Well, I would normally not repost an answer without good merrit but I think the folks at Jet Blue have a similar issue as Skywest. Just replace SkyWest with "Jet Blue" in each sentence and it will carry the same message...

"If you vote ALPA in dont expect a drastic change at SkyWest. I would say that things at Skywest are ok but there are signs of things to come that may go south (bad)...

Pilots dont care to hear about unions until thier company starts treating them badly, then it takes a while for the union to make a change and it becomes the Unions fault that things are bad. Now would be a great time for the pilots of SkyWest to join ALPA. Why? Well, because things are not so bad, you have time to get up and running, elect your officers, read about the services, set up comitees, learn more... about everything. Then, if, and only if, things get bad you have the support already set up to help.

Pilots sometimes think our careers are like the airplane, we set the autopilot and everything will coast along just fine. Well, when Skywest starts to get lots of growth, much greater income, and new aicraft types thats when their managment may feel tempted to forget who led the way with performance to earn that growth. Its at that time that managment sets the tone and pay and workrules... Thats when you need a union, but Unions dont fix things overnight. We are all the union, you , me, the next guy or gal, we all have to remember that when John Prater shows up to say he supports you and the pilots of Skywest that doesnt mean he will personally fight the entire fight himself. SkyWest pilots will be the one calling the shots and John, along with the rest of ALPA will be the Echoing voice.

Good Luck

PS- I recommend going to the show and listening then ask questions, then deside. Also, read Flying the Line I and II"


So there it is. My thoughts for you to consider. Forget the name calling and jumpseat fights just sit down and consider your careers and how it may benefit you and the rest of the pilots. Even if ALPA is not your option you can still do the inhouse deal and join http://www.capapilots.org/about.asp then work with ALPA and others...