I don't believe it's just a local issue but an industry culture issue. Additionally, I think the current seniority system we operate under is detrimental to every pilot in the industry because it prohibits movement from one carrier to the next. The system works in the favor of management. I cannot think of any other profession where experience is not considered when calculating compensation. If I could argue for one thing it would be a single seniority system across the regional airline industry.

There is no incentive for regional airlines to retain individuals. In fact if we look at Envoy and the 2650 pilots (APC numbers) currently on the payroll, what incentive does AAG management have to keep any of them? If AAG folds Envoy and puts the 2650 pilots on the street I would speculate many would move to another carrier starting at first year pay. AAG contracts out to the lowest bidder and the same pilot that was a 15 year captain making $99 an hour is now a 1st year FO making $22 without the medical / 401K / Dental / etc. This system has to change. There needs to be an incentive for the company to want to keep their pilots and the industry should pay for experienced professionals not some arbitrary date of hire.

Regarding ALPA contributing to the pilot shortage, I think that is nonsense. There is no pilot shortage. I do however hold the opinion that ALPA does not represent the interests of the regional pilot. There is a direct conflict of interest with regard to compensation for pilots at a Major and pilots at a Regional. If the companies contracting out the flying (Delta, United, American) have to pay more for regional pilot labor, then there is less money available for Major pilot labor. I think its that simple and that is why I don't believe ALPA has the regional pilot's best interest in mind (at least monetarily).

I am not sure what the fix is for the problems in OUR industry, but I am certain a good starting point would be the seniority list.