But only 1 has put his position on the NPA's website.
I hope everyone reads that position paper from JS and realizes just how dangerous his ideas are. If this guy gets elected, we're in real trouble. Just a few of the major issues:
1. He wants to stop using all services provided by ALPA. I don't want to get into a debate about whether we need to join ALPA, but whether you want ALPA on property or not, you can't operate a successful in-house union without a services agreement with ALPA. There's a reason that every major independent union in this industry contract with ALPA for various services. You simply can't do it all yourself. Getting rid of ALPA services would be extremely detrimental to this pilot group, especially in the area of negotiations.
2. He wants to cut the union budget virtually in half. We already need to be putting away more money for a strike fund; we certainly shouldn't be cutting anything. Cutting the budget and dues revenue during times of negotiations is pure insanity.
3. He wants to cut back on staff, but still thinks he and the other Officers could continue to keep current on the line. This is ridiculous. For starters, the President of a 1600 pilot union shouldn't be wasting time by flying the line regularly. I want him in the office and down in Orlando doing the work of the pilots. Second, if you did try to keep flying, you certainly can't do that while at the same time keeping a skeleton staff.
4. He wants to remove us from the mediation process as outline by the RLA. I don't even think this is legally possible, but it certainly isn't advisable. Mediation is a step on the way to self help, and self help is our only leverage in negotiations. Taking a step back further reduces our leverage and puts more power in the hands of management. This is horrible strategy.
Sorry for the rant, but this guy scares the crap out of me. Think this election through very carefully. Don't just vote for your buddy, or for the guy who's been here the longest. Vote for the guy with the smart plan.
