What has ALPA done for me lately?

[Rez O. Lewshun]

But now, the industry is so fractured, nobody, especially ALPA, can put up any real resistance to the tidal wave of cheap airline labor approaching our shores. We are the next shipping industry and ALPA is fiddling while Rome burns.

British Airways Pilots Request Mutual Assistance
North American and EU Pilots Vow to Work Together on Emerging Global Issues.
Prompted by management’s failure to use British Airways (BA) pilots to staff the airline’s new subsidiary carrier OpenSkies, IFALPA made a request for mutual assistance to ALPA pilots this week on behalf of the British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA).
“The 60,000 pilots of ALPA share BALPA pilots’ concerns, and we stand side by side with our colleagues across the Atlantic,” said ALPA’s president, Capt. John Prater. BALPA, which represents nearly all of BA’s 3,200 pilots, is to ballot for strike action following weeks of unsuccessful negotiations with the airline.
“OpenSkies is being set up with BA money, will fly BA planes, and draw on the BA brand; and a brand is more than a tailfin, it is about its people and the BA pilot community is making a stand to protect that brand,” said BALPA General Secretary Jim McAuslan in a statement issued to the news media this week.
BALPA’s request was one of many issues discussed at a recent joint meeting between ALPA and the European Cockpit Association (ECA). The meeting, which was held on January 24 at ALPA’s Virginia offices, centered on enhancing collaboration between North American and European pilots on all global issues, including the upcoming second round of air transport service negotiations.
“Whether in the United Kingdom, the rest of Europe, or the United States, pilots face similar challenges in the global airline industry,” Capt. Martin Chalk, European Cockpit Association president, said at the meeting. “The best way to meet the challenges of our profession is for pilots to develop our own solutions and work together to make them a reality.”
“Working together to resolve challenges is what union pilots do, whether it’s across a tarmac or across an ocean,” said ALPA’s first vice-president, Capt. Paul Rice. “We must address the singular concern that the OpenSkies airline presents to our BALPA brothers and sisters and also future issues that may arise from the continued U.S.-EU negotiations.”
Chalk was joined by Capt. Carlos Salas, ECA chairman of external relations; ECA Secretary-General Phillip von Schöppenthau; and ECA Policy Advisor Céline Canu. In addition to Rice, ALPA participants included Ana McAhron-Schulz, director of the Economic and Financial Analysis Department, Russ Bailey, senior attorney in the Legal Department. Due to a previous commitment, Capt. Rick Dominguez, chairman of ALPA’s International Affairs Committee, was unable to attend.

 

[Rez O. Lewshun]

ALPA cheerleader translation:

When ALPA achieves a victory it's because ALPA is a far superior organization that "achieves victories in spite of the apathetic membership"......

When ALPA loses, it all the fault of the "membership"...

Any wonder the boss (membership) is getting tired and more apathetic.....

I guess it is just me...

I thought the membership was the power base at ALPAand american democracies... that the membership was actually the leadership... well... maybe if they particapted...

I thought leaders took all the blame and gave credit to others that did all the work....

Consider that.... the membership taking the leadership role and direct the elected reps.....




Our expectations of ALPA is and should be is so unrealistic.....

Consider.... where did those expectations come from? Are they valid.... if so.....why.

 

[John Pennekamp]

British Airways Pilots Request Mutual Assistance
North American and EU Pilots Vow to Work Together on Emerging Global Issues.
Prompted by management’s failure to use British Airways (BA) pilots to staff the airline’s new subsidiary carrier OpenSkies, IFALPA made a request for mutual assistance to ALPA pilots this week on behalf of the British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA).
“The 60,000 pilots of ALPA share BALPA pilots’ concerns, and we stand side by side with our colleagues across the Atlantic,” said ALPA’s president, Capt. John Prater. BALPA, which represents nearly all of BA’s 3,200 pilots, is to ballot for strike action following weeks of unsuccessful negotiations with the airline.
“OpenSkies is being set up with BA money, will fly BA planes, and draw on the BA brand; and a brand is more than a tailfin, it is about its people and the BA pilot community is making a stand to protect that brand,” said BALPA General Secretary Jim McAuslan in a statement issued to the news media this week.
BALPA’s request was one of many issues discussed at a recent joint meeting between ALPA and the European Cockpit Association (ECA). The meeting, which was held on January 24 at ALPA’s Virginia offices, centered on enhancing collaboration between North American and European pilots on all global issues, including the upcoming second round of air transport service negotiations.
“Whether in the United Kingdom, the rest of Europe, or the United States, pilots face similar challenges in the global airline industry,” Capt. Martin Chalk, European Cockpit Association president, said at the meeting. “The best way to meet the challenges of our profession is for pilots to develop our own solutions and work together to make them a reality.”
“Working together to resolve challenges is what union pilots do, whether it’s across a tarmac or across an ocean,” said ALPA’s first vice-president, Capt. Paul Rice. “We must address the singular concern that the OpenSkies airline presents to our BALPA brothers and sisters and also future issues that may arise from the continued U.S.-EU negotiations.”
Chalk was joined by Capt. Carlos Salas, ECA chairman of external relations; ECA Secretary-General Phillip von Schöppenthau; and ECA Policy Advisor Céline Canu. In addition to Rice, ALPA participants included Ana McAhron-Schulz, director of the Economic and Financial Analysis Department, Russ Bailey, senior attorney in the Legal Department. Due to a previous commitment, Capt. Rick Dominguez, chairman of ALPA’s International Affairs Committee, was unable to attend.

I shoulda known I could count on ALPA's biggest cheerleader to provide a contrary opinion. Actually, you didn't really provide an opinion, you just cut and pasted a press release.

Now, I'm sure you and I were at the same BOD meeting their the "international panel" discussed international issues and pledged each other undying support.

The press release you quote is just more of the same: more IFALPA kumbaya B.S. and means nothing in reality, where greedy politicians with the money airline lobbies have supplied them are making the decisions. IFALPA notwithstanding.

 

[JoeMerchant]

You don't think McCain with his anti labor rhetoric and baseball arbitration will hurt your bottom line more than a Dem tax hike? Listen carefully: we will lose the right to strike. I know you're enjoying that 100+ hour line... do you think the company gave us those rigs just because they like us so much?

1. We already don't have much of a right to strike....The RLA makes that difficult EVEN UNDER A DEMOCRAT.....I sat in the Clinton NMB offices and listened to the DEMOCRATIC NMB Chair (and former AFA MEC Chairwoman) tell us we wouldn't be allowed to strike.......

2. Even if we were allowed to strike, and raise pay....without solving the internal scope/whipsaw issue, I don't want to push pay up much....It only results in being replaced by someone cheaper....usually a fellow "union" member....

3. What got us this contract and Contract '98? In both cases, it wasn't a release.....Flying by the book is far more effective than a strike.....You still get paid.....A pen in the hand of a captain is more effective than even a Democratic NMB....

 

[PCL_128]

What got us this contract and Contract '98? In both cases, it wasn't a release.....Flying by the book is far more effective than a strike.....You still get paid.....A pen in the hand of a captain is more effective than even a Democratic NMB....

And look how long it took that to work!!! Well over five years for your fellow pilots to finally start working to rule, and you even publicly stated that you weren't participating in it yourself. A release after a reasonable amount of time (2-3 years) is far preferable, and only a possibility with a friendly NMB.

 

[JoeMerchant]

So what's your point, Joe? We know, you hate everybody.

How about bringing some constructive solutions to the table for once? Who are you supporting? Inquiring minds want to know? And if McCain is the GOP nominee, will you vote for him?

Hey now....I always bring constructive solutions to the table...You even agree with some of them....especially since you left ALPA's inner circle...

Anyway, I was supporting Fred Thompson...... Now I think I will support Ron Paul....The Federal Govt. is too big and getting bigger.....

If McCain is the GOP nominee I will support him.....

1. He is probably the only Republican that can beat the Dems....

2. I don't agree with him on everything, but there are two things I like about him..... He says what he thinks despite the way the wind is blowing, and he wants to put and end to all the pork coming from DC....Too many Republicans like pork spending......

 

[PCL_128]

Now I think I will support Ron Paul

Now I know you're crazy.

 

[JoeMerchant]

And look how long it took that to work!!! Well over five years for your fellow pilots to finally start working to rule, and you even publicly stated that you weren't participating in it yourself. A release after a reasonable amount of time (2-3 years) is far preferable, and only a possibility with a friendly NMB.

I participated in 98......I participated during the CMR strike when we flew CMR airplanes and CMR passengers..... That was it for me.....

1. I realized that we weren't a true union.....We would fly each others airplanes and each others passengers....even if the other carrier was on strike....

2. I realized that it doesn't pay to be the top carrier in pay.....It just results in you being replaced by someone else in the portfolio....ACA, Air Wisc, CMR, Mesaba, XJT, ALG, PDT, CCAir.....Sorry I'm not interested in taking the next one for the "team"..... I don't want to fight for being the highest paid until ALPA figures out a solution to scope and whipsaw....If they can't do it, then I don't want ALPA to use me as the next posterchild for a whipsaw loss......

 

[JoeMerchant]

Now I know you're crazy.

Why.... for returning to smaller Federal Govt? Heaven forbid this country should actually return to it's roots.....Neither the Dems. or the Reps. want to tackle Soc. Sec. or Medicare..... Neither one is sustainable.....

This country is getting too used to relying on the Fed Govt. to solve problems......We are rapidly becoming like New Orleans during Katrina......

Even former Conservatives like you are falling into the "woosification" of America.....

Craddle to grave government that we cannot afford....

 

[JoeMerchant]

You know that McCain opposed the tax cuts, right? Twice, in fact. McCain is not a fiscal conservative.

.....and Obama is? McCain isn't even close to the most fiscally conservative, but he is more than Obama......The one thing about McCain is that he wants to stop pork in DC.....The problem is many Republicans like pork projects too....McCain wants tax cuts, but he also wants to stop the spending.....

Bush wanted the tax cuts, but he didn't stop the spending......

I somehow doubt that you're making over $250k flying your ATR around. You wouldn't fall into anyone's definition of "rich."

Then how come I'm not getting a tax rebate while people who aren't making any money are going to get a check.....Apparantly I'm not in the "middle class".... Actually I'm in the top 5% or so, and the Dems. have a target on my back for more taxes......

Besides, the Dems are not going to raise your taxes!!!

Now that's funny.....Even they are saying they are going to raise my taxes......They all want to raise taxes on the "rich" and raise the cap. gains tax......Don't you have capital gains?

 

[JoeMerchant]

I guess it is just me...

I thought the membership was the power base at ALPAand american democracies... that the membership was actually the leadership... well... maybe if they particapted...

I thought leaders took all the blame and gave credit to others that did all the work....

Consider that.... the membership taking the leadership role and direct the elected reps.....




Our expectations of ALPA is and should be is so unrealistic.....

Consider.... where did those expectations come from? Are they valid.... if so.....why.

As usual Rez, you dodged the point....

When ALPA succeeds, you ALPA cheerleaders jump on here and tell us stupid members how great ALPA is......When ALPA fails, you ALPA cheerleaders jump on here and tell us it's all our fault.....

You can't have it both ways.......You like to pat ALPA on the back for victories and blame those of us who pay the bills for it's failures....Then you wonder why the membership is tired of the excuses......

 

[PCL_128]

.....and Obama is? McCain isn't even close to the most fiscally conservative, but he is more than Obama......The one thing about McCain is that he wants to stop pork in DC.....The problem is many Republicans like pork projects too....McCain wants tax cuts, but he also wants to stop the spending.....

You're dreaming if you actually believe that McCain can cut spending. He'll wuss out just like every other so-called conservative when it comes down to the wire. We'll end up with an even bigger deficit.

Then how come I'm not getting a tax rebate while people who aren't making any money are going to get a check.....Apparantly I'm not in the "middle class".... Actually I'm in the top 5% or so, and the Dems. have a target on my back for more taxes......

The conservative Republicans didn't want to give you a rebate either. This was a bipartisan bill, and rebates for people in your tax bracket were never on the table from either side of the aisle.

Now that's funny.....Even they are saying they are going to raise my taxes......They all want to raise taxes on the "rich" and raise the cap. gains tax......Don't you have capital gains?

Obama's tax plan only includes raising the marginal rate for the top bracket, which is those making roughly $250k/yr or more. If you're just in the top 5%, then that doesn't include you. Your bracket will remain unchanged. As for cap gains, no, I don't have cap gains. I've shielded my investments from taxes by using my B-fund, 401(k), and IRA for all of my investments. And until we close the loopholes that allow the super-rich to get away with paying a lower percentage of their income to the government than their secretaries, I have no problem with a small increase in the cap gains tax to get some more money out of them. I would ultimately prefer a flat tax or the FairTax to solve all of these problems, but until then, they need to pay their fair share.

 

[JoeMerchant]

You're dreaming if you actually believe that McCain can cut spending. He'll wuss out just like every other so-called conservative when it comes down to the wire. We'll end up with an even bigger deficit.

McCain is very much against "pork barrel" spending.....He isn't a true Conservative, but he is against pork spending.....The problem is, a lot of Republicans have gotten used to the pork....an they like it too.... About the only ones who don't like pork anymore are Muslims......

Do you really think Obama is going to cut spending? Is Obama more conservative than McCain?

The conservative Republicans didn't want to give you a rebate either. This was a bipartisan bill, and rebates for people in your tax bracket were never on the table from either side of the aisle.

The Republicans don't really have a say in this now that the Democrats control both sides of Congress....Bush has been spending like a Democrat recently.....If I am considered "rich" now, I am sure I will still be considered "rich" when the Democrats hold both the Executive and Legislative branches of government....I am disappointed that a former conservative such as yourself has fallen victim to "wealth envy"..... The AFL-CIO has done a good brainwashing job on you...

Obama's tax plan only includes raising the marginal rate for the top bracket, which is those making roughly $250k/yr or more. If you're just in the top 5%, then that doesn't include you. Your bracket will remain unchanged. As for cap gains, no, I don't have cap gains. I've shielded my investments from taxes by using my B-fund, 401(k), and IRA for all of my investments. And until we close the loopholes that allow the super-rich to get away with paying a lower percentage of their income to the government than their secretaries, I have no problem with a small increase in the cap gains tax to get some more money out of them. I would ultimately prefer a flat tax or the FairTax to solve all of these problems, but until then, they need to pay their fair share.

Why are you "shielding" your money from taxes....Obviously you believe the govt. needs more money.....I love all you union liberals who talk about the "rich" needing to pay more, then you "shield" your income from the tax man......

I shield my money in IRA's, 401ks, and HSAs also, but I have money outside of those accounts, and they have cap. gains...... Skywest has a great ESPP and it is subject to cap gains.... In addition, I am just about at the upper limit for contributing to the ROTH because I am "too rich" according to you liberals....Yes PCL...you have turned into a liberal......

 

[PCL_128]

Do you really think Obama is going to cut spending? Is Obama more conservative than McCain?

Neither of them are conservatives, and neither of them will cut spending. Therefore, this issue is irrelevant. No one running for office is going to cut spending. Why do you keep falling for these promises? Even the Gipper couldn't succeed in cutting spending! You think this scumbag McCain is going to do it? Fat chance.

The Republicans don't really have a say in this now that the Democrats control both sides of Congress....

A convenient excuse, but the truth is that they didn't even favor it. No one wanted to give you a rebate, Joe, not even your beloved so-called conservatives that have doubled our national debt.

I am disappointed that a former conservative such as yourself has fallen victim to "wealth envy"..... The AFL-CIO has done a good brainwashing job on you...

No wealth envy here. I just want everyone to pay their fair share.

Why are you "shielding" your money from taxes....Obviously you believe the govt. needs more money.....I love all you union liberals who talk about the "rich" needing to pay more, then you "shield" your income from the tax man......

I pay a higher percentage of my earnings to the government than the second richest man in the world does. The system is backwards. So yes, I'll be shielding as much of my income from taxes as I can, just like he does. In the end, he'll still get a better deal than me.

In addition, I am just about at the upper limit for contributing to the ROTH because I am "too rich"

Guess you should negotiate for a B-fund. Or you could just finally leave your regional and get a job at a place with a real retirement plan. Heaven forbid....

Yes PCL...you have turned into a liberal......

I have a feeling that most self-avowed liberals would cringe at that assertion. I'm far from a liberal. I'm just not a koolaid drinking Republican anymore, Joe. I look at the Republican candidates and see absolutely no one that's a real conservative. Where's the heir to the Reagan legacy? Why has everyone in the Republican party forgotten what conservatism is really about? Sorry Joe. If I'm going to have to get big government, then I'm at least going to get a big government that doesn't try to hold me down in order to prop the MBAs up.

 

[BigMeat]

Joe,

Is it true that you are you significant other is holding a fairly high managment job within the company? I think as more of your so called republicans ship our jobs overseas you will start to realize why average middle class America is shrinking. Yes the people that make us an economic superpower. Without them none of us will have jobs. Also isnt it the Dems that are fighting foreign ownership and cabotage. Correct me if I am wrong. If it was up to you anti-unionist Air China would be stopping in Kansas on its way to NY.

 

[BigMeat]

Joe,

Also be careful who you call a liberal. Just because I am a Dem does not be me liberal. You seem to use that word to infer someone that is weak and wishy washy.

 

[Freight Dog]

Is Open Skies really that bad of a deal for us? I mean, the value of a dollar is at or near all-time low, and our payscales got ravaged over the last 5-6 years on top of that.

Open Skies would have been a bad deal in 1999/2000. But now? We're the ones working for chump change these days.

 

[Rez O. Lewshun]

As usual Rez, you dodged the point....

No,,, I don't tell you want you want to hear...

When ALPA succeeds, you ALPA cheerleaders jump on here and tell us stupid members how great ALPA is......When ALPA fails, you ALPA cheerleaders jump on here and tell us it's all our fault.....

actually the real problem is... ALPA members expect ALPA to do everything right... if ALPA has a victory, members say... "so what... I expected ALPA to do that... why do you want credit". Its like you flying your ATR around Joey... and standing on the ramp saying.. "look at me!! how about that safe landing... everybody..."

Plenty of the things ALPA does aren't even known about... why advertise about them... the membership expects ALPA do to that anyway...

You can't have it both ways.......You like to pat ALPA on the back for victories and blame those of us who pay the bills for it's failures....Then you wonder why the membership is tired of the excuses..

Let's keep it in perspective Joey.... the membership expectations are not realistic.... They want ALPA to deliver the world.. and when it doesn't they get pissed. That is why post like this appear.... members can be like children... they take for granted the dry house, warm food and soft clothes and everything it takes to make that happen... and when they don't get an Xbox they are ungrateful.

They think it ALPA's fault 9/11 happened.
They think ALPA is too soft on management.
They think ALPA does nothing on CapHill.

Where do these expectations come from and are they valid?

 

[Rez O. Lewshun]

Is Open Skies really that bad of a deal for us? I mean, the value of a dollar is at or near all-time low, and our payscales got ravaged over the last 5-6 years on top of that.

Open Skies would have been a bad deal in 1999/2000. But now? We're the ones working for chump change these days.

The concern isn't now. It is 10-20 years from now and beyond...

 

[BigMeat]

Wasnt Condi Rice down in Columbia a couple days ago discussing free trade act with them. Wow way to go Reps protecting that American worker. How about a little while ago Jesus Bush was down in India stating that we intended to import more jobs to India.