ALPA/TWA Duty of Fair Representation Award

[fletch717]

Yes, it's true that you can't go after Woerth personally. Still doesn't make it right to steal money out of the pockets of union brothers.

What ALPA did to the TWA pilots was far worse. If other pilots have to pay it should serve as a warning to keep your union from putting itself before those it claims to have in their best interest. Two words "Term Limits" on all ALPA officers.

 

[TWA Dude]

Still doesn't make it right to steal money out of the pockets of union brothers.

It's not stealing if the courts rule for the plaintiffs. And BTW, Woerth wasn't solely responsible for ALPA's actions -- he had support from MECs.

 

[SWA/FO]

OH, PCL you found a thread that actually wants your input, NOT!

 

[SWA Bubba]

This the problem with any lawsuit against a union. You're never suing some nebulous entity, you're suing your fellow pilots and taking money out of their pockets. Even if you don't win (and I don't think the TWA pilots ultimately will), you still wasted incredible amounts of your fellow pilots' money on the defense that typically costs millions of dollars for a long-term suit. Where is the honor in taking money out of your union brother's pockets?

Okay, PCL, here's a serious question then:

What IS the right thing to do? I think it's been settled in court (an apparently in most of the principals' minds) that ALPA did indeed not only fail, but intentionally so, in their DFR by trying to sell out the TWA pilots in return for trying to suck up to APA for political purposes. Or at least that's the way I understand it, not being a player in that particular game. So assuming that to be the case, why do you think that the wronged pilots shouldn't be made whole through the courts? Are you saying their screwjob is just too bad, because ALPA is too important to be held accountable? Their leaders are beyond accountability because their organization may suffer financially? Where's the honor in that?!

I actually agree with you and others (like Xkuzme) that the average ALPA pilot is not personally responsible for what happened, and essentially had no way to control the events, one way or the other. However, their elected leaders apparently did wrong in the organization's name (and can't even claim that it was accidental). Therefore, the organization IS accountable. That's the same for a company or a government as well as a labor union. If you have crappy or dishonest leaders, then get rid of them; but expect to pay for their misdeeds.

I know you're a big union guy, PCL (and specifically a part of ALPA). You're always preaching brotherhood and doing the right thing and all. If you had to speak to them personally, what would you say to the union brothers who got screwed for politics? Sorry, but too bad? Is that really your take?

You know, if ALPA eventually prevails like you predict (or at least practically prevails) through dilution, time passage, death by old age of the claimants, etc., then all that's been shown is that delay and manipulation of the court system is still a viable way out of your responsibilities.

Anyway, just kinda' curious as to your thoughts on this.

Bubba

 

[redflyer65]

Okay, PCL, here's a serious question then:

What IS the right thing to do? I think it's been settled in court (an apparently in most of the principals' minds) that ALPA did indeed not only fail, but intentionally so, in their DFR by trying to sell out the TWA pilots in return for trying to suck up to APA for political purposes. Or at least that's the way I understand it, not being a player in that particular game. So assuming that to be the case, why do you think that the wronged pilots shouldn't be made whole through the courts? Are you saying their screwjob is just too bad, because ALPA is too important to be held accountable? Their leaders are beyond accountability because their organization may suffer financially? Where's the honor in that?!

I actually agree with you and others (like Xkuzme) that the average ALPA pilot is not personally responsible for what happened, and essentially had no way to control the events, one way or the other. However, their elected leaders apparently did wrong in the organization's name (and can't even claim that it was accidental). Therefore, the organization IS accountable. That's the same for a company or a government as well as a labor union. If you have crappy or dishonest leaders, then get rid of them; but expect to pay for their misdeeds.

I know you're a big union guy, PCL (and specifically a part of ALPA). You're always preaching brotherhood and doing the right thing and all. If you had to speak to them personally, what would you say to the union brothers who got screwed for politics? Sorry, but too bad? Is that really your take?

You know, if ALPA eventually prevails like you predict (or at least practically prevails) through dilution, time passage, death by old age of the claimants, etc., then all that's been shown is that delay and manipulation of the court system is still a viable way out of your responsibilities.

Anyway, just kinda' curious as to your thoughts on this.

Bubba

Exactly. PCL will say you should never sue ALPA. They are far too valuable for such trival things. The TWA pilots should be made whole.

 

[XTW]

I think it's been settled in court (an apparently in most of the principals' minds) that ALPA did indeed not only fail, but intentionally so, in their DFR by trying to sell out the TWA pilots in return for trying to suck up to APA for political purposes.

Actually, a jury of 12 (only 6 were required, but more were retained in the event any of the jurors had to be excused mid-trial) found ALPA to be guilty in their DFR. Also, the TWA pilots were harmed due to this fact.

Vote results from jury, 12-0. Guilty as charged.


X

 

[PCL_128]

I think it's been settled in court (an apparently in most of the principals' minds) that ALPA did indeed not only fail, but intentionally so, in their DFR by trying to sell out the TWA pilots in return for trying to suck up to APA for political purposes.

ALPA will prevail in an appeal on that matter, if it ever gets to that. ALPA did NOT fail the TWA pilots. The APA screwed over the TWA pilots, and the aftermath of 9/11 rubbed salt in the wounds. But ALPA did nothing that they are alleged to have done.

But as to your question of what should happen in the event that a union actually does violate its duty of fair representation, the members should seek to recall the officers who took part and take action to ensure that it doesn't happen again. Stealing money from fellow members is not a suitable solution, however.

 

[Noodles]

APA screwed over the TWA pilots with the blessing of ALPA. ALPA was so anxious to try and entice APA back in the fold, they were willing to screw anybody to try and make that happen.

 

[matchthehatch]

ALPA will prevail in an appeal on that matter, if it ever gets to that. ALPA did NOT fail the TWA pilots. The APA screwed over the TWA pilots, and the aftermath of 9/11 rubbed salt in the wounds. But ALPA did nothing that they are alleged to have done.

But as to your question of what should happen in the event that a union actually does violate its duty of fair representation, the members should seek to recall the officers who took part and take action to ensure that it doesn't happen again. Stealing money from fellow members is not a suitable solution, however.

Weak argument.

 

[Flying the Line]

Ever notice how he cries foul about how poorly air tran is being treated and then remember this. Air Tran got to vote and voted yes by a wide margin. TWA was never afforded that luxury.