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Deltabravowhiskey · 16th September 2008, 15:53

I still have my IBT pin from a few carriers ago. The IBT "fits" much better than does ALPA.

I completely understand the aprehension some folks may have with the IBT and the stories from the former Kalitta guys.

The one point that needs to be hammered home is that we are NOT going to be under 747. We are going to be under a clean slate Local, WE (Polar/Atlas) will have control over the direction of our representation which is 180 out from what we get today.

We will no longer have to beg for OUR money back from ALPA (much less borrow money or be directed on how to spend it). We approve our finances and determine how those resources are best applied. Think back to the reasons for the Boston Tea party. ALPA is King, didn't we do this before?

In fairness, ALPA does not nor have they ever understood this segment of our industry and yet they represent us...or do they even? All you have to do is read the Prater propoganda and you get the impression that Prater is being spoon fed what to say without a clue as to what the ramblings are about. Prater would not dare step into a room with our crews present and take questions about our situation. Im sure that unless he is reminded he wouldn't know who Polar or Atlas are.

What our crews need to understand is that if something isn't working "WE" will have the power to fix it. If we have an issue with one of our Aeromedical providers we have the power to switch providers. Don't like the legal advice, seek a new attorney or place one with specific experience needed for the situation on retainer etc.

Safety and engineering. Again just like Aeromedical and legal this too can be sourced out or placed on retainer. Many firms provide these services to members of the "ATA" and other partys with aviation related interests. When was the last time an airline failed to have top tier engineering support or specific proffessional advice during an investigation despite not being a member of "ALPA". ALPA just wants you to think they are the only game in town, YOUR dues money paid to them depends on that perception! And to clarify, several companies are already on retainer thru the IBT and are immediately available. We have the freedom to expand on those relationships as we see fit or circumstances dictate.

We also need to realize that every crewmember will have REAL legal representation in company matters. Imagine picking up the phone and speaking to a REAL attorney and getting REAL legal advice on company issues or conflicts. When was the last time a crewmember had ALPA legal go to bat for them much less call the company due to a contractual dispute or a chief pilot's interpretation gone bad?

The fact is this is going to happen. We want anybody that is willing to participate at any level to contact the organizers at www.atlasforteamsters.com Make sure you mention what area of expertise you may have, your willingness to particiate in our future is the key to our collective success.

DBW

16th September 2008, 15:53	#31 (permalink)
Deltabravowhiskey Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: USofA Posts: 44	I still have my IBT pin from a few carriers ago. The IBT "fits" much better than does ALPA. I completely understand the aprehension some folks may have with the IBT and the stories from the former Kalitta guys. The one point that needs to be hammered home is that we are NOT going to be under 747. We are going to be under a clean slate Local, WE (Polar/Atlas) will have control over the direction of our representation which is 180 out from what we get today. We will no longer have to beg for OUR money back from ALPA (much less borrow money or be directed on how to spend it). We approve our finances and determine how those resources are best applied. Think back to the reasons for the Boston Tea party. ALPA is King, didn't we do this before? In fairness, ALPA does not nor have they ever understood this segment of our industry and yet they represent us...or do they even? All you have to do is read the Prater propoganda and you get the impression that Prater is being spoon fed what to say without a clue as to what the ramblings are about. Prater would not dare step into a room with our crews present and take questions about our situation. Im sure that unless he is reminded he wouldn't know who Polar or Atlas are. What our crews need to understand is that if something isn't working "WE" will have the power to fix it. If we have an issue with one of our Aeromedical providers we have the power to switch providers. Don't like the legal advice, seek a new attorney or place one with specific experience needed for the situation on retainer etc. Safety and engineering. Again just like Aeromedical and legal this too can be sourced out or placed on retainer. Many firms provide these services to members of the "ATA" and other partys with aviation related interests. When was the last time an airline failed to have top tier engineering support or specific proffessional advice during an investigation despite not being a member of "ALPA". ALPA just wants you to think they are the only game in town, YOUR dues money paid to them depends on that perception! And to clarify, several companies are already on retainer thru the IBT and are immediately available. We have the freedom to expand on those relationships as we see fit or circumstances dictate. We also need to realize that every crewmember will have REAL legal representation in company matters. Imagine picking up the phone and speaking to a REAL attorney and getting REAL legal advice on company issues or conflicts. When was the last time a crewmember had ALPA legal go to bat for them much less call the company due to a contractual dispute or a chief pilot's interpretation gone bad? The fact is this is going to happen. We want anybody that is willing to participate at any level to contact the organizers at www.atlasforteamsters.com Make sure you mention what area of expertise you may have, your willingness to particiate in our future is the key to our collective success. DBW Last edited by Deltabravowhiskey : 16th September 2008 at 16:08.