Originally Posted by shimmydamp

I think he's referring to general attitude portrayed earlier by some, calling all union volunteers "thieves". Most were already waiting for the opportunity to pounce on top of ALPA for its shortcomings and routinely lob grenades at their own democratically elected peers, as if ALPA is a third party. It may feel that it is a third party but it probably wouldn't if more pilots took part in the process itself.

Originally Posted by JoeyMeatballs

I have been an ALPA REP for 5.5 years and you can bet your ass when I am at a meeting I will go out to dinner and EXPENSE IT! I will also expense my cell phone and any and all costs associated with being a REP. I do this #1, it's allowed via the policy manual, and #2 being a REP takes a toll on your personal life (it's a choice I know), I cant tell you how many times I have had conference calls interrupt family dinners, or random calls at 1am when the wife is up for the 3rd time trying to put the newborn down to sleep. You can bet if I have to take a cab ride from the airport to a hotel, I will expense it, if I am away from home and have to pay for food and it isn't being provided I will expense it etc.... I wouldn't expense alcohol, nor would I abuse the policy however you guys are out of line calling any and ALL ALPA REPS "thieves". Of course there are those individuals who probably abuse the policy (buy a PB&J sandwich and expense the full allowed amount) I have been to THREE BODs and the progressively are getting worse, so your wish has come true....... (food is still fantastic), however the days of over the top Hospitality suites and the theme nights etc are all gone. If you don't like ALPA policy step up, participate and change it, don't throw stones at those of use who actually care and volunteer

Originally Posted by The Juice

I agree that there needs to be responsibility and oversight when using dues money for union events. Nobody should be popping Cristal champagne and sipping Louis at any union paid event.

However, some of you need a reality check. Don't chastise union pilot volunteers for expensing meals and other legitimate expenses that occured while performing union business. You expect results from these volunteers and you want it without a cost, all the while reminding the union volunteer that they are just that, a volunteer, and should not look for reimbursement.

Someone used the example of volunteering at their kids school and not looking for reimbursement for their sub sandwich. Well guess what, we aren't running a bake sale, this is our careers and our profession. We should want the smartest pilots our groups have to offer to volunteer to represent our interests against the talent that management will assemble on the other side of the table. Try and squeeze these volunteers out of reimbursement for cell phone usage and a dinner and see what you're left with; garbage in and garbage out.

Soon the same people who complained about union expenses will now be complaining about how their union "screwed" them.

There will always be opportunists in every game, it's inevitable. However, the great majority of union volunteers do it at a sacrifice to their personal private life for the greater good of the group. If that means my dues will go to rental cars and responsible union expenditures, I'm fine with that.

Originally Posted by ShyGuy

They are thieves!

Originally Posted by bgmann

Please visit https://www.facebook.com/recalltonyanddave .

and

Recall Tony Gutierrez & Dave Ryter as ALPA AE MEC Representatives Petition

The second page is under review and should be approved soon.

Originally Posted by JoeyMeatballs

1st page doesnt work

Originally Posted by shimmydamp

I realize that there are ALPA reps that take advantage of the system, but the approach of the Eagle rep is pretty weak to me.

You have a problem, you settle it like an adult, man to man. You work with one another to come up with a solution. It's putting basic group work skills to use. Blast mailing an entire base with his CSI detective work is nothing more than a cheap political move on his part, and does nothing to further any cause of Eagle pilots, in my opinion.

Nothing like pilots vs pilots to solve our problems.

Originally Posted by shimmydamp

There's the exact quote, Red F.

Another post referred to "ALPO" as "a waste of time and money", which would imply that it is a third party service and not our own elected peers.

The rep that wrote this email just as much represents ALPA as the MEC Chair he refers to. It's not a private corporation we have no control over.

I give the DFW rep credit for volunteering and taking a stand against abuse of expenses, I just have a problem with airing dirty laundry for management to see. Aside from that, good for him for stepping up to the plate, volunteering his time and working from within.

Originally Posted by 32LTangoTen

So $1500-2500 bill for a night out. And $374 for drinks alone. is okay?