Union "Representation" [at its worst]

* This article is about representation of union dues paying members. It has absolutely nothing to do with politics, or science, or political affiliation - if you do not understand that, then you never will. This is about workers rights and freedoms, and more importantly the representation they receive from their union leadership. JFB

Dear BOD and all ALPA Members,

When the previous United Master Chairman declared war on his ALPA Membership during the COVID pandemic with the United CEO, we heard nothing from the President of ALPA. Nothing, nada, zero! Unfortunately, the ALPA President sat silently by and let the UAL Master Chairman set a dangerous precedence in our industry. We have a duty to represent the interests of ALL Pilots in our union, regardless of our individual opinions, or beliefs.

The right to choose specific medical treatments, procedures, and the drugs we take are inherent rights we all have come to accept and expect. Medical freedoms and the right to choose how we respond, should not be dictated by a Master Chairman who is doing the bidding of corporate America. Worst of all, the leader of ALPA sat silently by and watched his members get terminated for objecting to losing these medical rights and freedom of choice we’ve all been accustomed to enjoying.

Regardless of what Scott Kirby, or any other airline CEO or lobby group wants, it’s our job to protect our members and protect their jobs. Unfortunately, this wasn’t done. It was amazing how quickly the UAL MEC Chairman and the UAL CEO moved to terminate the employment of these Pilots with the proclamation of “how well we can work together to solve problems.” Where does this collusion stop? What are YOUR limits? Are you willing to have an IV-line installed so managements can more efficiently administer mandated vaccines, and tests to determine compliance? We need to consider the implications of surrendering our personal rights to the corporations.

Unions are supposed to be a check on management overreach and whimsical corporate mandates. In New York City, the police and firefighters’ union went to bat for the medical rights and choices of their members and, consequently, the mayor stepped up to defend their rights as well. At United, we already had policies in place that applied to those who didn’t want to get the yellow fever vaccine, which is required to fly to some countries in Africa: and they don’t include termination of your career.

When I become President, we will return fired pilots to their jobs who were unfairly targeted by managements and their union leaders. I will bring all union carriers together in this endeavor to secure basic labor protections for our union members, including the right to have medical freedoms. I will do everything in my power to make certain our union can never steamroll over these basic principles of representation again.

Contribute to my campaign: HERE

Captain John Barton [email protected]

CAMPAIGN LETTERS: HERE

#johnbartonf16 #pilotlife #pilotlifestyle #aviation #flying