I do think that most are apathetic in this country and also within our membership, but I'm hoping the last ten years will stay fresh in our memories. ALPA had the unity and failed to exercise it when it was most needed. Actually the independent unions made out best, imho. I think if DPA can be visible and make it easy for our membership to send in their card, it will happen and I'm not dreaming. I haven't met anyone in the cockpit singing ALPA's praises. The only people who seem to be happy with ALPA are RJ drivers and others within the ALPA machine who are benefiting in some way.

Care to give an example? And please don't point to SWA or UPS, as the union had nothing to do with relative values of those contracts. They have both been extremely profitable over the years, yet their pay has always lagged the industry.... until everyone that mattered went bankrupt.

Excellent post PG

...and of course you forget USAPA. Since they threw ALPA out things have been absolutely rosy around there. Multiple lawsuits, injunctions, massive legal bills, no contract advancement. Please let's be like them.

Apples and Oranges. Trying to connect DPA to USAPA is irresponsible as it is misinformation to the uninformed at best. Thing is, you are posting to a group of guys that have been around the block for the most part. What block am I referencing:

The one that ultimately might result in the removal of DALPA and ALPA.

1. The massive overindulgence and tone deaf out of control spending of dues $$$ coupled with the lack of fiscal responsibilty.

2. The lack of representation of the will of the "customers" (line pilots) at the MEC and National level.

3. Conflict of interests with the other ALPA member groups.

4. Finally, the arrogant and cavalier attitude of the DALPA MEC and their utter lack of communication and accountability.

Alpha. Lets get back to that apple/orange thing. USAPA was born out the blatant seniority grab done by the US Airways east pilots otherwise known as the "Angry F/O Club."

By forming USAPA and tossing ALPA, they hoped to disallow or ignore the Nicolau Award. That involves litagation. Can't promise anything as you are concerned with law suits. However, I only see possible litagation from the disgruntled folks that will cling to with ALPA with their last finger nail for what ever their personal motivations are.

Me. I don't see anything wrong with sending a card in and forcing the issue. Either DALPA/ALPA listens and changes.....quickly and with conviction, or, DPA will be given a chance to present their plan and a vote will be taken.

Actually...after mulling this over for the better part of two weeks, I put a Forever stamp on my envelope and gave it to the nice lady at the post office today.

I guess it is obvious the independent union had "nothing to do with the value of those contracts", because you say so. Thank you for clearing that up for me. While profit does play a role, those independent unions have the strongest scope in the biz. AMR also has more restrictive scope as well did Continental at the time which was independent. Tell me why the independent unions have much stronger scope language than the ALPA groups. The reason should be obvious to all of us. To me there is no more important part of a contract than SCOPE.

Wow. What a powerful debating point.

The fact that you read this as DPA's "main thrust" only proves you cannot read.

Your attempts to degrade this notwithstanding, that is exactly what happens. Decertification first, then campaigns, then elections. Please keep up your baseless accusations though. It gives me good measure of what the opposition (entrenched ALPA apologists) are made of.

Carl

I'm probably wasting my time because I don't think you care who DPA is, you just love ALPA no matter what. Love is a powerful force and you can't talk logic to love. But just in case, you certainly don't know if this is true, and you are of course completely speculating. But it doesn't matter. The people who are "pulling the strings" may not be the people that the membership elects to anything.

Yes...you're just trying to protect line pilots. From what...themseleves? You know better? The cards will roll in. They'll either total 51%+ or not. Til then..."lighten up Francis."

I don't believe you are for reforms. I think you just say that so you can seem moderate in the face of ALPA's inexcusable financial appetite and conflicts of interest.

Carl

I agree with you there...it should always be the best person regardless of seat. But this is enough to make you want to stay with ALPA? Really?

Carl

Awesome!! A new cliche!

Carl