The big thing here is were not ALPA, probably will never will be, (never thought Flops and rta would merge either, so anything is possible). I really don't care about the regionals, it is wrong to compare any of the fractionals to any of the airlines. 2 totally different concepts, except they fly airplanes and have pilots that is it. So really i could care less about them and their problems. You and I are in the Fractional Airline industry. I care about my industry.
You ask about a truckers union, and how we will be different, I don't plan on taking a baseball bat to anybodys car, You? Any of your friends able to do that? I know none of mine will. There are things you do with your fist and things you do with your mind. What % of pilots are college grads, and do ya really think their gonna pick up a tire iron?
How did the Teamsters Start? I have no clue, I don't care. How did Vegas get its start, I bet you love to go there (unless your a bible banger), How many LBS of cocain built miami, you still go there. If you worked for a regional, I bet you biched about the pay scale, while you accepted that crapy pay, you didn't like it, but you accepted it, and you were ok with it.
Unless I'm wrong, this year at NJ's will be the most profitable in its history, why do you think that is? Who holds the keys to the company? Who is working with the company, for the benefit of the company?
"You pay us and we will protect you". Again yes unfortunatly your right. Welcome to the real world. Do you trust your company to take care of you? NJ pays 100% dues, 75% stays in house and 25% goes to the teamsters. If you go to Iraq and you need protection, bet your gonna pay for that protection. Whats the company Blackwater, or something like that. If you can't see that this is nothing more than an insurance policy, than you need to get your money back for your education. If you can't see that Unions are big business and out to make a profit, (funny our companys are big business just out to make a profit also, what a concept), again you need to get your money back.
"Strong Arm".....hmm I don't see it, Last time I checked there was no shovel, baseball bat, tire iron or grenade held over 67% of FLOPS pilots to vote in the 1108 (notice were part of the 1108, and not some truckers, garbage, police, football player, actors guild, ALPA or the aviation side of the Teamsters) Rest assured I will not be throwing eggs at your house or waiting with a base ball bat, nor anybody that I know. (Can't speek for "nomore")
"Represent you for 5 years for free"....Wow, hmmmm, I have a better idea, why... don't you pay my mortguage for 5 years, how about that? Do you not understand the concept, "the Teamsters, FLOPS, FLEX, Avant, CS, and yes even Trojen Brand Condems are in business to make MONEY. I am in the business to make money as well.
So did you understand business 101, everybody is here to make money.