NWA Plans termination of Pension if legislation not approved

[Lear70]

Maybe the rest rules haven't changed to 7.5 hours mins rest because the line is being held.

Do you have any proof that that is the case?

I didn't think so. Don't use "maybes" or "possiblies" in your arguments, everyone sees through them and ignores them and it adds to how much people generally disregard what you say.

Maybe not. FFDO rules haven't changed? How did the cargo guys get included after they were initially excluded.

By the cargo carriers appealing directly to the TSA who, in conjunction with the PAC committees, lobbied to have the cargo carriers added.

How did the carry rules change?

Because pilots were losing too many weapons. Didn't have a d*mned thing to do with PAC - if you think it did, you're delusional. It was purely a function of not wanting to account for 7-10 missing weapons per month.

I could go on an on, but then again you could just educate yourself...

Educate myself? Evidently I'm more educated on the FFDO program changes than you are and you've given only ONE MINOR change to legislation in your rant; the rest is either speculation or incorrect.

Apathy and resigned to fail without even trying......

Better than blind ignorance and optimism without a dose of reality.

You really ARE living in fantasy land.

 

[Pilot Knob]

What hasn't been discussed here is that NWA is under investigation for the "ironic timing" of their decission to file bankrupcy 2 days before a huge contribution was due to the pension fund. Unfortunately, the pilots stand about as much a chance of keeping their pension as the mech had keeping their jobs(or the state of MN getting their 800 million back for a maintenance base/jobs on the iron range that never materialized)

 

[XJohXJ]

....thread hijack-almost...sorry

 

[Rez O. Lewshun]

Do you have any proof that that is the case?

Do you have any proof that it isn't?

You really ARE living in fantasy land.

And your union, both previous and present, still want you to contribute to the PAC.

 

[Lear70]

Do you have any proof that it isn't?

Nice try, but YOU'RE the one trying to defend PAC. I asserted that they haven't done anything to help, YOU bear the burden of proof if you want to continue to defend the usefulness of PAC.

And your union, both previous and present, still want you to contribute to the PAC.

Yeah and that crack whore on Virginia Avenue keeps wanting $25 for a BJ and that just ain't happening either.

Like I said, you and my union want me to contribute to PAC, then YOU bear the burden of PROVING that it's worth my contributions. Otherwise...

 

[Dodge]

Lear70

Nicely done. While ALPA is definetely better than nothing and is most likely the best there is for line pilots, there is no need to throw good money after bad.

If one has to rely on politicians, regardless of the orientation, for their retirement.......all I can say is "wow". It is always best for one to take care of their own finances instead of hoping that someone else will do it for them. But wait......that's what the taxpayers are for.

 

[Rez O. Lewshun]

Nice try, but YOU'RE the one trying to defend PAC. I asserted that they haven't done anything to help, YOU bear the burden of proof if you want to continue to defend the usefulness of PAC.

Like I said, you and my union want me to contribute to PAC, then YOU bear the burden of PROVING that it's worth my contributions. Otherwise...

Lear, I guess you, Joshua and Professor Falken are the smartest guys out there....

What is ALPA-PAC?Contribute to ALPA-PAC What is ALPA-PAC Checkoff? Direct Donations Sign up for Checkoff​

Welcome to the ALPA-PAC pages of the ALPA website. We are pleased to learn of your interest in our PAC program.

ALPA-PAC plays a critical role in ALPA's efforts to confront the challenges we face as airline pilots.Through the voluntary contributions of ALPA members, our PAC helps elect "pro-pilot" candidates to the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate who will fight to protect our careers and our industry. In addition, our PAC serves as an important complement to our lobbying efforts, helping to educate legislators about our professional concerns.

As you read the information on these pages, we hope you’ll realize how important ALPA-PAC is to all of us, as ALPA members. If you have further questions about our PAC program, please contact the Government Affairs Department at 1-888-359-2572 ext. 4033 or via e-mail at [email protected]. The staff will be pleased to respond to your inquiry.
We look forward to counting you as an active ALPA-PAC supporter - whether as a new contributor, a renewed donor or by increasing your current contribution. We welcome your support at any time.

What is ALPA-PAC?​

ALPA-PAC is the political action committee of the Air Line Pilots Association. It collects voluntary donations from U.S. ALPA members that are used to provide financial assistance to candidates running for the U.S. Congress. It is illegal to use dues money for this purpose.​

ALPA-PAC was born out of the realization that airline pilots have a critical stake in the political decisions that are made in Washington, DC everyday. It serves as a critical complement to ALPA’s lobbying efforts, which educate legislators on the "nuts and bolts" of the aviation industry and the special professional concerns of ALPA and our members.​

ALPA-PAC is an important tool in ALPA’s toolbox, helping to protect your interests and your future as a commercial airline pilot everyday.​

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What is a political action committee?​

A political action committee, or PAC, is a separate fund set up by unions, corporations or other special-interest groups to collect money from members or employees to make contributions to candidates running for federal elective office. Federal law prohibits these organizations from using general treasury funds, including dues, to contribute to U.S. congressional campaigns. Under the law, a union PAC can only accept voluntary contributions from members of that particular union who are U.S. citizens.​

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Who does ALPA-PAC support?​

ALPA-PAC supports "pro-pilot" candidates for the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives from any political party. These individuals are committed to the professional well-being of ALPA pilots and the aviation industry. ALPA-PAC is directed by a steering committee of your peers - seven pilots, including ALPA’s President and First Vice President. It is their job to decide which candidates to support.​

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Does a candidate’s position on issues outside aviation matter to ALPA-PAC?​

No​

. A candidate’s political beliefs on issues outside those directly affecting the livelihood of ALPA pilots and the aviation industry are not a factor in a decision to support his/her election campaign.​

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Why should I support the PAC?
Because your career depends on it. The piloting profession is one of the most regulated in the United States. Almost every aspect of your job is controlled by considerable red tape and bureaucracy. This is not going to change. It is absolutely vital to maintain a strong PAC to protect your professional interests in Washington, D.C. when a new anti-pilot regulation or bill is introduced.
Because of what you are up against. Almost every U.S. interest group, company or other organization maintains an active PAC to guard their interests in Washington, D.C. This includes the airlines and their industry associations…but are their best interests always yours?
Because every contribution counts. You might think that your contribution does not make a difference. Wrong - it does. It is a simple case of strength in numbers. When your contribution is added to others, the ALPA-PAC war chest grows - and so does the strength of your PAC.​

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What has ALPA-PAC done for my profession?

Since it was established in 1975, ALPA-PAC has contributed to numerous important legislative victories, and supported the election campaigns of many successful congressional candidates. In the last decade alone, ALPA-PAC has contributed to the campaigns of over 1,500 individuals, with the vast majority successful in their election bids.​

Here’s a list of other accomplishments:

• • Safeguarding your fringe benefits. ALPA has worked with congressional allies on numerous occasions to preserve the tax-free status of fringe benefits, such as pilot airline passes and employer-provided health care. It also worked to prevent states from taxing the pension benefits of former residents - so called "source taxation."
  • Working to improve air safety for both pilots and the traveling public. ALPA urged passage of a law requiring the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to establish one level of safety for U.S. commercial operations; prevented the premature release of cockpit voice recordings; and led the effort to secure legislation granting FAA authority to certify small airports.
  • Gaining political clout for ALPA. ALPA helped prevent the appointment of a presidential emergency board in the ’98 Northwest Airlines strike and mounted a congressional campaign to block Frank Lorenzo from reentering the airline business. Due to ALPA’s excellent relations with pro-labor decision-makers in Washington, ALPA was consulted prior to the appointment of top officials at FAA, the Departments of Transportation and Labor, the National Transportation Safety Board, the National Mediation Board and other key Administration posts.
  • Cutting through bureaucratic red tape. ALPA blocked FAA proposals to conduct criminal background checks of airline employees, including pilots; persuaded Congress to pass a law safeguarding pilot rights in cases under the Civil Penalties Program; and prevented calls for random FAA review of CVRs - a move intended to improve "cockpit discipline." ​

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​

 

[Rez O. Lewshun]

How can I contribute to ALPA-PAC?​

There are two ways to contribute to ALPA-PAC. You can send a donation of any amount, at any time or you can participate in the ALPA-PAC Checkoff program, which is a voluntary payroll deduction plan similar to your ALPA dues checkoff. If you are unsure if your pilot group has a checkoff program in place, contact your MEC or the ALPA Government Affairs Department, or click on the 'About ALPA-PAC Checkoff' link (also at the top of this page). There is a list of all ALPA pilot groups that have checkoff in place.​

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Why can’t part of my dues be used for ALPA-PAC?​

Federal law makes it illegal for ALPA or any other labor organization to make contributions in connection with a federal election from its general treasury. In other words, your dues may not be used to support candidates running for federal office. Failure to comply with this law can result in criminal penalties, including fines and/or imprisonment. ALPA uses only ALPA-PAC funds for our involvement in political activities.​

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How can I get more information about ALPA-PAC?​

To obtain more information on ALPA-PAC, contact us at:​

Air Line Pilots Association Political Action Committee​

1625 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W.​

Washington, D.C. 20036

1-888-359-2572 ext. 4033

e-mail: [email protected]​

​

​

We welcome your interest and will be happy to answer any questions.​

Contributions to ALPA-PAC are not tax-deductible, nor a condition of membership in ALPA, and may be accepted only from ALPA members who are U.S. citizens or foreign nationals lawfully admitted to the U.S. for permanent residence. ​

 

[Rez O. Lewshun]

What Is a PAC?

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Political Action Committee (PAC) — A popular term for a political committee organized for the purpose of raising and spending money to elect and defeat candidates. Most PACs represent business, labor or ideological interests. PACs can give $5,000 to a candidate committee per election (primary, general or special). They can also give up to $15,000 annually to any national party committee, and $5,000 annually to any other PAC. PACs may receive up to $5,000 from any one individual, PAC or party committee per calendar year. A PAC must register with the FEC within 10 days of its formation, providing name and address for the PAC, its treasurer and any connected organizations. Affiliated PACs are treated as one donor for the purpose of contribution limits.
PACs have been around since 1944, when the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) formed the first one to raise money for the re-election of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The PAC's money came from voluntary contributions from union members rather than union treasuries, so it did not violate the Smith Connally Act of 1943, which forbade unions from contributing to federal candidates. Although commonly called PACs, federal election law refers to these accounts as "separate segregated funds" because money contributed to a PAC is kept in a bank account separate from the general corporate or union treasury.
Many politicians also form Leadership PACs, which are not technically affiliated with the candidate, as a way of raising money to help fund other candidates' campaigns. Leadership PACs are often indicative of a politician's aspirations for leadership positions in Congress or for higher office. (A breakdown of spending by Leadership PACs is available on this web site.) Further background on Leadership PACs is online in the Center's 1996 publication, "A Bag of Tricks."
For more information on PACs, check out the FEC's "Campaign Guide for Corporations and Labor Organizations" and the "Campaign Guide for Nonconnected Committees" (both available in PDF format). For an alphabetical list of PAC acronyms, abbreviations, initials, and common names, see the FEC's list of PACRONYMS. A chart showing changes in the number of PACs between 1977 and 1998 is also available on the FEC's web site.
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[Rez O. Lewshun]

We Need Your Support! Help us support you. If you share our views for safer skies, please donate to the CAPA Political Action Committee (PAC) fund. A PAC fund is a lawful way of making political contributions to Members of Congress to finance their election campaigns. Your donation helps us gain access to Members of Congress to persuade them to take up our causes for safer air travel.
Please make checks payable to CAPA PAC Fund and mail to:
Treasurer, CAPA PAC Fund
1101 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Suite 6646
Washington, DC 20004
Thank You!

 

[81Horse]

... It is always best for one to take care of their own finances instead of hoping that someone else will do it for them. But wait......that's what the taxpayers are for.

Well. Aren't you loaded with insight.

A good many pilots thought they had taken care of themselves 20 or 25 years ago -- or more -- when they got married to stable, old-line carriers with excellent defined benefit pension plans. Stupid idiots -- they thought a contractual promise had moral and legal weight.

I guess you're smarter than they all were. But then, everybody's painfully smarter ... now.

Also -- it's not pilots who are relying on taxpayers to fund their pension promises at pennies on the dollar; it's morally bankrupt managements using that dodge.

 

[Dodge]

They may have thought that they had taken care of themselves when marrying a major carrier. However, they are still relying on someone else to hold up their end of an agreement. I find it hard to believe a pilot hired in the 80's and 90's did not know that it is possible for an airline management team to be dishonest and have zero integrity after Continental and Eastern.

Having never worked for someone who provides a pension, I don't have the problem of hoping someone is going to provide a retirement for my family. Until I get a job with government and let the taxpayers foot the bill, I guess I will have to continue to be the commander of my investment/retirement ship.

If the pilots accept the pennies, then they may not be relying on the taxpayers but they are gonna take the money all the same. Don't get me wrong, I do feel bad for all those getting screwed by managements, but for those of us 99% US workers that never would or will have a DB plan, pilots making well over 100K / year feel that they probably should have done a little saving on their own. I bet most of the pilots did.

 

[Rez O. Lewshun]

Having never worked for someone who provides a pension, I don't have the problem of hoping someone is going to provide a retirement for my family.

Hoping?

It is a legally binding agreement!!!

 

[Lear70]

Hoping?

It is a legally binding agreement!!!

Just like any other agreement which can and has been wilfully thrown to the taxpayers in bankruptcy.I agree that it's management, not the pilots, who are to blame with PLANNING that their pension will be there for them when they're making career decisions 10, 15, or even 20 year ago. However, saving on the side into AT LEAST their 401k would have been a smart decision even then. Who could have known back in the 80's and early 90's that the last 5 years would play out like it has?Rez, thanks for quoting 3 pages of ALPA propaganda that, again, fails to persuade. Some of the items it quoted as doing weren't success stories, they were "attempted to" and "worked with to accomplish", cleverly written without telling you if they actually accomplished each goal or not. Yes, ALPA does some good work with their PAC, but they also do some pretty stupid things as well with that money. This one killed me:

ALPA blocked FAA proposals to conduct criminal background checks of airline employees.

Ummm... why? Everyone has skeletons in their closet, but if someone has recently and repeatedly committed violent felonies that the company hasn't learned about because it happened AFTER their original hire date, maybe they shouldn't be flying? Possibly a safety issue and ALPA went AGAINST it?The list of things that ALPA does and supports that I don't agree with is long. Until those things change, I wouldn't give a plugged nickel more than I possibly HAD to in order to keep doing my job.IF and WHEN my current union's stance on ALL the issues important to me aligns with my own, AND I think that money might actually help make a difference (not throwing good money after bad), I'll contribute. Until then, no thanks.

 

[Rez O. Lewshun]

Yes, ALPA does some good work with their PAC,.

And there is just not ALPA-PAC. CAPA-PAC represents the APA (American Pilots), SWAPA (southwest pilots), NPA (airtran Pilots), the UPS Pilots (IPA) and Teamster Pilots.

So there is no reason if you are an Air Line Pilot you can't contribute.

but they also do some pretty stupid things as well with that money. This one killed me: Ummm... why? Everyone has skeletons in their closet, but if someone has recently and repeatedly committed violent felonies that the company hasn't learned about because it happened AFTER their original hire date, maybe they shouldn't be flying? Possibly a safety issue and ALPA went AGAINST it?The list of things that ALPA does and supports that I don't agree with is long. Until those things change, I wouldn't give a plugged nickel more than I possibly HAD to in order to keep doing my job.IF and WHEN my current union's stance on ALL the issues important to me aligns with my own, AND I think that money might actually help make a difference (not throwing good money after bad), I'll contribute. Until then, no thanks.

Lear,

I am not sure on the details on criminal background checks. Could it be that politicians were too excessive? Speeding tickets? Not sure if ALPA would sacrifice safety to put criminals in the cockpit, etc...

I wouldn't give a plugged nickel more than I possibly HAD to in order to keep doing my job.

You might not have a job, but you can be jobless & proud you never gave to the PAC. Speaking of criminals, how about this foreign control coming down the pipe? It seems pretty clear that is a real threat to our jobs. Allowing third world wonder boys (who knows what their background is) to fly our jets and take our jobs seems like a good enough reason to send ONE DOLLAR to ALPA-PAC, or in your case CAPA-PAC.

IF and WHEN my current union's stance on ALL the issues important to me aligns with my own, AND I think that money might actually help make a difference (not throwing good money after bad), I'll contribute. Until then, no thanks.

Are you serious? When everything goes your way then you'll come over and play? Name one organization that is in line with ALL your issues! Ones wife isn't like that! Neither is church or gov't. The world just doesn't work that way!

Is ALPA-PAC/CAPA-PAC the total true organization? No way. But neither are you and I. And PAC playing is the way the game is played in WashDC. And the guys that run the PAC work the issues everyday, therefore I see it as presumptious to assume we know better than them.

At least with the PAC you get the choice unlike taxes where you are forced to pay for polices you don't agree with.....

If you don't speak for yourself, someone else will.

 

[Lear70]

I am not sure on the details on criminal background checks. Could it be that politicians were too excessive? Speeding tickets? Not sure if ALPA would sacrifice safety to put criminals in the cockpit, etc...

Do you even READ what you type to make sure it makes sense or do you just type and submit without thinking about it?

Speeding tickets, unless they are reckless driving which is a separate citation, are NOT criminal offenses, therefore they wouldn't show up on a CRIMINAL background check. Sooo... if you aren't sure that ALPA would sacrifice safety to put criminals in the cockpit, why do you think they opposed criminal background checks?

Like I said, I don't agree with a lot of things ALPA does.

You might not have a job, but you can be jobless & proud you never gave to the PAC.

Extremists are always the most vocal. I've been guilty of that a time or two but you take the cake on this one. Jobless and proud? Because I never contributed to PAC? I don't think that's going to happen, but nice grandstanding.

Speaking of criminals, how about this foreign control coming down the pipe? It seems pretty clear that is a real threat to our jobs. Allowing third world wonder boys (who knows what their background is) to fly our jets and take our jobs seems like a good enough reason to send ONE DOLLAR to ALPA-PAC, or in your case CAPA-PAC.

I agree, the upcoming legislation has me worried, and for good reason. Again, since the president stopped listening to the pilots' unions, I don't see what good ANY PAC organization is going to do. There just aren't enough labor-friendly congressmen and senators to make much of ANY difference right now on just about ANY aviation issue. Again, throwing good money after bad.

Are you serious? When everything goes your way then you'll come over and play? Name one organization that is in line with ALL your issues! Ones wife isn't like that! Neither is church or gov't. The world just doesn't work that way!

Absolutely serious. That's why I stopped trying to get involved with union committees; I got tired of trying to understand why they bent over on some issues, but were hardline on others. I can't and won't get involved with an organization that has THE MAJORITY of their goals that go against what I want OR that has ANY goals that are completely unacceptable to me (fight against age 65 increase), much less is completely ineffective at affecting real change in areas that are important to me anyway. Not if I can help it at least.

Incidentally, I HAVE found a wife and a church that are in line with ALL my MAJOR issues, the minor ones we can compromise on.

Is ALPA-PAC/CAPA-PAC the total true organization? No way. But neither are you and I. And PAC playing is the way the game is played in WashDC. And the guys that run the PAC work the issues everyday, therefore I see it as presumptious to assume we know better than them.

First, I never claimed to know "better" than them, I simply disagree with their politics. I simply won't continue to throw money at a cause that the President has vowed to veto. That's just plain IGNORANT.

At least with the PAC you get the choice unlike taxes where you are forced to pay for polices you don't agree with.....

WHAT? You don't get a choice for ANYTHING with PAC! You send them your money, you voice your opinion on what they should pursue, then they pursue the agendas THEY think are important, regardless of your opinion.

Where's the CHOICE in that?

The only choice I see is whether or not to contribute. If they someday come up with a way for me to say EXACTLY where and where NOT my money is to go, then I'll reconsider. It's my money, it should be my choice how it gets spent.

If you don't speak for yourself, someone else will.

Granted, I just don't like what ALPA has to say the majority of the time. I'm just finishing training here and haven't figured out if CAPA is any better yet.

 

[Rez O. Lewshun]

Do you even READ what you type to make sure it makes sense or do you just type and submit without thinking about it?

Speeding tickets, unless they are reckless driving which is a separate citation, are NOT criminal offenses, therefore they wouldn't show up on a CRIMINAL background check. Sooo... if you aren't sure that ALPA would sacrifice safety to put criminals in the cockpit, why do you think they opposed criminal background checks?.

Speeding tickets was an example I used.... should've come up with a felony. What was "the other side" was proposing....?

Like I said, I don't agree with a lot of things ALPA does..

Neither do I. And neither do I with my gov't and church. But I don't refuse to particpate simply because I don't agree with alot of things. I don't shun my country and church.

Extremists are always the most vocal. I've been guilty of that a time or two but you take the cake on this one. Jobless and proud? Because I never contributed to PAC? I don't think that's going to happen, but nice grandstanding..

You'll never know if you could've won if you never show up to the ballpark. To resign without even trying is amazing...

I agree, the upcoming legislation has me worried, and for good reason. Again, since the president stopped listening to the pilots' unions, I don't see what good ANY PAC organization is going to do. There just aren't enough labor-friendly congressmen and senators to make much of ANY difference right now on just about ANY aviation issue. Again, throwing good money after bad..

And this is a big problem People (not just pilots) show up every four years and cast thier presidential vote then brush off thier hands and wait for another four years. Why address the issues once every four years with a blank political check to the Prez? Why not work the issue continously? ALPA-PAC & CAPA-PAC.

Absolutely serious. That's why I stopped trying to get involved with union committees; I got tired of trying to understand why they bent over on some issues, but were hardline on others. I can't and won't get involved with an organization that has THE MAJORITY of their goals that go against what I want OR that has ANY goals that are completely unacceptable to me (fight against age 65 increase), much less is completely ineffective at affecting real change in areas that are important to me anyway. Not if I can help it at least..

This paragraph simply speaks for itself....

Maybe you should try looking at the situation without your Lear70 glasses on? One of the biggest problems I have is approaching a situation with a preconcieved out come. How I think it should be. And the minute things don't go my way I get fustrated and claim the system FUBAR.

Incidentally, I HAVE found a wife and a church that are in line with ALL my MAJOR issues, the minor ones we can compromise on. .

Many believe spouse/family, church and career are the most important in life.
2 out of three ain't bad....

First, I never claimed to know "better" than them, I simply disagree with their politics. I simply won't continue to throw money at a cause that the President has vowed to veto. That's just plain IGNORANT. .

Again if you refuse to particpate in politics on an on going basis, then you simply give carte blanche to those in power. On a side note this a big problem with unions in general. The membership votes in the Reps and that's it. Without constant involvement Reps do what they want. then the membership claims, "Hey that's not what I expect!" Well, what do you expect?

It is difficult to comprehend that you resign your self to apathy.

WHAT? You don't get a choice for ANYTHING with PAC! You send them your money, you voice your opinion on what they should pursue, then they pursue the agendas THEY think are important, regardless of your opinion.

Where's the CHOICE in that?

The only choice I see is whether or not to contribute. If they someday come up with a way for me to say EXACTLY where and where NOT my money is to go, then I'll reconsider. It's my money, it should be my choice how it gets spent..

You have a valid point...somewhat. How effective would the PAC be if everyone attached a conditional to thier contribution. Man, you have got to let go a little...

Same with tidings at church? "Here is $100 pastor, but let me tell you what you have to do with it..."

Granted, I just don't like what ALPA has to say the majority of the time. I'm just finishing training here and haven't figured out if CAPA is any better yet.

Lear- You are determined about your opinions about ALPA, I don't see how it will be any different for you and the NPA (CAPA). With preconcieved expectations it is very difficult.

Disagreements are good. But to pack up ones marbles and go home solves nothing. It leaves those you disagree with in control without worrying about guys like you that bring something to the table. Problem is you're more comfortable claiming its all FUBAR then staying at the table....

 

[Dodge]

Hoping?

It is a legally binding agreement!!!

So, it is a breech of contract? Why didn't you say so in the first place. All the pilots need to do is demand to be made whole in a court of law. Ah, you say, but the bankruptcy throws a new twist into things.

Back to my original statement of having to hope that someone is gonna give me money for my retirement. You gotta have faith in the other party that you entered into an agreement with. For those who are going to be wiped out......you made a bad business decision and while I feel very badly for you, it happens all the time to many, many people who entered into contracts and were left holding the bag when things went south for the other party. Myself, I have no faith whatsoever in anyone who sits at a desk and works for an airline.

I tend to think that most pilots have done some saving on their own just for such a rainy day occassion. I pray that it is all pilots.

 

[PCL_128]

Lear, I've shared many of your concerns about ALPA-PAC over the years, and that's why I haven't contributed until recently. The biggest problem for me was always the fact that 70% of campaign contributions from the PAC go to liberal Democrats. As you know, I'm about as conservative as they come, so that leaves a bad taste in my mouth. However, ALPA-PAC doesn't just make campaign contributions, a lot of the time and money is spent on lobbying efforts in an attempt to convince Congressmen and Senators to see things our way. Without ALPA-PAC, many lawmakers on Capital Hill would never even hear what air line pilots think about certain issues. We should at least be able to get our voice heard.

What finally convinced me to contribute to the PAC was cabotage and foreign ownership. These two issues alone could completely decimate our industry and careers if they don't go our way. We need the voice of ALPA-PAC (or CAPA-PAC in your case) to make sure that lawmakers understand our concerns. Will it make a difference? Maybe so, maybe not, but at least we can say we tried. I contribute a mere $20 per paycheck. I don't even notice that it's gone, but at least I know that I'm contributing to the cause. At least give it some consideration and look into CAPA-PAC.

 

[Rez O. Lewshun]

Do you even READ what you type to make sure it makes sense or do you just type and submit without thinking about it?

Speeding tickets, unless they are reckless driving which is a separate citation, are NOT criminal offenses, therefore they wouldn't show up on a CRIMINAL background check. Sooo... if you aren't sure that ALPA would sacrifice safety to put criminals in the cockpit, why do you think they opposed criminal background checks?

.

Here is more ALPA spin...


Criminal records checks
One of the unnecessary steps that the government took in the wake of 9/11 was to require criminal history record checks of all existing airline employees who have access to secure areas of an airport. In establishing this requirement, the government failed to provide any safeguards or due process for employees. Working with the AFL-CIO Transportation Trades Department, ALPA was able to include language in the Aviation Stabilization and Reform Act requiring the TSA to establish a process allowing for appeals and for waivers to be granted to employees who can show that they are not a security risk.
Although the House Aviation Subcommittee favorably reported the bill, no further action took place before the 107th Congress adjourned. The Government Affairs Department expects that this bill will be reintroduced soon, and ALPA will continue its efforts to ensure that this protective language for airline employees is again included in the legislation.

 

[320AV8R]

What hasn't been discussed here is that NWA is under investigation for the "ironic timing" of their decission to file bankrupcy 2 days before a huge contribution was due to the pension fund.

Who is spearheading this investigation? What is your source for the validity of your claim?

The formitable explanation was that they filed at a cash level that would prevent them from requiring DIP financing.......so they would have more CONTROL over the process.

Unfortunately, the pilots stand about as much a chance of keeping their pension as the mech had keeping their jobs(or the state of MN getting their 800 million back for a maintenance base/jobs on the iron range that never materialized)

Can you explain your certainty? Do you know where the legislation is in Committee and are you privy to a majority of Congressmen that are going to rewrite the Bill?

Do you have any inside information as to the intentions of NWA senior Mgmt? (Besides crap your pilot friend heard from someone else on the hotel van last week).

320AV8R