Viewing page 58 of 88
This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.
the alpa concept of democratic representation The Air Line Pilots Association's representation and governing structure is based on the concept that the individual pilot is all-important. Generalizing at this point because the actual structure will be discussed in detail later, the ALPA organizational structure is built around a framework of checks and balances and a ladder of progressive representation that leads directly from the individual to the highest organization level. Broadly, it encompasses these prerequisite considerations of democratic self-government: •There can be no unilateral decisions. •There can be no minority rule. •There can be no arbitrary establishment of policy. •There must be retention of the identity of the individual and channels for expression of his opinions while still preserving the unity of the organization as a collective whole. Separation of Powers... This is accomplished by a separation of the governing and administrative units of the Association. The Local Councils, Master Executive Councils, Executive Committee and Board of Directors (often referred to as the Convention), all of which are inter-related and closely allied, formulate the policies and govern the Association. The Association officers and Home Office carry out the policies, mandates and directions of the governing bodies. Even the President of the Association is an administrator and, in that capacity, also a spokesman for the pilots, but not a policymaker. Rights Plus Obligations... This is what we mean when we speak of ALPA as a democracy-essentially a retention of sovereign rights in the individual. Sometimes, it is true, democracy, because it does recognize the individual as the primary unit, is confused with individual satisfaction. Sometimes we'll hear this: "What do you mean, democracy? I said I didn't like the idea and they went ahead with it anyway." Such situations are bound to result because the will of one individual, or, a small group of individuals, cannot take precedence over the will of the majority of individuals when there is a variance of opinion. This is the essence of democracy, as practiced by ALPA: the greatest possible amount of individual satisfaction attainable through the medium of satisfaction of a clear-cut majority of individuals comprising the entire group. ALPA's organizational structure is also predicated on the sound theory that the right of self government also is accompanied by certain obligations. The membership of ALPA contains a great wealth of training and experience. Many members are lawyers, teachers, economists, etc. Such experience, coupled with many years of air line piloting, creates individuals capable of real and practical contributions to the welfare of the industry and the profession. To give maximum expression to these talents, provision is made in ALPA's structure for the full utilization of them through a broad pilot participation program. Negotiating committees are an example of this. ALPA's Safety organization is another. So are special committees such as the Advisory Retirement Committee, or the Insurance Committee, or any of innumerable others. Many individual pilots with special talents, interests, or training participate in the many activities necessary to provide representation in all fields for the professional pilot. [[image - photograph]] [[caption]] An ALPA committee: The Advisory Pilot Retirement Committee [[/caption]] —16—
