Rez O. Lewshun said:A big misconception and deep insult. Don't talk about what you don't know.
The filet mignon is a scooby snack compared to the value and work that local reps do for thier pilots. If ALPA reps were able to bill the membership for the hourly work they did, you'd glady trade it all for a steak and a round of golf.
Some ALPA reps put 15 hours of work in a week. Let's say the average pay at your previous regional was $60/hr. That is $900 a week of value that the membership is getting from that volunteer. Now.... you want to insult ALPA volunteers by calling them out on a $25 steak during a working dinner!
Incredulous!!!
This one I can't let go. Because you know what? YOU'RE A VOLUNTEER. I have no problem with the occassional expenditure here and there. I do have issues when I see reps (at any airline) using dues for booze, strip joints, and other excessive "pleasures." I also have issues when I see elected volunteers working the system to get more pay.
Personally I can say that my MEC did a pretty good job of our finances. I know because I've seen the books. I also hold no grudge against my own MEC/LEC- they were great people to work with and did an incredible job.
I also think that I am a bit "in the know" about what an ALPA volunteer goes through. I personally chaired a 115 member committee (Pilot2Pilot), and served as the communications chair for a while. I oversaw the distribution of materials for several roadshows as well. You know what? In most instances, those so called volunteers are PAID for their service (unless your MEC just kicks them to the side). Our biggest budget item was flight loss pay for union work.
Now before you jump down my throat, I know that reps spend a lot of time and effort without reimbursement. And you're right, they do deserve the occasional celebratory dinner from time to time. However you tell me that within ALPA as a whole there's not excessive discretionary spending going on and I can't help but laugh. I KNOW otherwise because I've seen it in other MECs and at the national level.