Carl Spackler

This is such a great example of ALPA thuggery for all the lurkers out there. One of the first websites for what was to become the DPA was a website called "Transform ALPA". It is at this website:

Transform ALPA - Delta Air Lines Pilots Association

Note the address is "TRANSFORM ALPA". But look at what ALPA has done. If you type in "TRANSFORMALPA.ORG" into your address bar, you get relocated to ALPA's new website which is TRANSFORM DPA. If you look at the two websites, you'll see that ALPA stole the same look and feel of the DPA website. ALPA is using this website for the sole purpose of trying to destroy the reputation of the Seham law firm.

When an outfit like ALPA has to stoop to this level of subterfuge, it should make us all wonder why they have to do this. Is their ability to defend their record so shot that they have no other choice but to resort to the website version of that fake Carl guy?

This is really pathetic, but as is the case with so much of ALPA's shenanigans, it will only result in more DPA cards.

Carl

Carl Spackler

Pretty good memory there. Actually, our leverage was that NWA's flying of the pacific routes was a violation of Delta's Section 1. Delta was faced with either keeping us separate, or combining us but stopping all pacific routes flown by NWA.

Carl

Carl Spackler

It's not that we CAN'T force the agenda, it's that most of us see it as a complete waste of energy. Through its national bureaucracy, ALPA has set up a system that takes many years to change. And in the case of the DTW LEC resolutions regarding flight pay loss, ALPA national just flat out ignores them. What are you going to do...sue them?

I think you are correct. But I'm nearly certain that ALPA will not do this. I believe ALPA will maneuver for more scope erosion and the lowest possible pay increases for major pilots. But we'll see.

You're right, but I wouldn't worry about gathering DPA voters back in should this vote fail. I'm one of the first members of DPA and I still strongly support this effort. I think ALPA is an utterly unfixable organization. But if DPA loses, I'll rally around the other majority that wanted to keep ALPA. I wonder if the same could be said if DPA wins.

Carl

Carl Spackler

Did you proof read this before you hit send? The Seham firm IS an open market law firm. Actually, so is ALPA's "law firm." You want to show irony so bad on the part of DPA, that you offer us this contortion? DPA says they want to be able to go out in the open market and pick the best negotiators and lawyers. They do just that. But now it's "ironic" to you because they did it? Sheeeeesh.

First, ALPA has already outsourced legal. Second, ALPA has bashed itself. ALPA legal was behind the attempt at busting their own in-house union of clerical workers. Those workers sued ALPA...and won. ALPA legal was behind the strategy of backing American pilots instead of their clients...the TWA pilots. TWA pilots sued...and won.

Again, ALPA's actions bash themselves.

Indeed. And with the proven incompetence and unethical behavior of ALPA legal, I'm very glad DPA has got the Seham firm on our side.

Carl

acl65pilot

We could have played hard ball and lost. Reality is both the DAL and the NWA pilots were in the middle of CH11 contracts and there was no reason, except it was the correct thing to do, to engage both groups and get a JPWA and binding SLI road map done from day one. It made the merger synergies add up faster, and got us to where we are today. It is not where any of us wanted to be, but the reality is that there was not two quarters of consecutive profits since 2Q 2001 when we were working on that deal. We are in different times now, and are approaching our first full section six in ten years. UCAL and AMR are there too. I expect them to make sigificant gains on our contract, and as a result we will do well at the table. It is this reason why all pilots need to be rowing the same way.
On a side note, LUV and their pilots killing the industry the last half decade with a great fuel hedge, and pft for their types, only further hurt the profession. That is what happens when we all do not work together and try to on up each other.

acl65pilot

"Open market" meaning the only other firm that does labor besides who ALPA uses. I figure DPA would want to be different and use one of those high power NYC firms, and may have tried, but the reality is that no one except these two really wants to touch RLA bound labor.

They picked Seham, which frankly is the only other option, and one that USAPA has been using. Frankly, I think they would want to do better than that. Fact is they probably can't. No one will touch it.

Carl Spackler

What happens to us when our union walks away from TWA pilots in order to possibly gain the favor of 10,000 non-members at APA?

Carl

Carl Spackler

That's not the definition of open market. If you're going to make up your own phrases and definitions, you really should let us know. Because what you said below was clearly an attempt by you to show "irony" by making DPA sound hypocritical:

To use your terribly overused phrase: "Fact is", DPA has done exactly what they promised they would do. Go out in the marketplace and pick the best vendor...instead of being tied to the bi-winners at ALPA legal.

Carl

acl65pilot

Again, out of the two choice that are representing labor, I think ALPA clearly chose the best one. Also, the point was that even in the open market, which you assert ALPA partakes in, is limited for Labor. Might be why ALPA has so many functions in-hour!

Also, I will once again state that picking the best vendor is a fancy word for outsourcing, and it really dilutes your words about outsourcing when your union is promoting the same.

acl65pilot

I would wait and see what and where that whole fiasco goes. It is far from over. Not all of the facts are out yet. I will also agree with you that ALPA should never sell a members job or protections down the river. That support is what makes ALPA strong.