On Feb 8, 2014 11:51 AM, "Mike Ward" <orcaspilot@gmail.com>
wrote:
Mark,
I read with great interest that TWA pilots just won a victory over ALPA
as it was shown that ALPA did not equally represent the interest of all the
pilots.
So.....do you think that decision impacts us at all? Do we need
to sue ALPA?
Those pilots who were still on the seniority list in late 2005 were
made whole by the company (defined contribution plans) in exchange for voting
to terminate the contractual retirement obligations.
So, again in very general terms, there were only a few of us that
retired in 2005-2006 that had 50% of our earned retirement taken.
That does NOT sound like equal representation by ALPA to me.
In addition, I seem to remember that in very late 2005, we got a letter
from ALPA saying that they would no longer represent retired pilots.
Which in itself was a violation of the contract.
I'm a little surprised that DP3 has not taken
up the issue. Bottom line, I expected more at the end of the day from the union
that I paid into for 20 years.
Just wondering
regards
Mike ward
Editor: Good questions.
Let’s take them one at a time. There are
over 3500 delta pilot retirees severely impacted by delta's actions. And
sometimes we get thinking that we were either the worst hurt or one of the
few. The truth is that the company’s
actions hurt a large number of families.
Now concerning ALPA. Mike you made mention that you had “paid” dues to
them for over 20 years. The operative word
is paid……past tense. It has been my
experience that ALPA attempts to represent those who are “paying” dues, and by
the way, representation in varying degrees.
For us retirees who no longer pay dues it would appear that we have
become less than important. In any case
if you are like me, you certainly consider actions taken on our behalf by the
union and inaction since our retirement that they are no longer representatives
for any aspect of our lives. I go as far
as to say, from ALPA we got bad information before retirement and since
retiring we have seen no help, therefore the modern day phrase applies, “they
are dead to me.”
About the TWA “win”. TWA pilots were suing for an unreal amount of
money approaching 1 Billion dollars.
They “won” $50 million which ALPA will pay out of loose change in the
treasury. This is not a win! As far as TWA pilots are concerned it is a
total joke. Interestingly enough, the
impetus for DPA gained some traction because there was a thought that ALPA
would become liable for this big TWA debt and assessments would be out the
window. Since the quasi victory by
ALPA, it is likely that DPA will suffer a loss of steam.
About suing ALPA. Dp3 has looked into legal action against both
ALPA or the company and decided against it.
I will not speak for them as their reasons were well thought out and
debated. There perspective it much more
informed than mine anyway and they overwhelming chose to go after the PBGC, so
I won’t presume to know which course was best.
Quite honestly, while a suit against ALPA may be very satisfying to
file, I think it unlikely to happen or win with success. However, all that
said, our inequitable pension treatment and the injustice of our lost benefits
issue is not dead yet. Dp3 is still
leading the charge in preparing legal action that would restore some of the
claimants qualified monies. In
addition, the effort led by Rob Moser is
in a little lull but has not died either in its attempt at restoration of
non-qualified benefits. It has been a long time and many just wish to
forget it and move on with their lives.
But I would just say that since there has been this huge injustice and
unfair treatment, that it is worthwhile to stay engaged.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Note: This post is from a comment on the HL Blog and Emile does
not have a reply email address. If you
wish to reply simply reply to the PCN and we will post.
From: Emile Trash
Date: 02/06/14 12:46:13
Subject: [PCN High Life] New comment on Mark's Remarks -
HL 198 (4).
I was one of the retirees that was a dues paying DP3 member
in good standing that was ejected from DP3 because I was classified by PBGC as
PC4. As a group, we PC4 retirees retained our own council at great expense and
challenged the decision by DP3 to take actions that would have terminated my
pension. I believe that type of hypocracy by DP3 leadership should be known by
other members. This is exactly the type of divisive actions by the usual DALPA
suspects that make me regret ever paying dues to that organization.
Editor: Emile I can’t
speak for the DP3 though I support them.
It seems to me that blaming the Dp3 for what the company did is like
blaming basketball for not going in the hoop.
I sympathize with any pilot hurt
by company actions during bankruptcy. It
is very difficult for anyone representing our interests now to “win” back
benefits to the satisfaction of all. If
there is any blame for you to throw around I would think ALPA would be at the
top of your list. PC4 guys should have
been better counseled. Further, it is my
understanding (correct me if I am wrong) according to ERISA precedent PC4
category are in a hierarchy of recipients and should only get dollar one after
all PC3 category guys have received maximum benefits.
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2 comments:
If it wasn't for DP3 nothing would have happened. Guys bailed because they lost patience and got caught with their pants down. Loyalty and faith are worth a lot.
Ref: ALPA paying the TWA pilots "out of loose change in the treasury", you might want to check that out. I believe that almost all of the liability will be covered by the insurance policy that ALPA carries.
Cam Foster
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