Originally Posted by
bonesbrigade
I think it would be best if there was a sister branch of ALPA that was for regional carriers only, with management completely different from National. THat was we could have a more fair shake when going to the table.
It would behoove us to have a Regional Airline Pilots Assoc. that purchased certain services from ALPA National... many other unions do this, Southwest, Airways, American... all of their inhouse unions purchase services from ALPA National... insurance, economic analysis, etc...
During the mid and late 1970's, the Air Line Pilots Association thought that concept would be a good one. They formed the Union of Professional Airmen (UPA), which was for the "commuters", as they were called then (regional carriers). They were a separate organization with the help of ALPA national for legal assistance, contract negotiations, advice, etc.
The first real "test" was a strike at Rio Airways (TX) which proved to be very costly in that Rio held off the strike efforts for over a year and finally UPA capitulated. Although
very expensive, the company "won" and thereafter the financials simply didn't make sense to continue as a separate entity. The history of UPA after that is very short.
Today, it makes even less sense. Look at what the majors pour into the coffers of the regional carriers and you'll answer your own question.
G'Luck Mates
