FDX Charters
03-02-2014, 03:41 PM
#341
Line Holder
Joined APC: Oct 2013
Posts: 32
If you guys think your union doesn't care, you are nuts. But if you really want to create a union that works with management to "enforce" discipline or investigate pilots, then you may be sorry what you get what you ask for.
I didn't like the words I got from some in ALPA in 2007. I ran and won office in 2008. After a term and some committee work I'm back to being a line pilot and concentrating on helping my wife run for office. However, if any of you want to initiate a recall, run for office, or otherwise make changes at ALPA I have done all that, and I'll let help you if you want. What I think you'll find, however, is the handful of pilots there are doing the very best they can for the rest of us, and I personally trust them.
I also know that sometimes when investigations are under way, you cannot always have or share all the facts. A few years ago my wife was part of group that asked for an audit of the Republican Party of Florida (RPOF) finances. It was obvious there was a rat. She and others forced a meeting in Feb of that year, and the natives came out with torches and pitchforks…but there was only silence after the chairman (Jim Greer) resigned. How could he get away with it? It was April of that year the cops showed up and hauled him off to jail. Justice came, but only after a detailed investigation. IMHO they didn't get all the rats, just the ones that were willing to clam up and not take down Charlie Crist in the process.
I think this is similar, personally. I think the cops are sifting through evidence. And I also think some of you are going to get a 5-10 number seniority bump in the next year. Can't prove it, and I may be wrong….but I think its about to go down…
So--I'd keep an eye on the culprits. But I wouldn't turn on my union yet. I think this is yet to play out..
I didn't like the words I got from some in ALPA in 2007. I ran and won office in 2008. After a term and some committee work I'm back to being a line pilot and concentrating on helping my wife run for office. However, if any of you want to initiate a recall, run for office, or otherwise make changes at ALPA I have done all that, and I'll let help you if you want. What I think you'll find, however, is the handful of pilots there are doing the very best they can for the rest of us, and I personally trust them.
I also know that sometimes when investigations are under way, you cannot always have or share all the facts. A few years ago my wife was part of group that asked for an audit of the Republican Party of Florida (RPOF) finances. It was obvious there was a rat. She and others forced a meeting in Feb of that year, and the natives came out with torches and pitchforks…but there was only silence after the chairman (Jim Greer) resigned. How could he get away with it? It was April of that year the cops showed up and hauled him off to jail. Justice came, but only after a detailed investigation. IMHO they didn't get all the rats, just the ones that were willing to clam up and not take down Charlie Crist in the process.
I think this is similar, personally. I think the cops are sifting through evidence. And I also think some of you are going to get a 5-10 number seniority bump in the next year. Can't prove it, and I may be wrong….but I think its about to go down…
So--I'd keep an eye on the culprits. But I wouldn't turn on my union yet. I think this is yet to play out..
1) The union has stated to numerous individuals that they do not go after there own. I agree with you disciplining our own is wrong, but I think these individuals are NOT our own. They have no regard for you, me, or the union. It's speculated that they have violated many ALPA codes of ethics.
2) The union has set the precedence on communication with the crew force concerning many legal issues to include Hong Kong. It's clear that they have the means and legal right to make a clear concise message on what is going on and if it is investigating the matter. No details need to be released just they are investigating it and they do or do not respect the code.
3) Some individuals have gotten the silent treatment or disgusting statements like "quit whining". Well, to make a statement "quit whining" or to get the silent treatment I think it tells me that this issue has been discussed amongst the union and they chose to not address i ie. not a legal matter but a conscious decision.
4) What are the repercussions of the lack of communication? Moral, speculators etc. Notice I use the words "speculate" and "I think" a lot in this message because I have no union message to clarify things.
5) What if we are called on to strike and we have individuals who cross the picket lines? Does the union have the credibility to call them scabs? They don't police their own, so I'm assuming they won't. If they do is there a harassment lawsuit against the union? I mean precedence is being set now.
To function well any organization needs to have a set values, vision, or goals and if they can't be enforced then anarchy and division results. I have not given up on the union I think I see whats going on and how this can become a bigger issue in the future. It NEEDS to be addressed now before the union loses support.
Taking off my lanyard is my subtle but effective(ehh) way of voicing my disapproval since being first shut out with direct communication with ALPA. I might get asked why am I not wearing my lanyard and I will explain why. My efforts are not intended to dismantle the union just maybe a little nudge towards the right road to travel. I got one problem though I can't find any other lanyards in my house, so this week I will be wearing my ALPA lanyard.
Albie I'd love to take you up on that offer in a couple years. I'd like to get involved, but like you I'm currently busy with investing capital in a new business, 2 young kids (DoodyOfficer), and AF Reserves.
03-02-2014, 03:52 PM
#342
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Feb 2010
Position: Socket Drawer
Posts: 1,797
I doubt that it is the union performing the investigation. I'm sure that they have been informed by management that it is being investigated.
On a similar note, I noticed that one of our union reps is flying an extra with JS this week.
On a similar note, I noticed that one of our union reps is flying an extra with JS this week.
03-02-2014, 03:55 PM
#343
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Nov 2013
Posts: 2,756
Our union is not the enemy. Neither is the company, but we know their goal is to milk as much productivity out of us at minimum cost. The union is what is there to protect us, whether we agree with their methods and pace or not. Believing that someone was told this or that by "the union" is purely heresay, and even if it's true, that's just one person talking, not the opinion of "the union".
Reading some of these posts makes me wonder if there are management guys on here trying to stir up anti-union rhetoric. Let's get these guys riled up over how useless the union is, and how they don't care.
For the record, most of us do support our union, even if we have small issues. Especially over this contract!!
Reading some of these posts makes me wonder if there are management guys on here trying to stir up anti-union rhetoric. Let's get these guys riled up over how useless the union is, and how they don't care.
For the record, most of us do support our union, even if we have small issues. Especially over this contract!!
03-02-2014, 04:03 PM
#344
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: May 2006
Posts: 2,889
Doody,
IF someone said "get a life", then put their name down and the info and I am sure they will be shamed by the masses…and rightfully so. And if they really won't listen--recall them and get someone who will. It has certainly been done before.
Right now your union is ass-deep in fighting the company over a host of issues. As a former rep, I know its frustrating when YOUR number one issue isn't their number ONE issue. I agree we have a problem with the charter boys. But honestly--taking off your lanyard is a "taking my marbles and going home" approach.
What might have been said--not from a union source--was don't screw up the investigation or make it harder to fire anyone by creating a hostile workplace by harassing anyone. I don't want my union tracking phone calls or tracing key strokes, its not their job. But there are people who do those things. I am in the "wait and see" mode to see if they are really doing it. I believe they are.
FYI…I might hold up how busy I was when I ran, but instead I'll offer up the LAX rep. Two babies--one a preemie--and commanding an VR Squadron. I probably have had a disagreement on an issue somewhere with him, but I cannot remember one. Even if I didn't see eye to eye, however, my personal respect for how hard he worked and what we was juggling was always there. What I can say is whenever I hear "I am too busy" I always thought of him as the ultimate example of doing it all at once. Everyone has a reason not to serve. I'm not trying to preach--I'm on the sideline now too for family reasons. But not every guy who serves in ALPA is single or an empty nester, with a bankroll of extra money, and a lack of competing interests. You got some real servant leaders in there with a lot of skin the in the game. I don't' know some of them now, but I know how tough the job can be, and I support them. So I wear my lanyard--its easy. If missing out on the DDH to Dubai means the rest of their efforts don't matter, I probably cannot change your mind. But there are a lot of issues right now, and the charter issue is just one a plate full of things that p*ss me off. I'm to going to trash the guys who are trying to help ALL of us because they aren't working on my pet project fast enough.
IF someone said "get a life", then put their name down and the info and I am sure they will be shamed by the masses…and rightfully so. And if they really won't listen--recall them and get someone who will. It has certainly been done before.
Right now your union is ass-deep in fighting the company over a host of issues. As a former rep, I know its frustrating when YOUR number one issue isn't their number ONE issue. I agree we have a problem with the charter boys. But honestly--taking off your lanyard is a "taking my marbles and going home" approach.
What might have been said--not from a union source--was don't screw up the investigation or make it harder to fire anyone by creating a hostile workplace by harassing anyone. I don't want my union tracking phone calls or tracing key strokes, its not their job. But there are people who do those things. I am in the "wait and see" mode to see if they are really doing it. I believe they are.
FYI…I might hold up how busy I was when I ran, but instead I'll offer up the LAX rep. Two babies--one a preemie--and commanding an VR Squadron. I probably have had a disagreement on an issue somewhere with him, but I cannot remember one. Even if I didn't see eye to eye, however, my personal respect for how hard he worked and what we was juggling was always there. What I can say is whenever I hear "I am too busy" I always thought of him as the ultimate example of doing it all at once. Everyone has a reason not to serve. I'm not trying to preach--I'm on the sideline now too for family reasons. But not every guy who serves in ALPA is single or an empty nester, with a bankroll of extra money, and a lack of competing interests. You got some real servant leaders in there with a lot of skin the in the game. I don't' know some of them now, but I know how tough the job can be, and I support them. So I wear my lanyard--its easy. If missing out on the DDH to Dubai means the rest of their efforts don't matter, I probably cannot change your mind. But there are a lot of issues right now, and the charter issue is just one a plate full of things that p*ss me off. I'm to going to trash the guys who are trying to help ALL of us because they aren't working on my pet project fast enough.
03-02-2014, 04:16 PM
#345
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: May 2006
Posts: 2,889
Um….I stand corrected. My fan club has opened "my file" and correctly pointed I didn't' initiate anything. I *****ed, stirred up noise on the internet while recovering from back surgery, and generally made a mess of things. I "called for" a recall. I didn't not "initiate" a recall.
My source for Bull in China shop quote? A young CAL Express pilot now at CAL who was on the committee. I didn't even know Scott back then. I didn't meet Scott until I was on the MEC getting finance briefings. Thought he was sharp, would make a good MEC Chair. I stick by my initial assessment….
My source for Bull in China shop quote? A young CAL Express pilot now at CAL who was on the committee. I didn't even know Scott back then. I didn't meet Scott until I was on the MEC getting finance briefings. Thought he was sharp, would make a good MEC Chair. I stick by my initial assessment….
03-02-2014, 04:35 PM
#346
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2008
Posts: 191
That being said, I fully support OUR union in the negotiation, and will do exactly as expected if we get to the point of self help...just would at least like to see a simple acknowledgment of the charter issue
03-02-2014, 04:47 PM
#347
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2008
Posts: 191
Another OTP recycle by a member of the pack. 65/04 mar. OTP grab, dropped into open time 3 hours later & picked back up by the same pilot within a minute...now why would anyone ever do a strange thing like drop and pick up their own cherry trip? :-/
03-02-2014, 05:33 PM
#350
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Aug 2012
Posts: 711
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