Quote:
Originally Posted by DAL 88 Driver
Interesting how this article (at least the part you posted... I haven't gone to the link to read the full article) leaves the impression that the SLI is at least part of the impetus for pursuing new representation. Kinda sounds like they're trying to draw a comparison to the situation at US Airways. The problem with that is that I haven't heard or seen a single reference to the SLI as a reason to leave ALPA and go to DPA. I don't think this is about the SLI at all. From what I've seen, I think it is about a conflict of interest, a desire to have all our dues money and all our efforts in support of Delta pilots, and a desire to pursue restoration of our profession (and not be afraid to say it).
DAL 88 Driver is correct.
The SLI has absolutely NOTHING to do with the emergence of DPA. Having DALPA suggest this is a lame attempt at trying to redirect blame. The true reason is that DALPA hasn't done its job & the membership is unsatisfied.
What the Buzzard fails to tell you is that:
--the membership hears literally NOTHING from the MEC. After the Republic deal, we only got a bullet point outline about possible SCOPE issues. Explanations of possible impacts of the Mesaba & Compass sales were vague & lame, & said little.
--Almost nothing is said WRT MEC special / regular meetings, what was discussed, voted on, or any outcomes.
--Numerous questions WRT LOA between the MEC & Mgmt. Again, nothing is really told to the line pilot. We rarely see an LEC communication.
--The impression that the MEC is too cozy with Mgmt.
--The fact that DAL pilots pay about $23,000,000.00 in annual ALPA dues, & only recoup $9,000,000.00 of it. That's a heck of return on our investment. The other dues serve competing airlines' interests & keep the ALPA NATL gravy train funded.
--Question about conflicts of interest with ALPA representing different pilot groups that are after the same jobs.
--The impression that ALPA NATL has lost touch with the line pilots they represent. Huge salaries, perks & bennies that have blossomed out of control. The DAL pilots dues are being used to finance this.
--NATL ALPA office workers that earn more than line pilots.
--A huge ALPA BOD meeting at a luxury hotel with open bars & excessive expenses. Again, NATL wasting the hard earned dues of its members. And what about any updates from the meeting? NOTHING has been communicated. (Why isn't a regular layover hotel sufficient? Probably because we don't stay in five star hotels.)
--Any requests for DALPA expense reports or FPL figures are DENIED.
--A comm guy that insults our intelligence by stating "bigger is better', "ALPA gives the line pilot value", & that we should just shut our pie holes & get with the program. Don't rock the ALPA boat.
Pilots became interested in the DPA because they realized that ALPA could really give a rat's a$$ about their interests. It's a top down organization that closely holds onto its power with little regard to the membership. It wants to keep the status quo intact & has no desire to change. Pilots are sick of SSDD.