Colgan Service Reduction
07-05-2008, 06:08 PM
#51
Day puke
Joined APC: Feb 2006
Position: Out.
Posts: 3,865
ALPA has success stories and failures. It comes down to the individual pilot group. Being Teamsters won't change age 65. All I know is that when ALPA had their drive, it was organized, communication was if anything too much (much better then nothing) and the OC boys put their names out their saying they back it. NONE of that has happened with the teamsters. If that is how they are now, then I know what to expect if I vote them in.... nothing.
It's amazing how we expect a union to do stuff FOR us, we are the union and WE have to do it. That is why ALPA has success stories and failures. No one has yet to tell me what teamsters will do that ALPA won't. I disagree with ALPA on several issues, and I personaly am not happy about Prater and the age 65 crap, but I realize I have no say as a non union guy and ALPA overall offers the most resources for Colgan pilots to achieve success. In the end though, it's up to the pilots to use those resources.
It's amazing how we expect a union to do stuff FOR us, we are the union and WE have to do it. That is why ALPA has success stories and failures. No one has yet to tell me what teamsters will do that ALPA won't. I disagree with ALPA on several issues, and I personaly am not happy about Prater and the age 65 crap, but I realize I have no say as a non union guy and ALPA overall offers the most resources for Colgan pilots to achieve success. In the end though, it's up to the pilots to use those resources.
ALPA: an AF of L-CIO affiliate serving pilots
Teamsters: well, they are the Teamsters
Some have favor a home grown union: I am not one. To my knowledge, none of the pilots are experts in contract and labor law. Both ALPA and the Teamsters HAVE these experts. That is why I want their help.
I believe both can provide the same basic services; however, not knowing this to be fact, I signed my card to invite the Teamsters to come talk to us. I want to have the union that can give us the most bang for our buck. Teamsters charge 1.56% of GUARANTEE while ALPA charges 1.96% of GROSS.
Example:
Harry Hotshot, four year Saab Captain ($45 per hour), holding a 85 hour line
Guarantee $3375
Gross $3825
Teamsters dues: 1.56% of $3375 = $52.65
ALPA dues: 1.96% of $3825 = $75.97
Nicky Newhire, First year FO, under guarantee but gets one day of draft pay 78.75 hours
Guarantee $1575
Gross $1653
Teamsters dues: $24.57
ALPA dues: $32.40
Now IF both offer the same services, why pay 30-50% more? On the other hand, if ALPA can prove to me they are a whole lot better than the Teamsters, I'll go with ALPA. In my observation, the Teamsters have a better batting average, but I could be wrong. If I am, SHOW me: I am comparing two products and want to make an informed decision.
You are right: WE are responsible for ourselves. I am trying to improve things. Are you?
j
P.S. Some have asked why the Teamsters supporters have not come out publicly. Consider this: not only do I not want to draw management's attention right now, I don't care to lock horns with the "Thou shalt have no other Unions before ALPA" folks.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
