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Originally Posted by PCL_128  I reject this entire premise. ALPA is not a business. ALPA is a union that exists for the sole purposes of defending and advancing the profession and protecting the membership. Unlike a business, there is no profit motive. Some pilots may like to take the cynical stance and believe that ALPA is really just another business, but as a rep that spent considerable amounts of time working at the national level, I can tell you that no one in Herndon thinks of the union as a business. It is a service and a brotherhood, even if the cynical don't want to believe that. |
Let me clarify to explain my "ALPA is a business" statement.
ALPA is a non-profit entity set up to advance the profession and protect membership. Got it.
The Midwest Ear Institute is a non-profit entity set up to perform cochlear implants, advance technology and research in hearing and ear related disorders, and provide advanced neuro-otology care regardless of a patients ability to pay.
BOTH ARE BUSINESSES. A business is not a cynical undertaking, and calling something a business does not a cynic make. Non-profit is simply a tax designation - nothing more. ALPA generates income, does not pay tax, and must use this income toward their stated purpose. The Ear Institute generates income and donations, doesn't pay tax, and uses the "profits" to fund programs, capital equipment, etc. The underlying business must produce something of value regardless of their tax-filing status. I understand your not wanting to call ALPA a business, but I firmly believe it (and all non-profits) should be run like one. Not all business is bad - and the officers of ALPA certainly make money like leaders of a business, the income generated is significant like a business...so, like a business - how are you measuring success and measuring the leadership charged with delivering it? That is all I am asking.