Whaaatttt????
Have you being around the past decade or so? How has "representation" prevented you from being screwed? Skywest has never engaged on "paid-to-fly" with its partners. Everything we have is based on performance, contract, etc... How are we stabbing our "brothers" in the back?
One of the clauses on the DL and NW merger contract(both ALPA, mind you) cites a 5 year "fence" on the 777 and 747. No other aircraft. Even after one certificate, nobody can touch those 2 planes for 5 years. Whyyyy???? Because your ALPA reps and MEC's wanted to guarantee what's best for them (they are among the most senior on the property and just "happens" to fly those 2 airframes). They could give a d*mn about everybody else that they "supposed" to represent. They made sure they guaranteed what was best for them and ran with it.
Exactly same scenario with the age 65. They wanted to keep flying, so screw what the majority that they "represent" wanted. Your ALPA leadership will do what's best for them. If it happens to benefit you as well, great. If not, they really don't lose sleep over it.
Skywest is not perfect. Far from it. But now you're gonna tell me that ALPA would solve our problems is just pure stupidity. You want ALPA; good for you. I hope you're happy. If we don't, leave us alone. You honestly don't think that a sandwich and a t-shirt would buy my vote, did you? Come up with facts instead of "If the government / If management / If this, If that" and we can talk.
perhaps yo forget to reply to the fact that your labor at OO pays for lobbyist to keep legislation and policy in management;s favor. Maybe you ddon't understand it... or maybe you don't care....
Look at it this way..... the 2009 pilot act is being considered by congress. ALPA is talking to congressional committees and congressmen about what pilots want/need in that legislation.
In addition, ALPA has an established relationship with the FAA Admin. Babbitt has stated that he can fix the problem in policy before it gets to Congress. You can bet ALPA has been talking with Babbitt.
ALPA has the respect of the new head of the NTSB.
ALPA has the respect of the new NMB chair.
What skywest doesn't have is ALPA or any representation. Decisions will be made that will effect you, yet you will be silent on the matter. No one cares what you think because you don't care enough for yourself to be heard. Why should you be concerning when you don't care about yourself in the first place.
After the 2009 pilot act... then comes rest and duty times. Do you think Skywest pilots will be effected by rest and duty times? Or is your relationship with management beyond the CFR?
After that it is Opens Skies II. Think you job is safe? The UAL pilots are fighting for themselves on this ATI and Aer Lingus deal. If it doesn't go well, OO pilots will be effected...
What about the MPL?
The list goes on... everything that effects a Skywest pilot is determined on CapHill or on the international scene of which ALPA is involved...
alpa.org
ifalpa.org
ttd.org
icao.org
iftglobal.org
Of course all gains for pilots by ALPA includes Skywest pilots. You've got yourself a win win situation for yourself. Yet what you lack is a self defined or agreed upon code that enables you to move beyond the job status of merely a worker to a professional. Skywest (and Jetblue) pilots are simply hourly workers. They are no different than FA's, gate agents and rampers. Airport workers. Management sees you no differently. They have no desire to view you for the professional that you are. Your management team just like most, don't want you viewed as a highly trained, college educated aviator with vast responsibilities. Until you gain representation that is all you'll be.....
How you can smugly pretend that your world is total and complete within your relationship with management shows a freshmen ignorance and arrogance.
