Here's why Flight Options Pilots (some) aren't paying dues:
Thanks, Mr. Magoo, that's what I was hoping to generate by my question.
* one of the selling points for the union was "no dues til contract".
Many think like UG--better a small amount over time rather than a big "catch-up" payment when the contract is done. The mantra seems to have been too simplified. Postponed does not mean "no charge". Do all of the Options pilots realize/remember that?
* it won't help. Like arranging deck chairs on the Titanic. It is still going down.
Rumors have been out there for
years, and the company has stayed afloat. How much time has passed since the group first started sending in cards? The naysayers could have said the same thing then and
now your group is working on a contract. Isn't it far better to work for your future and be prepared when it gets here than risk hurting your chance of success by not participating

There's a difference between reasons and excuses. The selling point is the former; this is the latter. Hopefully it is said much less.
* netjet pilots aren't paying flight options way. If flight options pilots all paid dues tomorrow, net jets pilots would still pay the same amount as today.
With all due respect to the Options pilots this attitude is not an accurate reflection of the situation. True, the NJ pilots would not see a decrease in their dues, but
more of their money would be available for their
own needs. The NJ pilots would like to start a Pilot Aid Fund; that hasn't been financed yet. It is common for some people to say that charity should begin at home. While so far it seems that the NJ group has been supportive there comes a point when a hand up starts looking like a hand out and resentment then supplants the desire to help. The potential damage to the good will between the pilot groups far exceeds the difference paying your dues will make to your paycheck. Please do your part to foster unity. As you can tell from posts here, some of the NJ pilots need to see
tangible evidence that the Options pilots are working hard for their future.
Paying dues is considered a strong sign that you mean business. Word like that will definitely make its way back to upper management. It has huge psy ops potential! What a tremendous show of unity and resolve would be demonstrated if the Options pilots turned in their dues and voted in their own MEC. Lack of interest --whether real or only perceived--makes your group look weak at a time they need to be standing tall and walking proud. To the individual pilot it's a small amount of money, but collectively it makes a huge difference in the support and respect your group will receive. It is critical that you realize the vast symbolism that is at stake here. Additionally, it's such an easy way for the pilots to make a direct contribution to their success that it amazes me that the majority haven't taken this basic step. When you look at what the NJ pilots did to win their contract battle--donations to Strong Union was one of the first things to put them on the right track. I can't stress enough that it's not just the actual means to finance your campaign; it is every bit as
empowering to let the other side know
how much you mean business. We all know that money talks. Time to let them hear you shout.
PILOTS ARE PROFESSIONALS AND SHOULD BE COMPENSATED ACCORDINGLY