The real problem in organizing at JetBlue is the fact that we have a large number of pilots that feel they were abused, cheated, lied to by ALPA. There is so much scar tissue in our pilot group it makes it hard to organize an in-house (ref current vote), let alone ALPA.
We have a signficiant number of former/furloughed USAir pilots who feel the ALPA integration screwed them. We have many other pilots that were furloughed by United, NWA, Delta, et al and almost all feel that they were screwed/let down by their unions. We have a large number of pilots from regional carriers that feel they were not fairly treated by ALPA or used as a bargaining chip when the majors were negotiating new contracts. They feel that they were treated as "2nd Class Citizens. We have pilots that never saw any good from their previous carrier's union over the last 3-5-7 years (mainly ALPA) to the point they would rather trust/hope/pray that JetBlue management will do better.
Thus, the first/best chance to organize at JetBlue was to do it inhouse. Take into account above, but then throw in the spin and lies from management and the anti-union pilots and you get what we have at JetBlue.
While ALPA has problems, it is respected and feared by airline managments. They also come with a large support staff and lots of $$$$$. Maybe you can get something done. Good luck with your vote.
Just my opinion......
FNG
