingness to continue to divide this group is proving that they believe their position and association know better than 75% of this pilot group. To me that is a major disconnect. It really bothers me.

We all admit ALPA has issues, but the surefire way to fix them is to hold you reps accountable, recall them at will, replace Admin types as the new reps come in, and all and all, demand that your voice and position will be that of the MEC in Section 6. Sending in a card does none of this.

What I want to see is guys getting involved in the current process because it is the one that will deliver the next contract. If you do not believe your current rep will deliver, recall them before they provide the direction to the NC for our opener.

If anyone has been paying attention, the LAX FO Rep race has heated up. There is the existing rep, the former communications chair from NWA, and the opponent that ran against the incumbent this time. The third candidate is a professed DPA supporter. He realizes that to make the changes needed he need to get involved in the current process. Whether or not he is successful is not important, what is, is that he volunteered to run and if need be held accountable.

The other pilot is the former Communications Chair from NWA. I had the pleasure of flying with him, and I am telling you he is a stand up guy. He too would serve the LAX pilots well. The LAX guys have a real race in which the outcome of what results in the direction given to the NC is taking place right now. If you know anyone based out there, make sure they submit their nomination cards, and when the time comes, vote for the positions. What your contract opener will look like depends on your action.

 

Last section 6, it took about two years. This time we have a early opener date in the contract, and mediation by March 2012. I would hope it would be a lot less than three to four years.