Just sitting here having a few and was wondering what differences there are in ALPA now and say 10 years ago .

 

ALPA needs to start running like a national union. Allowing each individual MEC (union local) to lower the bar is not acceptable. There needs to be a "basic" pilot contract created, and each MEC should be prohibited from accepting anything less than the ALPA basic contract. Each MEC would remain free to negotiate special perks with their own managements, and tailored to their own airline. ALPA national needs to take a stronger leadership position, and put some backing and support behind the words "we're taking it back."

If we need to have a systemwide meeting of all the MEC's, or create a committee comprised of members from each pilot group, to construct the "basic" ALPA pilot contract, then that is what we should start doing, and the time is now. Each member of the committee would bring their contract to the meetings, and as a group, select the best sections from the various contracts, to create the new "basic" ALPA pilot contract.

The "basic" ALPA pilot contract should be constructed to cover everything from Beech 1900's to A380's. A new idea, which I have not seen at ALPA, but have seen at other pilot union contract or side letters, is to include a fine system for when management violates the contract. Additionally, a section prohibiting members from knowingly violating another local's contract should be included, with a stipulation that if pilots refuse to fly, after being notified by an MEC of the violation the company may not take punative actions against them...

just some thoughts and rants....

other ideas anybody?

 

What did I like about ALPA ..Getting out

 

Absolutely, positively the best thing about ALPA is not having to pay dues anymore because I'm OUT !

The national organization has lost touch with the concept that they represent the line pilot in the trenches and the sole purpose of the national organization is to try to represent those pilots' interests. Under Capt. Dwayne Worthless, the officers and staff in Herndon and "downtown" spent too much time inside the Beltway and got too cozy with those on Capitol Hill, enjoying the social life and "doing deals" while the average line holder was struggling with issues that needed attention. The national officers certainly enjoyed going to meetings, having fancy dinners and running with the "movers & shakers" in D.C. while things were unraveling in the cockpits and the LEC's. If you really want to get riled up, check out what the national ALPA Officers are paid out of YOUR dues monies.

Good riddance and I use the funds that used to pay ALPA dues money for golf balls and greens fees now. At least I get something out of that !

G'day

 

Maybe I schould start a thread on what not to like about ALPA or would that be a bit too much ?

 

Yeah................lets all blame ALPA. I love the US Air guys, who was it that agreed to let it go to arbitration????????????

 

... I just can't get enough of the over-weight male first officers making their pre-flight rounds...

 

Hmmm, Randy Babbit didn't have a mustache?

Let me think, there's got to be something else

 

ALPA ain't great, but it definately beats some other choices!!!