To me, it's pretty simple. Other trade organizations have a common union that they must join to obtain employment, unless it's a right to work state. Most of those unions are long established and entrenched in the construction or trade they represent. Even in right to work states, many join; wages are established, work rules set and contracts let to employers. Bricklayers, pipe fitters, plumbers, etc. have a strong membership that takes care of their own and ensure "outsiders" get what crumbs are available.

The airline industry, from a labor perspective, is fractured into each different pilot group and despite the efforts of a national organization (ALPO), a national seniority list, common pay scales, work rules, etc. simply won't work. Each carrier has established, over time, their own set of work rules through labor contracts, which include pay scales, work rules, etc. To think that all those disjointed groups can be brought under the same umbrella is sheer folly. Besides, ALPA, at the national level, has become such a political organization that it is slowly drowning in its' own ineptitude. To make matters worse, the national officers have completely lost sight of their objective; to represent the men and women in the trenches: the line pilots. They are too busy ensuring that they maintain their jobs with the outrageous pay scales and incredible benefits. If you haven't checked their pay and benefits out, it will scare you to see where your dues are going.

Nothing is going to change this profession as it slowly slides downhill as far as benefits and pay are concerned. The current issue of Air Transport World details how difficult it is to make money over time in this industry. If the company can't turn a decent profit, guess what? The life that we once knew will continue to erode as the company struggles to keep it's head above water.

Just my two cents.

G'Day Mates