Dear Pat, just finished reading your statement
to the Senate Finance Committee -- it was absolutely outstanding! Extremely
touching & far & above any others. You, as well as many of us go back away
with United (I retired in 94 after 37+ years) -- through the good & bad
times -- but nothing quite as bad as the present scenario. I am extremely
appreciative of the fact that you didn't "pull any punches" when describing United's
arrogant, greedy management with their obscene bonuses & the 4.5
million that Tilton has in three secular trusts that can't be touched by
any one -- not even the bankruptcy court. The fact that you brought forth
the harm being done to so many trusting employees had to get the Committee's
attention -- as well as the point you made about the PBGC
i.e.,"Does this not go
counter to the provisions of ERISA, when creating the PBGC outlined
that the number one purpose of the PBGC was "to encourage the
continuation and maintenance of voluntary private pension plans for
the benefit of their participants?" Let me point out that it
states "for the benefit of their participants" not "for the benefit
of the corporation.". What a great point -- absolutely brillant! My biggest disappointment is ALPA'S abandonment of the retirees for their own self gain-- the very people that paved the way in this industry for them & made their job worthwhile. This blatant betrayal, ( I liken it to the abandonment of one's wingman) will I am sure, haunt them throughout their careers. Wonder how they would have cut it in 1985? This I will never forget -- I am so ashamed of this present day ALPA; it truly embarrasses me. I think you know that there are still many loyal ALPA guys among us that are having a difficult time dealing with this betrayal. Thanks again for giving such an eloquent statement.
counter to the provisions of ERISA, when creating the PBGC outlined
that the number one purpose of the PBGC was "to encourage the
continuation and maintenance of voluntary private pension plans for
the benefit of their participants?" Let me point out that it
states "for the benefit of their participants" not "for the benefit
of the corporation.". What a great point -- absolutely brillant! My biggest disappointment is ALPA'S abandonment of the retirees for their own self gain-- the very people that paved the way in this industry for them & made their job worthwhile. This blatant betrayal, ( I liken it to the abandonment of one's wingman) will I am sure, haunt them throughout their careers. Wonder how they would have cut it in 1985? This I will never forget -- I am so ashamed of this present day ALPA; it truly embarrasses me. I think you know that there are still many loyal ALPA guys among us that are having a difficult time dealing with this betrayal. Thanks again for giving such an eloquent statement.
Best regards, Bob Burns