Ethics in Union Representation
A former pilot union President appointed lead IR negotiator sitting opposite the pilots he once purported to represent seems largely to have gone without comment. Despite protests to the contrary, it was foretold that the ‘stream lead’ was actively involved in IR. Far from the traditional path of supervisory and training positions, this shifts the bar on acceptable conduct. If Little Napoleon’s outbursts are to be believed the ‘deal’ for the 787 saved the company up to 30%. It seems there is actually a payoff, this individual enjoys a leisure travel category that relegates very long serving senior pilots to inferior classes of travel. What other inducements will be forthcoming don't seem to matter either. 30 pieces of silver has a far more tangible value these days. “Notwithstanding the moral and ethical obligations of being representatives of fellow workers, the AIPA Committee which includes the Executive are required by the Fair Work Act to act with proper purpose in the interests of members……. Whilst the incumbent may see little problem with it, perhaps he too seeks a similar trajectory? In times of moral decay, leadership is hard to find. Perhaps it is time that representatives not only claim to act in good faith, but attest to do so in full view of their peers?