[ATN_Pilot]

Originally Posted by Kristie

I mean, we all know ALPA guys make some bank...and it seems they want more off the coat tails of those who lost their pensions and only have 401(k)s to back them up? all because of the USAirways pilots who opted out right? Can they not do with lower salaries till things look up? i mean, what an inappropriate time to do this with tons of people are being furloughed....

First, Kristie, the guys that lost their A-funds (what you call "pensions") aren't going to be affected by this. Doug lost his A-fund, but he still has a pension. His B-fund is considered a pension. So, nothing will change for Doug or any other pilot who lost his A-fund. They've already been paying dues based off of gross income that includes 401(k) contributions. Nothing new here for the Delta pilots. This will only affect the guys at the smaller carriers that don't have A-funds or B-funds.

From what i understand, membership doesn't even get an opportunity to vote on something like this.

Nope, but the BOD must vote by a 2/3 margin to pass it. That's a pretty high bar, and I don't think it will happen. The BOD usually acts as a rubber stamp on most issues, but I'm hearing lots of dissent this time around. I bet it fails.

Originally Posted by meritflyer

What the hell happened to you? Didn't you swear this site off?

I tried. It didn't take.

Originally Posted by SpiraMirabilis

Hotels and rental cars (and even in some cases meals) while away on business is one thing but housing allowance in DC? That can easily be near a hundred thousand dollars a year depending on where he lives and generally speaking people are expected to pay their own housing, even if they have to "commute" so that definitely should be included in the "compensation" total. He can get a crash pad like the rest of us if he doesn't want to rent/buy himself.

You don't seem to understand the difference between a regular commuting pilot and a national officer. When you commute, you're home at least 8 days a month. Prater would be lucky to be home 8 days a year. Duane Woerth averaged about 20 days off each year he was in office. This is a non-stop job that doesn't give you time for commuting home. You want the President, who needs to be at the top of his game 24/7 for dealing with lobbyists, politicians, and management, to be crammed into a crash pad with 12 other pilots? Bad idea. The national officers have no choice but to keep a separate full residence in DC, and that should be paid for by the Association.

I loves ya PCL but that site does break it down by "Salary" and "Other Compensation" then "Total". Duane Worst made $348k (salary) + 137k (other compensation).

"Salary" includes an override for benefits. That's not his actual salary you would see on his paycheck.

Originally Posted by Orange Anchor

Capt C says
Doesn't work. these guys seek these positions and then fight arduously to KEEP the position. Not exactly what one would consider a PITA.

Yes, they most certainly are a PITA. I ran for office and fought to keep my position because I thought I could do the best job and improve the profession and the conditions that my pilots worked under, but that doesn't mean the position was anything other than a pain in the ass. It was stressful, thankless, and non-stop work. If you think any officer position is "cushy," then you're dreaming.

Dwayne hoodwinked the line-swine (*) and took a huge pay increase when everyone else was taking huge pay cuts as well as losing other parts of the contract. It was another example of everyone being equal on the farm, just some more equal than others.

Get your facts straight. Duane took a pay cut after 9/11.

But when you start getting to the top, it seems the DC virus infects them and they become just another 'pol'.

I know all four of the national officers, and I can assure you that they are anything but "just pols." They are hardcore trade unionists that believe in what they're doing. I think you should refrain from attacking their character when it's doubtful that you've ever even met them.