I can respect that. I came from a non-union flying job and was very apprehensive at first. But unless you plan to stay or go to Virgin America, AND hope they never unionize, then it will become a bigger factor. A pilot union is really smart in this profession, in my opinion.

You know, you are right. I spend too much time here. I think I'll try to limit it to overnights, sits, and the crapper. But I still feel that regardless of whether I know that just about every facet of life contains some form of immorality, it wont stop me from speaking and acting on my convictions. If instead I was in what I probably would be doing instead, financial planning, I would speak up just as loudly as well. Fact is that right now, this regional industry is the current sphere I'm in. So if I see immorality, I will point it out. And I think everyone should also. Then maybe there wouldn't be as much. We need more of Rosa Parks types to make things better, don't you think? Basically, what I'm saying is that just because it happens, it doesn't make it right. If anything does bend me out of shape is people who justify bad behavior. I'm glad that people like Rosa didnt just quit riding the bus! And she was just ONE person who got a movement going!

This is true. Unions do generally protect the lazy, incompetent, and the entitled. Unfortunately, these people are in all work places. And they would be just as lazy and incompetent at a non-union place. You probably a couple there. This is more of a management function in making sure they hire the right people. But a union is bound by duty of fair representation. They are bound to represent and defend anyone that bound by the contract. Think of them as a defense lawyer. Sometimes OJ gets away with it. But trust me, at least in the airlines, eventually they get caught.

In the airline pilot profession though (cant really speak for any other profession), it is a necessary evil. And it has nothing to do with everything being perfect. Even if it was, this profession is so safety critical, that a union is the best way to ensure you have a say in all aspects of the aviation safety systems. Otherwise, you are just being one of those entitled people who doesn't contribute. Think ASAP.

Anyway, a union is not the end all be all. But if your airline belongs to one (RAA, A4A), or your CEO has an employment contract (all airline CEOs do), then its probably because these smart people know its the smart thing to do. The key is the people you vote in to be in charge.

I never said I wouldn't do any favors, especially when it comes to PBS. In fact, I'm on record saying that I would take a bigger concession than the last TA by agreeing to all Skywest work rules, policies, and pay rates if it meant One List. And I don't expect any favors. It would just be nice if you guys joined in on helping out the profession rather than just sit on the sidelines.

And this is something I've mentioned as well. IF you ever had another union vote, I would be that management would float the idea of just merging both airlines in order to sway you against unionizing. But just because you go union, doesn't automatically mean a merger. Management is too smart to give that away. They would still want something in return. And honestly, why shouldn't they? I'm ok with working together to achieve a common goal of having a competitive airline, One Airline, for all of us to compete against the other airlines.

Thanks management for negotiating money losing CPAs.

My guess is that most of the animosity you read on here is directed to me. And thats ok with me. I'm fine taking the brunt for stating certain facts and my opinion. I dont expect everyone to agree. We all have our opinions.