Delusions Of Authority
01-04-2017, 05:37 AM
#21
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Oct 2012
Posts: 132
Bartels is not your biggest problem. Its the MEC. After that, its what becomes of the committee structure. If it becomes a bunch of political IOU's it becomes a mess. If BB chooses people based on ability and not political likability, he has a chance while moving on some issues that are very important to the pilot group.
The new admin has a lot of work to do with DAL management to prove their ability to execute. We will see how that goes over the next six months. The MEC has opportunities to add mid contract gains, but has to be very careful they do not overestimate their leverage.
All of this will go on with the line pilot relatively unaware. We have a new contract and only when politics effect a pilot's pocketbook do they pay attention. The first instance that the pilot group will become aware of a major issue will be when we start the next section 6 negotiation.
I bet Bill plays it safe until after the ATL recalls. I bet he sees the outcome of their recalls as a proxy to his admin. They stay, he stays, they go, he goes. In reality the recall of the FO reps in 44 goes well beyond their vote for BB. Its about the ability to do the rep job. Sounds like a lot of stuff may come out at the recall meeting.
The new admin has a lot of work to do with DAL management to prove their ability to execute. We will see how that goes over the next six months. The MEC has opportunities to add mid contract gains, but has to be very careful they do not overestimate their leverage.
All of this will go on with the line pilot relatively unaware. We have a new contract and only when politics effect a pilot's pocketbook do they pay attention. The first instance that the pilot group will become aware of a major issue will be when we start the next section 6 negotiation.
I bet Bill plays it safe until after the ATL recalls. I bet he sees the outcome of their recalls as a proxy to his admin. They stay, he stays, they go, he goes. In reality the recall of the FO reps in 44 goes well beyond their vote for BB. Its about the ability to do the rep job. Sounds like a lot of stuff may come out at the recall meeting.
01-04-2017, 05:53 AM
#23
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jun 2010
Posts: 852
Originally Posted by Wuzatforus
I'm confused. As I understand it, Chairman's letters are generally approved by every rep before being sent out.
Originally Posted by Wuzatforus
If memory serves me, the former MEC Chair (MD) once removed (note double entendre) settled the first JV grievance for $30M with little or no information being shared prior with the MEC. Many complained of being blindsided. I'm betting that particular issue generated one of the bullet points that Rube takes issue with.
01-04-2017, 06:21 AM
#24
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Oct 2015
Posts: 270
Originally Posted by rube
Rube’s Rant
Issue 1
3 January 2017
Delusions Of Authority
The new Master Chairman is out of the chute with a letter to the pilots, and I hope that all of us take a nice hard look at it. Here are some highlights:
“Our newly ratified contract provides a solid foundation upon which to improve. While admittedly not perfect, the MEC worked relentlessly to overcome considerable differences and help realize significant gains for the Delta pilots.”
News flash – no contract is perfect. Ever. I am sure that Delta management is equally aware of our contract’s imperfections. Tell me, when Bill Bartels led twelve reps into an elevator on August 7th, then later voted against re-direction, only to cave in at the September MEC meeting after it was painfully obvious that he was athwart the clearly-spoken desires of the membership, was that “working relentlessly”?
He then gives us a few bullet points. Pilots LOVE bullet points:
• Expanded use of MEMRAT (member ratification)
• Greater MEC involvement in group grievance disposition
• Addressing global threats to our profession
• Employing technology to make ALPA resources and information readily available 24/7
• Timely and relevant communication
• Improving MEC practice and policy in an effort to increase opportunities for membership involvement
• Future communications discussing high membership interest items such as Joint Ventures (JVs), the ongoing dues reduction efforts, and the dues refund process
Not one to waste an opportunity, Bill gets right to work on his plan to turn us into the efficient, well-oiled machine that was the Gold Standard for ethical trade unionism, the (unprintable) Northwest MEC.
“Expanded use of MEMRAT (member ratification).” Isn’t it cute how he explains what MEMRAT means? I think that Bill is getting ahead of himself, because there are limits to what a Master Chairman can do. Here’s the quote from the ALPA Constitution And By-Laws:
SECTION 12 - JURISDICTION AND DUTIES OF MASTER EXECUTIVE COUNCIL OFFICERS
A. The Master Chairman shall be:
1) The chief executive officer of his Master Executive Council.
2) Charged with, and responsible for, administering the policies of his Master Executive Council.
3) Responsible for expeditious processing of members' complaints and grievances.
4) The Association representative on his airline for the purpose of furthering and implementing the objectives and policies of the Board of Directors and Executive Board.
5) Charged with, and responsible for, coordinating and compiling Local Council policy, review reports and recommendations and submitting such material to the appropriate committees of the Association.
6) An ex officio member of the Negotiating Committee.
7) An ex officio member of the Board of Directors, if not also a Local Council Representative.
And here’s what the Delta MEC Policy Manual has to say about it:
Duties and Responsibilities
The MEC chairman will carry out the duties and responsibilities of his office as prescribed by the ALPA Constitution and By-Laws, the ALPA Administrative Manual, and this Policy Manual. He will:
• Carry out any assignment directed by the MEC.
• Be the official spokesman for the policies of the MEC.
• Keep the MEC informed of any action or discussions taken on its behalf.
• Be an ex-officio member of all committees unless otherwise provided by the MEC.
• Represent the MEC for the purpose of furthering and implementing the objectives and policies of the ALPA Board of Directors and Executive Board.
• Cast a tie-breaking vote of the MEC, except in elections of officers.
Now that’s funny, because neither of those two documents say diddly about the Master Chairman changing the rules for membership ratification. That action is entirely at the discretion of the reps on the MEC. The Policy Manual is quite clear:
“Collective bargaining agreements that have been approved by the MEC and result from negotiations undertaken pursuant to both Section 28 of the PWA and Section 6 of the Railway Labor Act that both resolve all Section 6 issues and conclude Section 6 negotiations shall be subject to membership ratification. All other agreements shall be subject only to MEC ratification unless the MEC determines that an agreement should be subject to membership ratification.”
What Bill Bartels wants to do is tie our hands behind our backs and avoid responsibility for every possible outcome by requiring membership ratification for every agreement, no matter how small. He is offering us NOTHING that we don’t ALREADY HAVE, and making future deals harder to close.
“Greater MEC involvement in group grievances” means two things. First, it is an abdication of responsibility, as the C&BL charges the Master Chairman with the job of “expeditious processing” of these things. Second, it ignores reality. Trying to micro-manage an arbitration or a trip to court never works.
“Global threats.” I hope he eventually comes to understand that the biggest threat to our profession is actually our own government; the foreigners don’t worry me as much as the politicians who will ignore the laws of this land and sell us out if we give them any amount of slack. I hope he backs up the words with actions.
“Employing technology to make ALPA resources and information readily available 24/7.” That sounds like an app or a website, which we already have, but maybe he means committee volunteers? Sounds easy until you look at the logistics. It takes about a year to train a competent full-time Scheduling Committee volunteer, so good luck finding someone who would rather take calls at oh-dark-thirty than fly the line.
While we’re on the topic of technology, how about we reverse course, and re-open the ALPA forums? There is literally no venue that isn’t owned privately, and moderated by persons with political motivations for their actions. Fair, open, and honest communications should go both ways.
“Timely and relevant communication.” Everyone promises this on taking office. Good thing our new crack team of communicators were on FPL over Christmas, even though the office was locked up. I’m sure there was some urgent ALPA work being done over THAT weekend, it just happened at home, surrounded by presents and family, while a lot of us were flying. Your dues at work.
“Improving MEC practice and policy in an effort to increase opportunities for membership involvement.” Here’s a fun one, but I don’t think it really means ANYTHING. Again, Bill is trying to claim he will do something that he doesn’t actually have the authority to do.
“Future communications discussing high membership interest items such as Joint Ventures (JVs), the ongoing dues reduction efforts, and the dues refund process.” Hey, you already mentioned this a couple bullets ago, so now you’re just pandering. Shame.
It looks like a benign, inoffensive little thing. It’s just another “From The Chairman” letter that most of us won’t read. Recently I have taken to telling my first officers that I will do all the walk-arounds if they can tell me the name of the Delta MEC Master Chairman, but so far all I have are some clean, dry shoes to show for it. Nobody cares. We are deep in the tall cotton these days, with pay raises, profit sharing checks, and AE bids to seriously consider, and it’s become the inverse of what it was like around here just ten years ago. The good times offer poor practice for the bad times, and bad times are coming for us. Every other economic boom cycle has ended, and this one will too, cupcakes.
If we weaken our governance and remove the accountability of the people we elect to represent us in collective bargaining, contract enforcement and government policy decisions, how will we hang on to what we have earned so far, let alone overcome the challenges ahead?
I expect more from this administration. All four officers voted for themselves and for each other, which is odious enough. Now after taking the titles, their first impulses are to dispense with the accountability that comes with leadership, and blithely state their intentions to commit actions that are prohibited by our governance.
Who does the Master Chairman work for? My reps must put his feet to the fire and ensure that he knows the proper answer to that question.
Issue 1
3 January 2017
Delusions Of Authority
The new Master Chairman is out of the chute with a letter to the pilots, and I hope that all of us take a nice hard look at it. Here are some highlights:
“Our newly ratified contract provides a solid foundation upon which to improve. While admittedly not perfect, the MEC worked relentlessly to overcome considerable differences and help realize significant gains for the Delta pilots.”
News flash – no contract is perfect. Ever. I am sure that Delta management is equally aware of our contract’s imperfections. Tell me, when Bill Bartels led twelve reps into an elevator on August 7th, then later voted against re-direction, only to cave in at the September MEC meeting after it was painfully obvious that he was athwart the clearly-spoken desires of the membership, was that “working relentlessly”?
He then gives us a few bullet points. Pilots LOVE bullet points:
• Expanded use of MEMRAT (member ratification)
• Greater MEC involvement in group grievance disposition
• Addressing global threats to our profession
• Employing technology to make ALPA resources and information readily available 24/7
• Timely and relevant communication
• Improving MEC practice and policy in an effort to increase opportunities for membership involvement
• Future communications discussing high membership interest items such as Joint Ventures (JVs), the ongoing dues reduction efforts, and the dues refund process
Not one to waste an opportunity, Bill gets right to work on his plan to turn us into the efficient, well-oiled machine that was the Gold Standard for ethical trade unionism, the (unprintable) Northwest MEC.
“Expanded use of MEMRAT (member ratification).” Isn’t it cute how he explains what MEMRAT means? I think that Bill is getting ahead of himself, because there are limits to what a Master Chairman can do. Here’s the quote from the ALPA Constitution And By-Laws:
SECTION 12 - JURISDICTION AND DUTIES OF MASTER EXECUTIVE COUNCIL OFFICERS
A. The Master Chairman shall be:
1) The chief executive officer of his Master Executive Council.
2) Charged with, and responsible for, administering the policies of his Master Executive Council.
3) Responsible for expeditious processing of members' complaints and grievances.
4) The Association representative on his airline for the purpose of furthering and implementing the objectives and policies of the Board of Directors and Executive Board.
5) Charged with, and responsible for, coordinating and compiling Local Council policy, review reports and recommendations and submitting such material to the appropriate committees of the Association.
6) An ex officio member of the Negotiating Committee.
7) An ex officio member of the Board of Directors, if not also a Local Council Representative.
And here’s what the Delta MEC Policy Manual has to say about it:
Duties and Responsibilities
The MEC chairman will carry out the duties and responsibilities of his office as prescribed by the ALPA Constitution and By-Laws, the ALPA Administrative Manual, and this Policy Manual. He will:
• Carry out any assignment directed by the MEC.
• Be the official spokesman for the policies of the MEC.
• Keep the MEC informed of any action or discussions taken on its behalf.
• Be an ex-officio member of all committees unless otherwise provided by the MEC.
• Represent the MEC for the purpose of furthering and implementing the objectives and policies of the ALPA Board of Directors and Executive Board.
• Cast a tie-breaking vote of the MEC, except in elections of officers.
Now that’s funny, because neither of those two documents say diddly about the Master Chairman changing the rules for membership ratification. That action is entirely at the discretion of the reps on the MEC. The Policy Manual is quite clear:
“Collective bargaining agreements that have been approved by the MEC and result from negotiations undertaken pursuant to both Section 28 of the PWA and Section 6 of the Railway Labor Act that both resolve all Section 6 issues and conclude Section 6 negotiations shall be subject to membership ratification. All other agreements shall be subject only to MEC ratification unless the MEC determines that an agreement should be subject to membership ratification.”
What Bill Bartels wants to do is tie our hands behind our backs and avoid responsibility for every possible outcome by requiring membership ratification for every agreement, no matter how small. He is offering us NOTHING that we don’t ALREADY HAVE, and making future deals harder to close.
“Greater MEC involvement in group grievances” means two things. First, it is an abdication of responsibility, as the C&BL charges the Master Chairman with the job of “expeditious processing” of these things. Second, it ignores reality. Trying to micro-manage an arbitration or a trip to court never works.
“Global threats.” I hope he eventually comes to understand that the biggest threat to our profession is actually our own government; the foreigners don’t worry me as much as the politicians who will ignore the laws of this land and sell us out if we give them any amount of slack. I hope he backs up the words with actions.
“Employing technology to make ALPA resources and information readily available 24/7.” That sounds like an app or a website, which we already have, but maybe he means committee volunteers? Sounds easy until you look at the logistics. It takes about a year to train a competent full-time Scheduling Committee volunteer, so good luck finding someone who would rather take calls at oh-dark-thirty than fly the line.
While we’re on the topic of technology, how about we reverse course, and re-open the ALPA forums? There is literally no venue that isn’t owned privately, and moderated by persons with political motivations for their actions. Fair, open, and honest communications should go both ways.
“Timely and relevant communication.” Everyone promises this on taking office. Good thing our new crack team of communicators were on FPL over Christmas, even though the office was locked up. I’m sure there was some urgent ALPA work being done over THAT weekend, it just happened at home, surrounded by presents and family, while a lot of us were flying. Your dues at work.
“Improving MEC practice and policy in an effort to increase opportunities for membership involvement.” Here’s a fun one, but I don’t think it really means ANYTHING. Again, Bill is trying to claim he will do something that he doesn’t actually have the authority to do.
“Future communications discussing high membership interest items such as Joint Ventures (JVs), the ongoing dues reduction efforts, and the dues refund process.” Hey, you already mentioned this a couple bullets ago, so now you’re just pandering. Shame.
It looks like a benign, inoffensive little thing. It’s just another “From The Chairman” letter that most of us won’t read. Recently I have taken to telling my first officers that I will do all the walk-arounds if they can tell me the name of the Delta MEC Master Chairman, but so far all I have are some clean, dry shoes to show for it. Nobody cares. We are deep in the tall cotton these days, with pay raises, profit sharing checks, and AE bids to seriously consider, and it’s become the inverse of what it was like around here just ten years ago. The good times offer poor practice for the bad times, and bad times are coming for us. Every other economic boom cycle has ended, and this one will too, cupcakes.
If we weaken our governance and remove the accountability of the people we elect to represent us in collective bargaining, contract enforcement and government policy decisions, how will we hang on to what we have earned so far, let alone overcome the challenges ahead?
I expect more from this administration. All four officers voted for themselves and for each other, which is odious enough. Now after taking the titles, their first impulses are to dispense with the accountability that comes with leadership, and blithely state their intentions to commit actions that are prohibited by our governance.
Who does the Master Chairman work for? My reps must put his feet to the fire and ensure that he knows the proper answer to that question.
01-04-2017, 06:38 AM
#25
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jun 2010
Posts: 852
Originally Posted by Free Mason
Bartels is not your biggest problem. Its the MEC. After that, its what becomes of the committee structure. If it becomes a bunch of political IOU's it becomes a mess. If BB chooses people based on ability and not political likability, he has a chance while moving on some issues that are very important to the pilot group.
Originally Posted by Free Mason
The new admin has a lot of work to do with DAL management to prove their ability to execute. We will see how that goes over the next six months. The MEC has opportunities to add mid contract gains, but has to be very careful they do not overestimate their leverage.
Originally Posted by Free Mason
All of this will go on with the line pilot relatively unaware. We have a new contract and only when politics effect a pilot's pocketbook do they pay attention. The first instance that the pilot group will become aware of a major issue will be when we start the next section 6 negotiation.
Originally Posted by Free Mason
I bet Bill plays it safe until after the ATL recalls. I bet he sees the outcome of their recalls as a proxy to his admin. They stay, he stays, they go, he goes. In reality the recall of the FO reps in 44 goes well beyond their vote for BB. Its about the ability to do the rep job. Sounds like a lot of stuff may come out at the recall meeting.
01-04-2017, 07:59 AM
#27
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jun 2015
Posts: 300
Originally Posted by Karnak
No. Only those letters "from the MEC" are from every rep. They are typically signed by each rep. Chairman's letters are from the Chairman himself.
01-04-2017, 08:36 AM
#28
Happy to be here
Joined APC: Jun 2006
Position: A-320A
Posts: 18,563
Originally Posted by Wuzatforus
You're mixing things up. The MEC Chairman letters are only signed by him, but the letter must first pass muster with the reps. They all get to see it and, in theory, veto it or demand changes. That's a recent change in practice. Unsure if MD did it that way, but JM did it and, so far, BB is doing it the same way according to "top men". It wasn't like that not long ago.
Second, its not a vote type of process. Its sent out for review to the MEC. Depending on a given rep's schedule they may not have the opportunity to see it prior to being pushed to the membership. In addition to this, your approval, disapproval or edits are "input" not "direction" It does not go to a vote. The administration can and has changed wording or communications all together, but it only happens when there is massive pushback. I have also seen it where there is pushback and its still sent. That is the Master Chair's right. Just as it his/her right to communicate directly to a council like O'Mally did to C20 during the C2012 MEMRAT process.
Bill laid out his desires to change the process internally. It will be up to the MEC with a 2/3rds majority to approve these changes to the Policy Manual. Bill can put any resolution he desires before the MEC, just like any rep can do.
01-04-2017, 08:41 AM
#29
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jun 2015
Posts: 300
Originally Posted by acl65pilot
First, you are correct that every rep gets a preview of every communication from the admin. The lead time before its pushed varies. I am sure Bill has kept the same policy.
Second, its not a vote type of process. Its sent out for review to the MEC. Depending on a given rep's schedule they may not have the opportunity to see it prior to being pushed to the membership. In addition to this, your approval, disapproval or edits are "input" not "direction" It does not go to a vote. The administration can and has changed wording or communications all together, but it only happens when there is massive pushback. I have also seen it where there is pushback and its still sent. That is the Master Chair's right. Just as it his/her right to communicate directly to a council like O'Mally did to C20 during the C2012 MEMRAT process.
Bill laid out his desires to change the process internally. It will be up to the MEC with a 2/3rds majority to approve these changes to the Policy Manual. Bill can put any resolution he desires before the MEC, just like any rep can do.
Second, its not a vote type of process. Its sent out for review to the MEC. Depending on a given rep's schedule they may not have the opportunity to see it prior to being pushed to the membership. In addition to this, your approval, disapproval or edits are "input" not "direction" It does not go to a vote. The administration can and has changed wording or communications all together, but it only happens when there is massive pushback. I have also seen it where there is pushback and its still sent. That is the Master Chair's right. Just as it his/her right to communicate directly to a council like O'Mally did to C20 during the C2012 MEMRAT process.
Bill laid out his desires to change the process internally. It will be up to the MEC with a 2/3rds majority to approve these changes to the Policy Manual. Bill can put any resolution he desires before the MEC, just like any rep can do.
It's a lonely rube world.
01-07-2017, 07:37 AM
#30
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jun 2015
Posts: 253
Originally Posted by Free Mason
I bet he sees the outcome of their recalls as a proxy to his admin. They stay, he stays, they go, he goes. In reality the recall of the FO reps in 44 goes well beyond their vote for BB. Its about the ability to do the rep job. Sounds like a lot of stuff may come out at the recall meeting.
I believe the first MEC meeting is in March (?) Can anyone really objectively say there is enough performance data on the new Admin in two months to make the determination that job performance in that time is grounds for a recall?
If one is attempted following a potential changing of the guard in ATL it will be based on personal politics and vengeance and nothing else. Very disappointing, and not what I expect out of my elected Reps. We have a good PWA, and are in a (relative) peacetime environment. Let the new guys do their jobs and if they don't hold them accountable, but the measurement metrics aren't going to take place in two months.
It's this kind of crap that gave birth to and continues to breath life into the corpse of the DPA.
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