Union pilots (probably a low percentage) would like to think their right seat ALPA dues will grant them favor with DAL, et al in the impending pilot shortage, but I don't believe they will. Here is why:

1. As evidenced by the larger number of independent unions, (DALPA movement, USAPA, and of course SWAPA, IPA, APA and others) ALPA unity is at an all time low*.
*(Disclaimer: That is not to say that many pilots don't recognize ALPA for what it is, a name stamped on the letterhead of your local MEC. The real importance isn't what precedes the "--PA" at your airline, but who you elect to represent you)
2. The majors won't have the luxury of being particularly choosey come 2015.
3. Finally, the least abstract and subjective of my arguments; a helluva lot of skywesters have found greener pastures. If there was some kind of stigma against skywest pilots I think there'd be some empirical evidence by now.

Take this with every other "grain of salt" you read on here