Originally Posted by slowplay

Just curious, Ferd. NWA had experience with an in house FA union and an unaffiliated AMFA mechanics union. How did those great independent ideas work out for their membership?

Originally Posted by johnso29

Gotta say I agree with you alfa. SWAPA, USAPA, & APA really haven't gained any ground in their existence. As a matter of fact, I'd say USAPA has only cost their members MORE $$$ since they voted ALPA out. Not only are they draining their pockets with court costs, but they are robbing them of career earnings because they are too busy measuring schlongs rather then working together for a joint contract. What a waste they are.

Originally Posted by B7ER Guy

upndsky:
If you are a follower of the DALPA forum at all, you'll notice that VP #2 had a 5 page thread all dedicated to him and his, well, brashness towards his fellow co worker trying to give up a seat and ride the JS. I'd say someone like that is not a fairly good cross representation.
As the saying goes, "be careful what you wish for."
I'm grabbing another brew and some popcorn to continue watching this fun unfold.

7ER guy

Originally Posted by Carl Spackler

Yeah, what could go wrong there.

Somehow I don't think the "cheapest" route will be the way we go, but I'm glad to see your concern about how we save the most money.

Carl

Originally Posted by capncrunch

It appears to be doing just fine. Sounds like you don't like us even discussing the matter.

Originally Posted by upndsky

I don't go to the DALPA forums. Too big of a PITA to log on only to watch guys snipe at each other.

I don't know any of the 3 characters. I just meant to point out that they represent a fair cross section. IOW, this isn't made up solely of a small subset of our pilot group. In that respect, it's a good start.

As for the individuals themselves, I don't know. Like many, I'm frustrated with ALPA National (not our MEC). Whether DPA is the answer remains to be seen. A web page does not a union make and from what little I have seen, I'm not overly impressed. But I'm glad that the discourse has started.

Originally Posted by capncrunch

We are a unified group.

Originally Posted by capncrunch

Are you implying that if we form our own union, management will fire all the pilots and hire new ones? Or that ALPA is the only game in town and we must deal with it?

Very ridiculous.

Originally Posted by alfaromeo

If we form an independent union then ALPA will dissolve. There will be no organized and unified voice for pilots. The independent unions will join CAPA. CAPA will form a central organization to lobby with a unified voice. CAPA will see that rather than hiring outside experts at $1,000 an hour, it would be cheaper to hire full time attorneys and economic experts to make available to all pilot groups when it is their turn to negotiate. CAPA will form Safety and Security committees to look after pilot interests in those specialized areas. CAPA will then see that the entire profession cannot be raised up unless they raise up the groups with the least resources and ability to negotiate, so they will recruit the smaller airlines. Finally, CAPA will lease some vacant office space, oh let's say in Herndon, VA, where they can pry off the ALPA signs from the wall and put up CAPA signs. Wow I will feel much better when that happens.

Originally Posted by upndsky

If we split from ALPA and "join" CAPA, that is exactly what will happen.

The difference, however, is that CAPA would represent the interests of mainline carriers, whether they're majors, LCCs or cargo. IOW, those of us who fly for our own brand.