B6Busdriver
pushbutton pusher
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2003
- Posts
- 902
I keep hearing that "ALPA is only as great as your local leaders/pilots." So what is ALPA physically bringing to the table?
Every ALPA carrier has had their contract decimated, mis-interpreted, violated, etc. Job Protections? Furlough clauses? So... what good is the paper that a CBA is written on?
"ALPA has a great aeromedical/legal department" Well thats great, but if I took 1.95% of my paycheck for the rest of my career and put it in a piggy bank then I would have a great aeromedical/legal team as well.
"You better get ALPA on property before a merger, or else!" I'm sure a jetblue ALPA would get a fair and equitable integration with Delta, in the event they purchased us. Right? I'll let Dave himself negotiate my seniority if it comes down to that.
ALPA carriers wont strike when another ALPA carrier is on strike, it is not a "union" but only an "association." ALPA is a big business and its job is to be the middle-man between pilots and management. They are great at selling fear, all for a price of 1.95% of your life.
Im not anti-union, I just dont think ALPA does anything to deserve a vote. If they had unity and would go on strike when another ALPA carrier goes on strike, great! National Seniority list? Great! Standardized Minimum contracts for all ALPA carriers? Great!
I feel that the pro-ALPA messengers want us to be afraid of the consequences of not voting ALPA, as opposed to being eager to vote ALPA. Judgement is clouded when fear prevails.
How long have you been at JetBlue? I suggest you take the time to study the 11+ year labor history at JetBlue and then see if you think you should vote yes or not.
Who represents you if you are in an accident/incident?
Who represents you in a merger?
Who represents you if any item of your PEA is violated?
It's about having representation. That's all that can be guaranteed. That said, JetBlue has refused to entertain average benefits.
You have no scope.
No merger protection.
Horrible health insurance.
Limited health insurance on LTD.
40% less retirement, most other carriers get profit sharing too.
The list goes on and on.
As for every carrier having their pay and benefits decimated, well what do you expect after 9/11 and in some cases multiple bankruptcies? 92% of airline pilots are unionized....hmmmm. I wonder that might be?
What would the airline business be like today without unions? You would probably see Trans States, Mesa, and Eagle flying 737's for $85 an hour.....as a Captain.
I know you are new to JetBlue and I welcome you. Just ask your fellow pilots and make a decision based on fact. I don't love unions but after being a member of ALPA twice and now at JetBlue for almost 9 years it's high time for representation.