As an upcoming voter, I have to ask these questions:
1. Do we receive $100,000 a month value for the $100,000 we send to the IBT each month?
Not even close! As many pilots point out that's a very expensive magazine that rarely (like IBT leadership) pays attention to pilots. Not a word of support, or even recognition, for IBB advances.
...National teamsters have never contributed much monitary support or legal service to the local 1108.
Zilch is closer to reality. 1108 was founded by NJA pilot-leaders (with donations --not dues-- from NJA pilots) to help the pilotgroup because the IBT didn't understand, and wasn't interested in, pilot issues. The mixed craft local the NJ pilots were previously in (284) was more a hindrance than a help for that reason.
2. Does the national teamsters in any way undermine the interest in the local 1108 members?
Yes. Representing various types of aviation workers does cause a conflict of interests.
... I want my union at all levels to support the collective interests of fractional pilots, not the interests of airlines.
Frac pilots are a minority in the IBT. NJA pilots do a much better job representing themselves; they have the motivation and the talent. ...
I have heard that ALPA has a history of supporting the national carriers unions vs the regional carriers when their interests were in conflict. I can see the same situation with the local 1108 vs the local 747 (which I was a member for several years.)
I've heard pilots in the know are quite concerned about that.
My understanding is that the national IBT organization could also decide to have the local 1108
(financially strong) merge with the local 747
(and their serious money problems) without a vote by the 1108 members. If this is true,
It is. Apparently, IBT would rather spend NJA pilot money, use your infrastructure, etc to fix the 747 mess rather than National dealing with it as they should. I am very worried about the future.
The NJA pilots are led by sharp, proactive, visionary leaders/peers looking out for the group. NJASAP saw the writing on the wall and is taking action to preserve the independent spirit that launched StrongUnion. When I was in the local 747, i was very, very disappointed ...
This is the reason that it's important to stand alone and to use all of the NJA pilot dues to support their own pilots and advocate for improvements in the frac industry.
3. Do I think a new, unproven local
This is no different from your favorite restaurant changing their name. Same food, same staff, with more money to expand the menu and remodel as the owners see fit based on the desires of their customers. will be able to provide the same level of union protection that we local 1108 pilots enjoy right now?
It will be better. 100% of the dues would be spent on the NJA pilots: sufficient staff and technology to help w/contract compliance; money to advance frac interests in aviation-political issues that could impact job security; and money to pull our weight in joint committee projects with the Company, thus maintaing the good working relationship that SU has established over the last 2 plus years. Reaching out to others can strength our own position but it takes time to attend meetings and money to send people there. The investment pays for itself many times over as we saw in IBB.
Well, since this is a new organization I can't look at their record, but I can look at the people who have started and joined the organization.
Same thing. StrongUnion leaders/volunteers backed by a determined pilot group are continuing the record of accomplishment you refer to. It looks like to me, that most of the personnel that manned the 1108 have now resigned and are now associated with the NJASAP.
Yes, and those left behind to keep the Union running smoothly have said not to place any meaning on that other than their desire to help the pilots. Very careful planning went into this latest SU project. I think that although the NJASAP is new, the personnel should be able to handle the job just fine,
I couldn't agree more! I've been typing as I go and you had me a little worried for a minute there...
as all they will need to do is print up some new business cards
(bag tags coming soon to a mailbox near you) and continue business as usual.
Exactly! 
I'm glad to hear you say so.
4. Some issues and legislation require the support of our whole industry, not just one particular companies pilots. How would this NJA only organization be able to interface with other pilots and our common interests?
This time I'm reading ahead to see your comments first...
Well, reading the
www.NJASAP.com website, they mention starting a global trade association,
Yes, I think the NJA counterparts in NJE have expressed interest in a Union, for starters. but that it is more in the distant future.
I think the final networking organization will take time to establish, but NJASAP also plans on an Industry liaison position for offering advice and making contacts right away. This bothers me some, ...would prefer a pledge to establish one soon after, rather than a vague promise to make one "in the future."
I think the pilot that is elected to be the Vice President of Industry Affairs will share your outlook. For a description of that officer's duties see p. 20 of the Bylaws posted on NJASAP's website. I can easily see (personal observation here) BW or AV in this role as it includes the kind of reaching out they've already been doing. Having total control over all of the dues will allow NJA pilots to be even more involved in industry affairs/common causes. They will be able to attend conferences in their own right without having to go thru the IBT first only to learn that National isn't interested in the same issues that NJA pilots deem important.
Overall, I am looking forward of the debate between the current 1108
(If you mean the leadership, I'm sure you'll find that they are leaving the decision to the pilotgroup). and the NJASAP. I am currently leaning more to the NJASAP than staying with the local 1108,
(It sounds as though most NJ pilots are also ready to go solo now) but I do with to hear more from the 1108 before deciding.
With the idea that actions speak louder than words, it seems apparent that the recent resignations from their leadership positions are telling us that StrongUnion leaders are focused on the self-determination goals they have had from their beginning. Your fellow NJ pilots are the Union/ "the 1108" and their comments have been invited on the NJASAP board and the 1108 board. I have my intent card ready to drop in the mail tomorrow, and have send my first monthly payment into the NJASAP, and will continue to support both the IBT and NJASAP until I decide for sure which union I think will best represent my interests as a NetJets pilot.
While I'll fully believe in doing one's research and making an informed decision, I'm confident that that the NJA pilots will continue on the path and following the leaders who have brought them to the industry-leading position they now hold.
