MarineGrunt
Will kill for peace.
- Joined
- Sep 18, 2002
- Posts
- 1,854
What has ALPA done for me? First and foremost, when my wife was pregnant with our second child. she had a car accident. I called my domicile chief pilot, and was released immediately during the overnight. I was informed 2 days later, that upon my return from the overnight, I was scheduled for a drug test, and was accused of avoiding it. The company attempted to terminate me. ALPA stepped in and got me reinstated, I did not have to pay any attorney fees.
I lost my medical. Who helped me fight the FAA and get my medical back? ALPA did. While I know many are not fans of ALPA and I am aware Republic and Horizon are IBT, without any union, I would not be flying today. I also would have had a termination on my record. Without a union, you have ZERO PROTECTIONS from anyrthing to altitude or clearance deviations while lying the line, or protections from the FAA Aeromedical doctors. You are fair game. There are a few non union carriers. And I wonder how many are constantly being pushed around? If the company treats you well, then you don't need a union. But remember, you also sacrafice protections that ASAP programs provide, or protections if you lose your medical or protections due to lack of communication.
Reasons like these are why I decided to vote yes. My wife is going back to school soon and I will be the sole provider for her and our children. If I were by chance caught in a situation as J and E, we would be SCREWED. I don't think things would have gotten any better or worse at SkyWest if the voted passed, but having that type of protection would be a no brainer.
I will also say that some of you ALPA chest thumpers here have done an EXTREME injustice to the ALPA drive and the image of ALPA. I have no doubt that a sizable portion of the 65% were likely turned away by your negative and hostile attitudes. The next drive will probably be no better with those types around. You all know who you are. On the other hand, there have been a lot of very professional members on this board that took the time to educate the SkyWest pilots on the benefits and importance of a union. They made the biggest difference in the cause.
The drive failed. Let's get over it.