ALPA chest thumpers

[MELIT]

What has ALPA done for you, EVER? Besides take your money and delay your contract for 5+ years.

 

[BoeingBaller]

Try non-union see how you like it... THUMP THUMP...

 

[merlindrvr88]

Nothing

What has ALPA done for you, EVER? Besides take your money and delay your contract for 5+ years.

ALPA does nothing. It is a thing of the past. Ask United, Usair, Northwest Pilots. Ask my father, my uncle, my grandfather. ALPA does nothing!!! I cannot say that enough.

 

[MELIT]

ALPA does nothing. It is a thing of the past. Ask United, Usair, Northwest Pilots. Ask my father, my uncle, my grandfather. ALPA does nothing!!! I cannot say that enough.

These youg kids have blinders on.

 

[merlindrvr88]

Yes They Do

These youg kids have blinders on.

Just like bowling baller, they think ALPO actuallycares.

 

[Rekks Inbound]

Oh, let's see:

1) Helped save medical because of a bad (faulty) EKG/ECG read.

2) Helped keep job when a minor (read total non-event) incident occured (would have been fired anywhere else).

3) Helped keep job vs. issue with vindictive check airman.(check airman fired from training dept. less than month later, after investigation requested by union).

Good enough for ya?

Oh, I'm not some greenhorn newbie at this. And have been at both union and non-union carriers. I'll take represented any day. Sounds like you were at poorly represented carriers, but that's not the fault of ALPA national, that's the individual pilot group's fault.

Oh well, to each his own.

Peace.

Rekks

 

[merlindrvr88]

What?

Oh, let's see:

1) Helped save medical because of a bad (faulty) EKG/ECG read.

2) Helped keep job when a minor (read total non-event) incident occured (would have been fired anywhere else).

3) Helped keep job vs. issue with vindictive check airman.(check airman fired from training dept. less than month later, after investigation requested by union).

Good enough for ya?

Oh, I'm not some greenhorn newbie at this. And have been at both union and non-union carriers. I'll take represented any day. Sounds like you were at poorly represented carriers, but that's not the fault of ALPA national, that's the individual pilot group's fault.

Oh well, to each his own.

Peace.

Rekks

I had a bad EKG, my doctor took care of it. Just like he should. Vindictive check airman? Wow? sounds like you suck as a pilot, and they saved a bad pilot's job. Good thing they save bad pilots jobs. That will only lead to lawsuits later.h

 

[Rekks Inbound]

Actually, your doctor is not ALLOWED to take care of it, it must be done by the FAA Aeromedical in OK City. And ALPA straightened it out in 24 hrs.

Regarding your statement that I 'suck as a pilot', I might suggest you refrain from slanderous statements like that, since you probably don't know me. By looking at your profile, I've been at this a little longer than you. Do you think I would have survived this long in this career if I 'sucked as a pilot'. Didn't think so.

You have your opinion of ALPA, and I have mine. I just happen to think yours is missinformed, as you probably think the same of mine.

Peace.

Rekks

 

[Regul8r]

GooseEgg

They talk alot and they know how to posture. And they offer magazine subscriptions for $1,200/yr.

 

[acaTerry]

Yeah ALPO takes care of pilots...like the 2 drunks at AWA. Those 2 should have been left out dry. They forfieted they're protection by doing something that stupid. I'm still flabbergasted by that.
Oh and they took my union dues to campaign for a candidate I totally opposed. And they allowed the whole job to go to he!! in a handbasket while Duane Woerth(less) was sparing no effort writing stern letters about lasers. What better way to spend 3%!
No, they're not what they used to be, but I guess that's still better than working non-shop. A weak union is better than no union.

 

[B-J-J Fighter]

I worked at Colgan and now work at a ALPA carrier. Totally a night and day difference. I wouldn't go back to a non union carrier at this point. Simply things like a commuter clause make this job much less sressful. At Colgan if you were to tell them you missed a commute descent chance you would get fired the 2nd or 3rd time it happened, and probably get written up the 1st time it happened. I had my own commuter clasuse at Colgan, it was calling in sick. THe problem was they always wanted a doc's note so that would force me to go to the doc whether I was sick or not. Here I only have to give myself 2 shots to make my show time and if I dont make it I call scheduling and let them know what is going on, very simple. At Colgan I would give myself 5 shots and a few times I still didnt make it. I can spend more time at home b/c of only having to give myself 2 flights to make it vs. 5. It usually provides me with an extra afternoon at home versus having to commute out early to be "safe". Sometimes when loads were tight I would even commute out a day early at Colgan.

I could go on and on about about the benefits of a union. How about the weekly Brink memo that always ended "up to and including termination", we dont get those here mostly due to the union. The policy and procedures handbook at Colgan was basically a book that should be titled "All the Ways we can Fire You". Don't get me wrong I liked working at Colgan especially all the people I worked with, loved my base, liked the Saab. But having union protection and simple things like commtuer clauses make it a much better job thats less stressful IMO.

 

[Rekks Inbound]

Yeah ALPO takes care of pilots...like the 2 drunks at AWA. Those 2 should have been left out dry. They forfieted they're protection by doing something that stupid. I'm still flabbergasted by that.
Oh and they took my union dues to campaign for a candidate I totally opposed. And they allowed the whole job to go to he!! in a handbasket while Duane Woerth(less) was sparing no effort writing stern letters about lasers. What better way to spend 3%!
No, they're not what they used to be, but I guess that's still better than working non-shop. A weak union is better than no union.

ACATerry,

Contrary to what some might believe, I agree with everything you stated above. The AWA guys should be in jail (I think they are, but not sure). And Woerthless, don't get me started. Your last statement is also right on.

I also agree that union dues should not be used to endorse candidates for ANY party. Just as monies from corporations, clubs and other non-PACS shouldn't be, either.

Peace.

Rekks

 

[Regul8r]

Sounds like you were at poorly represented carriers, but that's not the fault of ALPA national, that's the individual pilot group's fault.

I CONSTANTLY hear this garbage - the inefficiencies which ALPA tries to sweep under th rug and dismiss. And when confronted by it, ALPA National tosses the repective pilot group in question under the bus. National is not to be held accountable. New pilots won't see this. They don't want to. All they know is they got hired on with some $hitbag regional outfit and now ALPA has a captive audience of desperate pilots who HOPE ALPA will show them to the promised land. Prater can suck it, he hasn't delivered yet.

 

[Regul8r]

Live to Fight Another Day

Who came up with this crap? ALPA must mean business with this slogan! ALPA is a weak Union alright, but it's not better than no Union. You see, by being a weak Union, ALPA has voluntarily assumed the position of the "catcher"
In other words, ALPA is Management's B!tch

 

[tico]

What has ALPA done for you, EVER? Besides take your money and delay your contract for 5+ years.

If you have to ask....Than you are too new to the business to understand

 

[OPECJet]

I personally know of ALPA reps who have answered 3 AM phone calls from pilots whose wife had left them. Reps who have defended discipline cases where good pilots / good people made a simple, honest mistake and had their jobs on the line. ALPA reps who helped clear the good names of pilots who had balled up an airplane through no fault of their own. ALPA reps who have sat with the families of deceased airman and made sure their needs were met. ALPA lawyers who defended cases of false positive drug screens. I could go on.

ALPA is far from perfect, but you'll be damn thankful for them when you need their assistance. ALPA is what the members make it. Don't like it? Change it.

 

[HA25]

What has ALPA done for you, EVER? Besides take your money and delay your contract for 5+ years.

-gotten me days off that I wouldn't have had without ALPA
-a 12 hour call out instead of "be there in 1 hour or it's your job"
-upgrade with seniority not when the DO decided I was enough of a "company man"
-Insurance that others wouldn't underwrite
-a Voice in congress when the ATA and other lobby groups try to re-write FARs to make work rules "safer" and "more productive"

shall I continue?

 

[HA25]

I had a bad EKG, my doctor took care of it. Just like he should. Vindictive check airman? Wow? sounds like you suck as a pilot, and they saved a bad pilot's job. Good thing they save bad pilots jobs. That will only lead to lawsuits later.h

and you sound like your full of %$@#

 

[Texx]

ALPA does nothing. It is a thing of the past. Ask United, Usair, Northwest Pilots. Ask my father, my uncle, my grandfather. ALPA does nothing!!! I cannot say that enough.

And did they fly for Eastern during the late 80's?

 

[Stifler's Mom]

MELIT,

Isn't there a burned out light bulb in some lav for you to fix?

 

[superatr]

From the American Eagle MEC Hotline

1.Eagle Captain Reinstated by Arbitrator

On January 2nd, 2006 one of Eagle’s professional flight crews encountered severe icing while climbing out of San Louis Obispo airport. While in the process of deicing an aircraft with a deferred auto deice system, the aircraft unexpectedly stalled at a higher speed than expected. The experience and composure of these two airmen saved a complete hull loss and the lives of all aboard.

Unfortunately, despite the FAA’s vindication of these two airmen, the company chose to terminate both pilots. We are pleased to announce that the Arbitrator has found that the company’s punitive actions were completely unwarranted. He has therefore put the Captain back to work with full restoration of back pay for all loss of income. Unfortunately, when threatened with termination, the First Officer resigned his position to protect his aviation career and because he was probationary at the time, did not have access to the grievance process for terminations.

This is the third time in as many years that the company has improperly terminated pilots only to have their jobs restored by an Arbitrator with back pay. There can be no doubt that the company’s archaic mindset of achieving compliance through punishment rather than education has had a dramatic negative effect on the pilots of American Eagle and their willingness to help the corporation.

Recently, ALPA proposed that the company change its practice and move to a system of education and have thus far received a receptive response. We will continue to push forward and hope that logic will prevail over habit.

 

[Exskydiverdrivr]

I've been hanging out at some free ALPA dinners and even though I talk alot-I try to listen. Alot of of guys from different MEC's attending.Most of them asking us (non-union) guys questions. i.e. My company wants to implement PBS in our next contract, What are the pros and cons. One of the reps told us he was talking to several PBS vendors and based on his research would make the recomendationto the Co. of which one to go with. Sure seems to me this guy is doing something for his pilot group.

Now for you bashers- Why don't you lose the welfare mentality and quit asking what govt., mgmt., a union, or some other social service can do for you. Whether you like unions or not, your whining does nothing unless you are contributing something to help your plight. If your not part of the solution, you might be part of the problem.

Quote from JFK- Ask not what your (I would hope you know the rest).

 

[BoeingBaller]

THUMP ! THUMP ! THUMP !...........Man my chest is sore!

 

[HoserASA]

What has ALPA done for you, EVER? Besides take your money and delay your contract for 5+ years.

Sure sport, it's all ALPA's fault. Could never be that the RLA greatly favors management, and of course management hasn't been dragging this out either has it?

You have a choice. Go to a non-union carrier if you despise ALPA. Good luck when you have a medical problem, legal troubles, or an incident/accident though. ALPA's not perfect, but it's the best we have available to us.

I think many of you don't relalize that the current contract at ASA and what we have was fought for and gained by ALPA. If not for ALPA, we wouldn't have CX pay, 4 weeks of vacation (given to all ASA employess too btw), 12 hour call out when your trip is taken for training, and on and on. Think about that.

Hoser

 

[Rez O. Lewshun]

• I like how ALPA, part of the AFL-CIO, has stopped legislators from making "a legal job action, ie a strike" a felony and a disqualifying criminal act for employment.

• I also like how ALPA has stopped legislators from changing the status of all captains to supervisory and thus managment. Negating the ability to belong to a union, function as employee under the CBA and its work rules.

You don't hear too much about that do you...... not connected....???


Why does everyone have to have blank/white, yes/no, good/bad....

This isn't high school girls where you have to cirlce one: Do you like ALPA? yes or no.

ALPA is an organization made up of people. People aren't always righteous nor do they get up everyday to make your life a Walgreens commercial. (perfect).

As Air Line Pilots we consider ourselves leaders, but when it comes to being union members we turn into sheep. Get your heads out of the sod and effect positive change. The opportunies are there.. you just have to quit complaining, adopt a pragmatic, realistic attitude and take a leadership mindset.

No, they're not what they used to be,

How were they "used to be?"



I'd rather be screwed by ALPA on occasion, than be managements total gimp.

 

[Rez O. Lewshun]

Now for you bashers- Why don't you lose the welfare mentality and quit asking what govt., mgmt., a union, or some other social service can do for you. Whether you like unions or not, your whining does nothing unless you are contributing something to help your plight. If your not part of the solution, you might be part of the problem.

bump....

 

[TurboAWD]

Let's see, of the top of my head:

Prevented the company from lowering gaurentee (this alone worth >2%)
Prevented the company from increasing health care costs (this alone worth >2%)
Prevented the company from imposing a 5% pay cut for CA's.
Prevented the company from implementing Pref bid with no warning, no training, and no trial runs.
Helped MANY people get their jobs back (MOST of whom didn't deserve termination)
Years and years and years of helping to make regulations, airplanes, and airports safer.

And lots more.

If you don't like the way things are run at your MEC, volunteer. I bet you haven't even called your rep to discuss your problems with the association, have you? If not, then STFU, pay your 2%, and keep watching from the cheep seats.

Turbo

 

[bizzum]

What has ALPA done for you, EVER? Besides take your money and delay your contract for 5+ years.

Ever ride the jumpseat on an offline carrier? Who do you think got jumpseat agreements started?

 

[DX Rick]

I read these boards and I hear the ALPA guys saying there isn't any turn outs for meetings or roadshows, or "instead of bitching, help with volunteering" Maybe there is a reason. When I talk to the guys online, they all say "Make your own opinion about ALPA, but I personally thing they don't do sh!t!"

I have met a far more Anti-ALPA guys on the line, than Pro union guys. I asked my last captain why that was. He said "You will never find a Union guy flying. Just trying to figure out another way of doing nothing, and getting paid for it"

Being new to a Union, I haven't gather much positive about ALPA. Most guys are hostile. From our "meet and greet" when I was a new hire, the Union guys did not come off well to the guys in my class. The first thing they did was hand us the paperwork to fill out the info for when they start collecting dues. When question what the dues entailed, they just said "services"....Sweet, does that include services from the Asian chick with happy endings?

THey left us with a bad impression, and if I was a pro-ALPA guy I would be embarrassed by the way these guys represented the union. They looked like they we're out partying all night. Dressed in a uniform they looked like they hadn't washed it in ages, yellowed and wrinkled. We thought they had just gotten day with a 5 day trip, but it turns out they had that day off.
Ontop of it, they spent 45 minutes of constantly repeating themselves "Alpa good, company bad!" Thats all we got out of it. The guy talking couldnt even complete a full sentence. Maybe he was a nervous public speaker.

Hell, I sent the IT department an email trying to get a password for the website....havent even gotten a response back in 2 weeks.

 

[Shrek]

Dx Rick......you should have e-mailed your respective Membership Commitee Chairman or LEC Rep. Try that first...........