Go Back  Airline Pilot Central Forums > Airline Pilot Forums > Major > Delta
C44 FO Response to C44 CA Communication >

C44 FO Response to C44 CA Communication

Notices

C44 FO Response to C44 CA Communication

Old 02-02-2017, 11:35 AM
  #1  
Gets Weekends Off
Thread Starter
 
Joined APC: Oct 2010
Position: Decoupled
Posts: 922
Default C44 FO Response to C44 CA Communication

Council 44 First Officers’ Report

February 2, 2017


Council 44 Pilots,

We apologize for the continuing intrusions. You have been unwittingly drawn into a soap opera, and for that we sincerely apologize. You deserve better. But, we cannot sit idly by and have our good names and our efforts on your behalf dragged through the mud without a response with real facts (not alternative facts).

While some of our opponents, and now our colleagues, have chosen to resort to personality differences, half-truths, distortions, anger, and falsehoods, we will not engage in any such behavior nor provide you with any titillating ALPA drama to further muddy the waters. No good ever comes from this behavior.

Let’s be clear. The flurry of accusations is simply political payback for not voting for John Malone. We recognize our vote was contrary to the preferences of some line pilots with no political agenda. Others supported a change in direction. And many of you don’t really care either way. At times, it seems we are dealing with 4,000 pilots and 8,000 opinions. There are always winners and losers in elections. Our vote for Captain Bartels was not a vote against John Malone, although that’s the way it’s being portrayed. It was not an easy vote. To the contrary, the easy vote (politically) would have been to vote for John Malone and, if we had, do you think you would be inundated with all the complaints about our “performance”?

We stand by our decision to support Captain Bartels for MEC chairman for a number of reasons—primarily, who best to lead us in the next stages of contract implementation and enforcement. Please also keep in mind that Captain Malone had campaigned on a promise to step down after a TA was achieved.

For brevity, we’ve listed the prominent allegations circulating and responses in the table below:

Allegation
Response
Flower Fund fell to $0 balance
Never dropped below $1,800. Currently over $9,000.
Reluctant to engage in C44 business
False
Refuses to represent pilots in the CPO
False
Unwilling to engage with C44 captain reps
False
Communicates with pilots outside C44
True (who doesn’t?)
Refuses to conduct C44 business unless on FPL
False
Never seen in the crew lounges
False
Didn’t return e-mails
Partially true. Some of the 1,000-plus e-mails we received fell through the cracks during negotiations. Some e-mails are one-directional or abusive and don’t warrant a response.
Captain representatives can’t work with us
True, though the reverse is not true
Out of step with C44 pilots
To be determined by you

For most line pilots, these are petty and trifle matters, but they are tools for stirring up rumors and emotions to justify our removal. Other concerns have substance, but the answers are more nuanced.

Some members have expressed concern we are not in lockstep with the C44 captain representatives with our votes. If that is the desire, why do F/O representatives have a vote in the first place? Each representative should—and must—vote their own conscience, not the conscience of another. We achieve better results with spirited debate and challenging each of our positions, not a go-along-get-along approach (à la TA1).

The “secret meeting” of 12 representatives continues to be blown out of proportion. First, it wasn’t a “secret.” It was a caucus (fancy word for discussion). Yes, both of us participated in that caucus. At the time, it was clear there were hardening positions forming from a minority of the MEC to accept a quicker, lesser deal. The 12 of us needed time to focus our own consensus position and present a united front. We are 100 percent confident the actions of the 12 led to a better deal in the end. While the sky was falling for some who we were “parked” by the NMB, the undersigned pushed the negotiators, the administration, and the minority of the MEC to stand strong. Given the result, we would caucus again similarly in the future if that’s what it takes to get results.

One particularly distorted critique that won’t go away is the fact that Jimmy Johnson voted “yes” and then switched his vote to “no” on the final TA resolution. He simply misunderstood the way the discussion and resolution were presented at a very busy MEC meeting. When he realized his error he immediately corrected his vote. Are there any among us who haven’t misunderstood an ATC clearance and (hopefully) corrected it? This is nothing more than faux outrage being ginned up to get a desired result.

The most vocal of our opponents make interesting bedfellows. Many who now demand our ouster for not voting for Captain Malone openly questioned his candidacy in 2015. Once elected, these same individuals then refused to support the simplest of unity efforts such as wearing the orange lanyard or informational picketing. Keep in mind, when they failed to support these efforts, they weren’t just turning their backs on Captain Malone and the MEC, they were turning their backs on you. Now they’re angry we didn’t support the same guy they refused to support and they want you to follow their lead and get rid of us. Try to follow that pretzel logic.

The report and perspectives you received Monday from the captain representatives, while disappointing, is not surprising. By their own words, they cannot work with us. But, the reverse is not true. We will work with whomever is seated around the table. Just like you, where you don’t get to pick who you fly with, they don’t get to pick who they work with on the MEC—only you do.

This is power politics at its rawest. A vocal group of connected insiders is using their contact list to spread falsehoods and levy personal attacks to regain control. Our union has a long history of picking who is welcome and who is unwelcome to serve. We thought those days were behind us. They clearly are not—yet.

Finally, from a more global view, this recall effort, so personalized, will have a chilling effect on recruiting future representatives who are not in lockstep with the careerists. We need not remind you it was the strength of the minority voices on the MEC that led the way to the rejection of TA1 and paved the way for our new contract. It’s up to you to validate or repudiate the politically motivated attacks and marginalization attempts against us because of our votes.

We welcome the opportunity for all C44 pilots to participate in the electronic vote. The ultimate power of your union rests with you, but only if you stay involved. There are currently many existential threats and more on the horizon. Do not let post-contract apathy set in. Your union is at a crossroads. Will the power further centralize? Or, will the pilots take ownership?

This will be your opportunity to have your voice heard. If you feel you want independent representation, not susceptible to threats and intimidation regarding our votes, and do not wish to see a return of the environment that led to TA1, then we ask you to vote against our recall. If you feel we should be removed for voting our conscience and yearn for a more docile MEC, then this will be your chance to make a course correction. Cast your ballot against our recall at the ALPA website http://www3.alpa.org/VoteNet/tabid/6263/Default.aspx. Please, as unpleasant as this may be, do not abstain. Each vote matters and only those cast will be counted. Your vote or abstention will send a message to the union, to management, and to your fellow pilots. Don’t let others decide for you. The voting window closes on February 10, 2017.

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter.

Respectfully submitted,


Christopher Kern and Jimmy Johnson
orvil is offline  
Old 02-02-2017, 11:38 AM
  #2  
At home on the maddog!
 
DAL 88 Driver's Avatar
 
Joined APC: Mar 2009
Position: ATL MD-88A
Posts: 2,874
Default

The Moakies are playing politics and trying to get their power back so they can proactively appease Delta's bottom line at our expense. That's what this whole thing boils down to.
DAL 88 Driver is offline  
Old 02-02-2017, 12:41 PM
  #3  
Gets Weekends Off
 
Joined APC: Sep 2016
Posts: 173
Default

Originally Posted by DAL 88 Driver View Post
The Moakies are playing politics and trying to get their power back so they can proactively appease Delta's bottom line at our expense. That's what this whole thing boils down to.
Are DeRosa and Martin Moakies now? Too funny.
Bradshaw24 is offline  
Old 02-02-2017, 01:37 PM
  #4  
Gets Weekends Off
 
Joined APC: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,108
Default

Originally Posted by Bradshaw24 View Post
Are DeRosa and Martin Moakies now? Too funny.
They are much, much worse.

The Moakies are unapologetically aligned with management.

Sam and Scott ran on reform and turned their backs on us immediately.

I'll take Hanson or Cook over them any day of the week.
gzsg is offline  
Old 02-02-2017, 01:50 PM
  #5  
On Reserve
 
Joined APC: Feb 2017
Posts: 21
Default

It's hilarious how many "pilots" think they are important... when scientists and engineers are figuring out how to solve the "pilot shortage".
UpChuckYeager is offline  
Old 02-02-2017, 02:04 PM
  #6  
Gets Weekends Off
 
Joined APC: Jun 2015
Posts: 300
Default

Originally Posted by UpChuckYeager View Post
It's hilarious how many "pilots" think they are important... when scientists and engineers are figuring out how to solve the "pilot shortage".
Until that day happens, we need reps who believe in our value. And, as that day draws closer, we'll need reps who can pretend better. ;-)
Wuzatforus is offline  
Old 02-02-2017, 03:20 PM
  #7  
Gets Weekends Off
 
Valar Morghulis's Avatar
 
Joined APC: Jun 2015
Posts: 233
Default

Originally Posted by Bradshaw24 View Post
Are DeRosa and Martin Moakies now? Too funny.
They are Maloakies. Similar to the Vichy French. Faustian bargain and all that.......
Valar Morghulis is offline  
Old 02-02-2017, 03:24 PM
  #8  
Gets Weekends Off
 
Joined APC: Jun 2015
Posts: 300
Default

It would appear we shouldn't elect anyone with the last name Balone to MEC Chair.
Wuzatforus is offline  
Old 02-02-2017, 03:37 PM
  #9  
Gets Weekends Off
 
Joined APC: Jul 2007
Position: Left seat of a little plane
Posts: 2,393
Default

Originally Posted by gzsg View Post
They are much, much worse.

The Moakies are unapologetically aligned with management.

Sam and Scott ran on reform and turned their backs on us immediately.

I'll take Hanson or Cook over them any day of the week.
In what way did they "turn their back on us"? I feel quite well-represented thank you.

And even though I disagree with CK and JJ's vote for MEC chair, I strongly disagree with their recall--as I also strongly disagreed with the first round of pitchforks-and-torches recall post-TA1--and voted accordingly against the recall. I DID appreciate being able to vote electronically.
Herkflyr is offline  
Old 02-02-2017, 03:54 PM
  #10  
Gets Weekends Off
 
Joined APC: Jun 2015
Position: 737A
Posts: 228
Default

Originally Posted by Herkflyr View Post
In what way did they "turn their back on us"? I feel quite well-represented thank you.

And even though I disagree with CK and JJ's vote for MEC chair, I strongly disagree with their recall--as I also strongly disagreed with the first round of pitchforks-and-torches recall post-TA1--and voted accordingly against the recall. I DID appreciate being able to vote electronically.

Nobody is surprised that you disagree with anything not pro company. I want to know if DPA is dead or coming back to life. If Dalpa crawls back into bed with Mgmt it will be time for something else!!
Whereisalpa is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
FEtrip7
Cargo
38
02-16-2012 02:25 PM
SF340guy
Union Talk
92
06-12-2011 06:30 PM
shane123
Regional
29
04-01-2008 06:17 PM
HerkyBird
Cargo
17
11-04-2007 02:08 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Thread Tools
Search this Thread
Your Privacy Choices