With all due respect, maybe, you should be spending your time communicating with those in charge. Request a special LEC meeting from your reps. One thing is for sure, you will not get a remedy or resolution on this forum.
I've personally been calling reps since July 3rd when rumor broke about the furloughs, not a single returned call. I finally flow with a ALPA Rep and he said it was because they're flying.
As far as the Union lying to the members, something isn't right when there are a lot of pilots agreeing that this Merger Assesment Fee smells a little fishy.
Why would National tell Comair only to get this assesment going and not the other ALPA represent carriers that are possibly involved in this imaginary merger. Even the Union reps say there is no merger happening, but it's INCASE we merge.
I might lose weight one day too, but Im not going out and buy a whole new wardrobe just INCASE.
The Union has sent out one brash email stating that pilots are facing termination if they dont pay this fee. Then they send out an apology email. Then they send out another email trying to tip toe around it and then again telling us IT'S NOT AN OPTION and again, facing termination. Using scare tactics like management? One would think management would like you not paying this bill, as it's a "Union Busting" tactic.
I've been here a couple of years and agree that the Union doesn't communicate very well.
You say "get involved" but a lot of guys who have been here for 3-4 years or less are working second jobs, and going to the WalMart to pick up baby formula provided with WIC vouchers.
I'm definetly not pro management, and not anti Union. Just agreeing that the Union in my last two years here hasn't left the greatest impression.