Something that I love about Australia's democratic society is that virtually no organisation is above the scrutiny (criticism) of the public or its members, whether it be government, religion, trade unions etc. Further, as a democracy we have the right to criticize (to within legal limits) anonymously. We vote anonymously, we can have letters published in newspapers anonymously, and we can use the internet anonymously. Without fear of being hunted down, jailed, killed etc. To question these rights is to question the fabric of democracy.
A question was posted here regarding positive AFAP activities or "wins".
Regardless of the posters intent it was an opportunity for the AFAP powers that be to communicate the pro's of AFAP membership, outline some of the short term wins and provide an overall "big picture" plan for where the Federation is headed in the future, particularly with regard to strengths, weaknesses within the organisation, dealing with a changing workplace legislative environment, and plans to work with/around/against other unions to achieve said objectives (threats). Sure some, if not all of this information is available elsewhere and if you're a member then you get the newsletter. But for the uninitiated & disillusioned this was another opportunity for the AFAP management types the spruik the product.
Instead, we get extremely reactive statements from the industrial relations man attacking anonymous criticism and a lot of dialogue about who said what to whom in
1981 and how they damaged the power base of the AFAP.
From this thread one could be of the belief that the AFAP is;
- Reactive - rather that pro-active.
- Is looking firmly into the past - rather than the future
- Is largely preoccupied with power.
The only response that came close to answering the question is:
Last year, the Feds drove the FWA to make a ruling that gave Eastern and Sunstate pilots to change companies (within the Qantas group) without having to take three months off work. A big win for us; especially the Sunstate guys who wanted to transfer to Melbourne/Sydney!
Is that it? .
