ALPA seeks dues on 401Ks
06-01-2008, 10:37 PM
#21
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Sep 2006
Position: Bus Driver
Posts: 211
I'll bet more than a few ALPA members which some of National's hands were tied behind their back with this money grab.
First thing an individual or family does when finances are trimmed is CUT BACK ON EXPENSES. Thus far, I have not read one tiny notation of National doing anything different. There is something basically WRONG with that approach.
There is ALWAYS fat in the budget, especially in ANY organization that has been around for a few decades and just like fat guys who don't want to concede the extra pounds, National obviously has no intention of going on a diet.
This is from an ad for a job slot at National. The date was not included but 2 for 1 matching 401K? Does any airline have this generous benefit? And health care after 18yrs of service?
First thing an individual or family does when finances are trimmed is CUT BACK ON EXPENSES. Thus far, I have not read one tiny notation of National doing anything different. There is something basically WRONG with that approach.
There is ALWAYS fat in the budget, especially in ANY organization that has been around for a few decades and just like fat guys who don't want to concede the extra pounds, National obviously has no intention of going on a diet.
This is from an ad for a job slot at National. The date was not included but 2 for 1 matching 401K? Does any airline have this generous benefit? And health care after 18yrs of service?
06-02-2008, 06:31 AM
#22
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Right Seat 744
Posts: 946
You will see significant cutbacks by the end of the summer. Unfortunately, this will not be enough to cover the significant loss of dues. Without cutting back to the point that ALPA can not be effective, there are only two choices: raise the dues percentage outright or deduct the current percentage based on income prior to 401k contributions. The latter is the lesser of two evils in my opinion.
06-02-2008, 09:40 AM
#23
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Sep 2006
Position: Bus Driver
Posts: 211
My point is that there is only so much that can be cut before it affects ALPA's ability to function effectively. The loss in dues caused by the reduction in membership can not be covered exclusively by budget reductions. For example, the MCF, Air Safety, and Legal departments are just a few examples of areas where budget cuts would be devastating.
06-03-2008, 12:52 PM
#24
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Feb 2008
Position: 757/767 FO
Posts: 847
I'd hardly consider whatever national does in DC right now anything remotely resembling "effective."
Are you telling me Prater earns whatever exorbitant salary he's paid? Has it gone down commensurate with salaries industry-wide?
Maybe now is the time to "furlough" the current fat cats and get some folks in there who are going to advocate for the rank-and-file, and not their own selfish interests.
06-16-2008, 10:10 PM
#25
New Hire
Joined APC: Jun 2008
Posts: 2
Folks,
ALPO is like a country club in more ways than one. When expenses exceed income the exec board calls for an assessment of the (remaining) membership to pay the bills. Just like if ALPO gets sued and they were to loose, national will not suffer....only the schmucks who pay the bills. At one time the eb was considering whether or not to attempt to "attach" members assets in order to finance some percieved (real or not) threat. It is time to get out while the gettin's good. It could get real ugly if another major (NWA or UAL) were to leave the fold.
IMHO.
ALPO is like a country club in more ways than one. When expenses exceed income the exec board calls for an assessment of the (remaining) membership to pay the bills. Just like if ALPO gets sued and they were to loose, national will not suffer....only the schmucks who pay the bills. At one time the eb was considering whether or not to attempt to "attach" members assets in order to finance some percieved (real or not) threat. It is time to get out while the gettin's good. It could get real ugly if another major (NWA or UAL) were to leave the fold.
IMHO.
06-20-2008, 02:47 AM
#27
Line Holder
Joined APC: Apr 2008
Position: Chief Pilots Office
Posts: 99
???
???
ALPO like a country club???
Oh, sure, I see it now. Just like the inflatable advertisements at the masters on the side of the green, likewise ALPA inflates a rat, screams underneath it. Good point. I've always enjoyed the "high classy life" that comes along with my ALPA magazine.
Dude -------> It is nothing like a country club, that's why American Airlines, America West, and USAirways all quit.
06-20-2008, 10:34 AM
#28
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jun 2008
Position: Reclined
Posts: 2,168
Thats an unproductive comment. I never said I wanted ALPA to "maintain everything". I have said before that I believe some of the top pay scales are excessive. I also mentioned that there will be job cuts by the end of the summer.
My point is that there is only so much that can be cut before it affects ALPA's ability to function effectively. The loss in dues caused by the reduction in membership can not be covered exclusively by budget reductions. For example, the MCF, Air Safety, and Legal departments are just a few examples of areas where budget cuts would be devastating.
My point is that there is only so much that can be cut before it affects ALPA's ability to function effectively. The loss in dues caused by the reduction in membership can not be covered exclusively by budget reductions. For example, the MCF, Air Safety, and Legal departments are just a few examples of areas where budget cuts would be devastating.
A percentage increase is much more paletable. If you use a little common sense, as you gain more seniority, change seats, and otherwise increase your gross pay, you are able to contribute progressively more towards your retirement plan. Allowing anybody, even ALPA, to asses based upon gross pay is wrong. Even the Government doesn't tax our retirement contributions. This is just plain wrong. Additonally, there are several airlines that do not even have retirement plans.... they have savings plans in a 401k format. If ALPA needs money, let them raise the percentage taken from the net.
What is the legality of basing union dues on gross pay and not post IRA/401k contributions? The government can't tax the money, how can a union? Lastly, this association is one of few that actually use a percentage... most that I am aware of use a flat weekly/monthly fee. Why should a 15 year Capt be paying $2,000 a year and an FO be paying $500 a year? Does one get better representation than the other?
07-26-2008, 11:11 AM
#29
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Sep 2007
Posts: 221
Why should a 15 year Capt be paying $2,000 a year and an FO be paying $500 a year? Does one get better representation than the other?
__________________
At FDX, most definitely. I would change it to 55+ year old Capt though.
They need to lose that magazine. Most go direct to the trash anyway.
We need to dump agency shop on this next contract as well since money is the only tool we have for keeping national accountable. I pay dues for service, not dis-service.
__________________
At FDX, most definitely. I would change it to 55+ year old Capt though.
They need to lose that magazine. Most go direct to the trash anyway.
We need to dump agency shop on this next contract as well since money is the only tool we have for keeping national accountable. I pay dues for service, not dis-service.
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