Jet Blue Pilots Files with N.M.B. for ALPA Representation

[sligo1]

So, what happens next for the guys/gals at jetBlue? What's the next step? Any idea how long before management try to play the various different work groups against the pilot corps?

Its already started my friend. They posted the ALPA NMB filling on the J.B. website and are taking comments from all the work groups. Funny though the pilots are geeting alot of support from them. The F/A's have their own campaign going on. Well see how it plays out in about 90 days after a vote.

 

[Ty Webb]

Don't get me wrong - I'm not telling you to not unionize - I'm just saying an in-house would be way way better than ALPA, just look at their track record when it comes to outsourcing.

We had an in-house union . . . . and then went to ALPA. ALPA wins, hands down.

SWAPA has been successful, but most in-house unions are going to have a very difficult time starting from scratch.

"ALPA" can only provide info, advice and resources. Nobody forces your pilots to sign an outsourcing agreement.

FWIW, AirTran's agreement for RJ subservice was signed under our in-house union, not ALPA.

 

[vetrider]

We would all be better off if all be better off if we had the same representation. It's the only chance we have against whipsawing each other. US Air guys are pissed at ALPA but what nearly destroyed your company and the lifestyle of many airline pilots? Competition from non-ALPA carriers who undercut the prevailing wages of the time in the name of making their carriers "low cost". We all be better off on the same team fighting to bring this career back to where it should be.

Being alpo wouldn't necessarily fix that. Case in point, AWA. We were basically told we weren't worthy. They eve sent Woerth, Attarian, and Bernard to grace our presence at one meeting to condescend to us, and tell us we had no right to expect this or that because after all, we're just AWA.

 

[Turtle21]

What is better is a perfect world, where management and employees unilaterally work together. Both have their needs met for profitabilty and compensation. Unfortunatley the airline business doesn't operate on that notion. Management has fiscal duties for share holders, pilots have responsability to each other. Collaboration only works when "both" sides are held accountable. Is ALPA the end -all, definatley not but its a start for Jetblue pilots.

ALPA would have pilots believe they are the only option. They just sell advice and services (so they say), but the unspoken motivation is keeping you hooked and under their thumb once they are voted into the driver's seat. An in house union can hire all the services that ALPA has to offer, but do it for less money and still have the power to fire and hire at will, which you won't have if you give the key to ALPA.

Why send your money to outsiders that have their own interest above yours? ALPA has one goal.. it's own survival. When push comes to shove, ALPA's survival and prosperity is more important than the JetBlue pilot group.

 

[sligo1]

ALPA would have pilots believe they are the only option. They just sell advice and services (so they say), but the unspoken motivation is keeping you hooked and under their thumb once they are voted into the driver's seat. An in house union can hire all the services that ALPA has to offer, but do it for less money and still have the power to fire and hire at will, which you won't have if you give the key to ALPA.

Why send your money to outsiders that have their own interest above yours? ALPA has one goal.. it's own survival. When push comes to shove, ALPA's survival and prosperity is more important than the JetBlue pilot group.

ALPA did not solicit us, we went to them. They make no promises other than what we can expect. I think Lee Moak is an upstanding person and a straight shooter. Of course he is another former Marine. We know the pit falls and short commings. We all need to band together for our pilot group and hope for the best. It will only help all of us in the end.

 

[Turtle21]

We had an in-house union . . . . and then went to ALPA. ALPA wins, hands down.

SWAPA has been successful, but most in-house unions are going to have a very difficult time starting from scratch.

"ALPA" can only provide info, advice and resources. Nobody forces your pilots to sign an outsourcing agreement.

FWIW, AirTran's agreement for RJ subservice was signed under our in-house union, not ALPA.

Exactly.. When ALPA gets your dues and you don't like the outcome then its the pilot's fault because ALPA just provides info and advice.


ALPA never takes responsibility for the advice they give you and never disclose to you the conflicts of interest their information contains, seeing how they give advice to numerous pilot groups at competing carriers at mainline and regionals. ALPA can't give objective advice in your best interest when they aren't worried about being fired.

With an in house union your lawyers and consultants work for you, not the mother ship.

 

[scoreboardII]

Originally Posted by Ty Webb

SWAPA has been successful, but most in-house unions are going to have a very difficult time starting from scratch.

Why? Why is it so difficult? Many have done well, not just SWAPA. Why go for a nationalized self licking ice cream cone?

 

[sligo1]

Why? Why is it so difficult? Many have done well, not just SWAPA. Why go for a nationalized self licking ice cream cone?

Ask any AirTran or FedEx pilot, they will give you a straight answer.

 

[Turtle21]

ALPA did not solicit us, we went to them. ...

What.. is that supposed to prove that ALPA is an honest broker because you went to them?

How many used car salesmen leave their car lot to solicit their next contract from a customer that agrees to monthly payments for something that depreciates the moment they sign the line?

Its too bad you won't know what you got until its too late.

 

[sligo1]

What.. is that supposed to prove that ALPA is an honest broker because you went to them?

How many used car salesmen leave their car lot to solicit their next contract from a customer that agrees to monthly payments for something that depreciates the moment they sign the line?

Its too bad you won't know what you got until its too late.

We have alredy experienced the used car salesman, it's called manaement broken promises for years. I respect your opinion and see you were an Airforce guy-thanks for your service we all appreciate your sacrafice, This is our battle and we just need support.