Rez,
... please provide us with 3 specific problems that exist within ALPA. In your past posts you may have cited some examples, but what I am really looking for here is for you to take that critical microscope of yours and aim it at ALPA.
I ask this because it's hard for me to find credibilty in someone who is quick to point out the faults in others, but fails to recognize their own... and we all have faults. Thanks in advance.
Oh-ryan-
A very valid post. In addition, before the three specific problems, I agree with your last parapraph. We all have faults and everyone brings something to the table. Consideration must be given to everyone however ideas must be pragmatic and workable.
What is wrong with ALPA-
When it comes to unions, relatively, ALPA is very effective. However, it is obvious that the membership wants ALPA to be more effective in promoting and protecting Air Line Pilot Careers. (Don't we all have this in common?)
ALPA has not figured out to maintian a real long term connection with the membership over its 75 years. Especially in the last five years, D. Woerth has failed connect with the membership. As the MIL guys know, with good leadership the troops will go almost anywhere. Because DW failed to even connect, the membership was uninformed, disrespected and not trusted. The backlash was scrutiny of ALPA President and staff contract/pay and DW's loss of election. Simply put ALPA has invalidated the membership and so the membership has repsonded in kind.
ALPA Fault #1. DW failed to validate the membership.
ALPA has evolved over the years but it is still growing. During new hire class, ALPA only has 30 mins to introduce, inform and educate the membership on what union represenation via the RLA is all about. Thus the membership remains aloof. When issues arise, the membership calls for unworkable solutions which hampers effectiveness. This also applies to LEC mmetings where attendance is ever so low.
ALPA Fault #2. ALPA has failed to educate it members.
Leadership is hard to come by in a volunteer organization. Unions for the most part are attractive to those who want or need ego verification. There are two kinds of union volunteers: those who want to defend the profession and help thier fellow pilot and those who want to stroke thier ego. Combined with the heavily political environement unions can quickly become passionate political debates via personal soap boxes. The focus of protecting and promoting Air Line Pilot Careers goes by the way side. Can it be another way? Unless dues increase to 5-10% to make everyone a paid employee, unions will have to depend on volunteerism. Nonetheless it is the responsibility of the pilots to be good leaders.
ALPA fault #3. ALPA has failed to promote effective leadership on the LEC, MEC, EC and national level.
From a different angle the three above can be group together as "ALPA has failed to show its value to the membership"
Any organization is useless without an effective membership.
My main issue is...... as pilots we are all Captains or Captains in training. When we fly jets we can do it very well. As US pilots we are the best. We can think critically and effectively. What that means is we are all leaders at our very core. However, as soon as we leave the flightdeck to address our careers we turn into ineffective sheep. I realize that maybe an offensive statement, but to be honest, we are running out of time to save this profession. In addition, if we are all leaders then we need to stop acting like sheep. IOW, do leaders need to be told to lead?
Leaders should know the ALPA national pay structure and deal with the facts.
Leaders should understand the political environment that effects our careers.
Leaders should know that management and gov't have different agendas.
Leaders should attend LEC meetings and not play ping pong in the rec room next door.
Leaders should self educate on the issues.
Leaders know that any organization is going to have faults yet they work together to effect positive change. They don't pack up thier marbles and go home.
Leaders are self starters that don't need to be hearded. Leaders don't play the blame game.
We can all sit around and say "well, I am not doing squat until ALPA fixes the three problems above". or "ALPA is corrupt" or "I hate ALPA". That attitude is self defeating, becuase is it your career. Your income. Your family. If you believe the above to be true, then get involved, informed and envoke positive change. Be a leader.
So, why have a turn this post back onto the membership? It is all about control.
In others words: control what you can and influence what you can't. The intent is to influence the ALPA membership to be effective leaders. Even followers can excerise leadership. No one can control your education, your LEC attendance, your understanding of the issues and your attitude. Only you can.
Your thoughts?
