wiz, thanks for a measured response. XXX (411A) could learn something from you. Sadly (by his own admission) he knows 99% of all things already.
Please understand these few issues:
1. I support the AOA because they are my union. I joined, I paid my dues, I voted and although I may not agree with all they have done, I support them. They, in turn, will support me in my hour of need. That's what it means to be in a union. Good times and bad times, rich and poor, sick and healthy, just like a marriage.
2. The "limited industrial action" action that as a consequence, had the 49'ers terminated, may not have been a decision I agreed with, but it was carried by the majority. I complied. As a consequence, I pay my 5% to my terminated colleagues. It's the right (and morally correct) thing to do. To do anything less is to ignore my responsibilities as a member of the union. I will not desert my colleagues and friends in their hour of need.
3. The IFALPA "ban" is, in my opinion, inadequate. I agree that to be FULLY effective, more is needed. As a captain in Cathay, I am very concerned that the ETHICAL standards of our 275(?) new recruits in the future will be at question. The people refusing to take a contract under the "ban" are probably the very folks I DO want as my future F/O's. Until the AOA or IFALPA say otherwise, the "ban" stays in place. It is having an effect. The CEO has very recently written a letter to the AOA President deploring the "ban" as unjustified and incorrect. This would beg the question as to why it's being deplored if it's ineffective? Cathay recruitment is having serious difficulties attracting the right candidates (from an inside source) and are compromising on a lot of criteria, experience levels included.
4. The "scablist" is deplorable. If anything was ever designed to upset CX Management, this is it. With every addition, a settlement with management and re-employment of my colleagues is further away.
5. I want a settlement. I want my friends back in the ranks. I want to be able to go to work with a happy heart. I want to love my job again. Our managers can win a huge moral victory if they re-hired the 49'ers and achieve in a minute what they have so miserably failed to do in the past 9 years.
Finally, some food for thought:
It means a great deal to those who are oppressed to know that they are not alone. And never let anyone tell you that what you are doing is insignificant.
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Bishop Desmond Tutu