Although V1 & I have had disagreements, I do appreciate that he’s done some extensive research and that he’s sent in his card.
Initially, I can see how an ALPA argument has interest. I, too , asked the same question years ago when DT (of the IBT) was sending single-paged mailers that read like an elementary grade booklet.
It’s easy to get hung up on what political candidates the Teamsters may endorse, but this stuff is small potatoes. Some of the PAC’s you donate to, the businesses you patronize, & your friends have different political beliefs, as well.
A lot has changed since 15 years ago and the 1108 is a different animal. The representation is professional and top-notch. Most of the Teamster managers came from ALPA & the lawyers do more than just show up to collect a paycheck: they believe in who & what they’re representing.
ALPA has a great deal of experience with 121 ops but, look, when it comes to my union, my pilot, my attorney, my doctor, and my strippers, I don’t believe in the “learn while you earn” program. Okay, well maybe for my strippers, that’s okay, but everyone else, I need someone who knows the game and has experience playing it.
ALPA is an outstanding organization, but you can find plenty of pilots dissatisfied with their work by visiting the Regional section of this board. True, the Regionals have had contracts, representation, and improvements to their work rules & pay. But in comparison to the majors, they’ve been whipsawed & kept as a B scale wage group.
Let’s not forget the US Airways vs. America West dispute. It’s unfair to label this as ALPA’s fault, but for all their efforts, US Airways has remained a divided work group. From September 2005, through the AA merger, these guys refused to see the long-term picture and have sacrificed millions.
That’s something we can’t do. This integration is going to occur. It’s inevitable. How FJ pilots wish to be represented is the question.
Even without Union representation, FJ will still be able to have a group to assist in the “fair and equitable” integration, but they’ll bear all the costs. And afterwards, they’ll have little recourse to defend whatever merger plan is accepted. Uncle will play along for a bit, then begin to place his favorites wherever he wants. Let’s face it: there won’t be a thing you’ll be able to do about it. He’s done it before, he’ll do it again.
No one at Flight Options ever asks what company we came from anymore, because it’s irrelevant: We’re all Flight Options. This history, too, will repeat itself. It’s just a going to take a little time, because, yes, integration IS going to happen.
Options pilots can’t do this alone, just as the Flex pilots can’t do it alone. This is what I hope you tell the fence-sitters: Flex is simply no more, no matter what fancy “storefront” uncle calls you. You, me, we’re all DAC from here on out.
Take a look at last week’s news about the West Coast Dock Worker’s Union. It’s incredible what a united, strong group of professional workers is capable of.
