The question is... AT WHAT POINT DO YOU START HOLDING THE ALPA BOZOS RESPONSIBLE?
Pointed, but legitimate question.
The simple answer: ALWAYS!
The system is not designed to let a visceral pilot group burn the house down by recalling reps willy-nilly...but it actuality, that's one of the ways we make them accountable.
Let me give you an example: The F/O rep of Council 1 is one of those who elected pilots at the National level who supported issues his constituents clearly don't support. He also tends to vote contrary to the wishes of his council. He's alienated his fellow LEC reps, and just doesn't play well with others.
But he appeals to those who are angry. Mind you, some of the things they're angry about are things he helped cause...but that connection gets blurry, especially when you're angry!
He could find himself subject to a recall soon, but the odds of it being successful are slim because the process was designed to be difficult.
It
should be difficult!
You start holding them accountable by participating. You call your buddies, attend meetings, and confront your reps (the ones accountable!) with their action/inaction on important issues.
You stay within the rules, and don't act with emotion. A calm, articulate pilot...stating facts and demanding answers...has more influence than you think.
Better yet, AT WHAT POINT DOES ALPA BEGIN TO LISTEN TO ITS MEMBERSHIP? 10%, 20%, 80%, 100% only participation? Please do tell...
Depends on the issue. If you're in contract negotiations or strike prep (times that require undisturbed solidarity), single voices seem to have more resonance.
At times like these (recoil and recovery) it will be those with energy that have the most influence.
Consider the paradox of your concern: You believe a small minority are leading the union in the wrong direction...and you want to know how a small minority ("
10%, 20%, etc...") can take it back.
How'd they
get there to lead?
(Hint: They participated when others didn't...and they didn't quit when it seemed "too hard".)