ALPA dues at work....protecting itself!

[TWA Dude]

I agree that SWAPA and APA have been successful, ...

Just want to point out there's little that's been "successful" about these unions that hasn't come from the success of their employers. Is there ever a struggling airline where the pilots are happy with their union? Look at how many pilots on message boards think the union should somehow fix the industry.

I'm an APA member in addition to ALPA and I can say there's nothing superior about either organization. The AA pilots still have their A Plan only because they gave sufficient concessions in 2003 to prevent the company from going Chapter 11. There's no real reason to put the independent unions on a pedastal. If Southwest ever starts struggling financially I guarantee SWAPA will have a real hard time adjusting to dealing with a less friendly employer.

 

[TWA Dude]

It is disturbing to me that thousands in union funds are being sent out in mailings.

Funny you should say that. Back in 2001, one of the many complaints the TWA pilots had about ALPA was how little they did to support us when we were fighting against the APA in our merger. At the very least every ALPA pilot should've been well-informed about our struggle.

Now, ALPA is facing a battle against a raider and you are "disturbed" they have the gall to agressively fight it! Pilots like you would probably criticize ALPA no matter what tactic it uses.

 

[regionaltard]

I agree with Rez....I too think that USAPA will win this one.

It probably isn't gonna be all that bad. Remember SWAPA once had their day 1...and they just celebrated their 30th anniversary.

And how long has it been since the AA pilots left the "Mother Ship"?

There is no meaningful basis for comparison between USAPA and either APA or SWAPA.

 

[Crzipilot]

The NMB requires that those who vote are 'regularly working in the craft or class on and after the cutoff date', which was 11/13/07. If you were recalled, but not on property, that doesn't count. Same for anyone hired after 11/13.

Yes, it sucks for the 15 people who accepted recall but were not in class on the 13th. You either are or are not receiving a US Airways paycheck on the cutoff date. Are you going to claim the policy was flawed again after you lose? Maybe try to oust the NMB?

You USAPA guys think that the rules are infinitely flexible and that if something doesn't suit your needs/wants/agenda, you can just change things up mid process.

Actually it looks like it was ALPA that was trying to overstep. NMB just ruled that as long as you are on property by the end of voting you can vote. I believe ALPA wanted the cutoff date of Nov 13. NMB said April 17th. There are some on LOA which the NMB is saying are ineligble, others are eligble. Net Net, from the whole list I believe it is 28 people that have been determined as ineligible. As they are working for Jet Blue or another "carrier", or have retired, or can't get a medical.

So after all the BS bickering back and forth between USAPA/ALPA/USAIRWAYS final ruling is there are 5241 eligible voters. Don't know how it's split east/west though.

 

[PositiveRate]

thanks for the update.

bytheway, your idea on the other thread about ALPA wasn't half bad.

 

[Crzipilot]

If it went that way, we wouldn't be in the position we are in. We'd be argueing on who was going to take the fat one and who was going to pay the tab...

 

[PositiveRate]

I'll take the tab ;-)

 

[Crzipilot]

See, the arguing starts again.......I'll take the tab...HAHAHA

 

[pipejockey]

So this is where ALPO finds it necessary to spend my money. $300 hotel rooms instead of putting a stop to the disgraceful TA's they have allowed to be put forth to their respectful pilot groups. This is shameful!! I wish ALPO would just GO AWAY!!

This is why I'm voting USAPA! (from USAPA Email)


>>Finally, we note that the ALPA MEC meeting is being held at the at the Mandarin Oriental, Washington DC, described as one of the, “Top 100 Hotels of the World." Following are some of the descriptions of this hotel from their web site: "Quite simply we offer guests a new level of luxury." "Our elegant rooms and suites offer wonderful views. Our restaurant, CityZen, is under the guidance of Eric Ziebold, one of America’s ‘best new chefs’. Our spa facilities have earned one of the highest accolades in the region. Guests enjoy wonderful views over the stately city sights and waterfront. At Mandarin Oriental, Washington DC, we pride ourselves on providing a level of luxury that is unique in the American capital... grandeur that greets our hotel guests at every turn." Rooms with an airline discount run about $300/night. For those interested in learning more about the manner in which ALPA spends your dues dollars, click here to visit the Mandarin Oriental's web site. The hotel offers no shuttle service so those pilots wishing to attend must find their own way.
Contrast this with the way USAPA does business. As mandated by the USAPA Constitution, the first USAPA Board of Pilot Reps meeting will be held in CLT at the same hotel used by the crews, The Sterling Inn. Rooms go for about $44/night, with free shuttle service to and from the airport for those pilots wishing to attend. We could not contrast the difference between USAPA and ALPA any more clearly.