tomgoodman

My guess is that they don't think an in-house union would get them a better deal. Southwest pilots have done well on their own, but American's APA accepted one of the most infamous concessions in history---the original "B-scale" (50% cut, never merging). A group (PPA) tried to replace ALPA at Delta several years ago, but failed.

In any event, each pilot group (NWA, Delta, etc.) is responsible for its own contract. ALPA national took credit during the good years, but they had little to do with it. ALPA is really just a loose association of "in-house unions".

reddog25

In any event, each pilot group (NWA, Delta, etc.) is responsible for its own contract. ALPA national took credit during the good years, but they had little to do with it. ALPA is really just a loose association of "in-house unions".[/QUOTE]

U R Correct Sir....Don't blame national ALPA. They are the ones you want on your side..the PAC and the $$$. Charity, and blame, starts at home. If you don't like the contract, throw da bums out on the next election...

Pharaoh

To help us non-ATP guys put the conversation in perspective, can someone please post what the union dues are. Or at least a ballpark range. Tnx.

Eric Stratton

ALPA will never be that strong because they are not a real national union. They are a bunch of unions that put their money in one bank and call it alpa.

Even if things turn around there will always be another airtran, jetblue, alligiant, spirit or mesa to come around and do it cheaper. No one will do anything about it except take the paycuts to come down to their level and complain about it on boards like these.

insanity = doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. aka ALPA or airline management

tomgoodman

In fairness, it should be noted that ALPA has helped the pilot profession greatly by persuading Congress and the FAA to pass laws and safety regulations which apply to the industry as a whole. Many airline managers knew they were the right thing to do, but could not act on their own for competitive reasons.

dckozak

FedEx dumped ALPA after voting it in the mid 90's. Got the song and dance from our NO guy's (about 40%+) at the time that we would never be stong without a unifited crew force (true) and they would not join ALPA (for various reasons) and the company would support (read: negoiate with) a in house union; so we (the majority) should join them. After the crappy TA ALPA was able to pull out of FedEx, the majority agreed and booted ALPA for an in house union. Needless to say the honeymoon we were promised by the NEW UNION LEADERSHIP ended with a agreement brokered in a parking lot (a lot of speculation of events, none too flattering to our union leadership). This was after a 2nd TA voted down (first ALPA, than in house) and the recriminations still reverberate today. The company used some scheduling loopholes (we) agreed to and, out with the in house and back with ALPA. Short but (sweet ) history at a carrier that dumped ALPA.

Lesson- becareful what you wish for. Do you really think NWA (DAL or any other airline for that matter) would do you better without ALPA?? Think with your head, don't let anger over ride reason.