Munchkin;
Good to hear about the solidarity amongst the members – because as we all know that is the only way it can happen. Ya’ll are going to need it –cause it takes a lot of courage and leadership, and if you and the AOA demonstrate that - I will support it 100%.
My rant is about exactly the lack of leadership and asking me to fall on your sword for you by observing the Ban.
And for the Facts read the - ALPA AIRLINE PILOT MAGAZINE ARTICLE ON CX “The pilots at CX were not psychologically ready to strike when the 49 were sacked…”
I personally can’t think of a higher cause to go on strike - most Unions do it for a Pay raise and a reduction in hours, or job security guarantee.
I’m not quite sure what color the sky is in your world but I think you need to take off the rose colored Serengeti’s WRT employment prospects 2002/03.
It is a new world order- Post 9/11, and your leadership should adjust its tactics accordingly especially considering they don’t seem to be achieving the desired objectives.
WRT Employment Prospects:
You promote the EK like it is knocking on everyone’s doors- “Well here is a news flash for ya Walter Conkite- they aren’t.
Post 9/11 the interview criteria went from typed F/O 3-4000 hrs to typed (B757/767/777, A320/330) Captain with 7000+ hours. If you check it out for yourself- their expansion is not set to happen until 2003/04. Which was planned pre 9/11 and may be adjusted for the new world order?
Flash forward to Unemployment Hell in Canada and the USA: Over 300 ALPA Canada 3000 (B757, 737, A320/330/340) Pilots of good standing and upright character whose kids are wondering why dad’s unemployment cheques which were supplementing his part time earnings at Home Depot, have stop coming in… and the house is now up for sale…and mommy and daddy are fighting about money all the time - let alone choosing which Airline he should work for and then CX calls and you are supposed to tell the wife and kids lets just hang tough until.??? As soon as I get some friends at West Jet I’ll get an interview cause they hire for attitude and train for skill….(not going to even mention the pay)
What dreamland offers all the choice you seem to think is available?
USAir ways - Chap 11 (lots of furloughed TWA chaps) UAL Lay offs, NWA Lay offs…
RIP: Sabena, Ansett, And Swiss Air. ….
Roll back of expansion plans at almost all the large carriers with most reducing capacity to meet cash flow challenges.
Calls for some rethinking of tactics and speaking of Tact if anyone calls me a SCAB I’ll be sure to call him a Pussy for not going on Strike and suggest he read the book:
ALPA’s Flying the Line II.