You ought to get your facts straight before you add to internet miss-information. The facts are no regional represented by ALPA is totally self funded for their operating budget. Because of the low pay rates ALPA has to subsidize regional MEC's from the general treasury. At some regionals ALPA matches dollar for dollar each dues dollar collected. Pilots at the majors end up sending approximately 80% of their dues dollar to national to pay for the operation of the headquarters and the operation of regional MEC's. Make no mistake it is expensive to have the best aviation legal resources, safety organization, aero medical department and other support resources that regional pilots never think about. But it's worth it.

So why does ALPA want to represent regional pilots? Three reasons. First, philosophically they believe every pilot should have a legal contract specifying the terms and conditions for pilot employment, just like all senior managers enjoy. Second, it is easier to improve the working conditions of their members if other groups help lift the bar when it's their turn. SKW pilots never push the envelope, they just get what ever is need to be on par with the rest of the industry. Third, when it is time to attempt to influence Washington the more voices you represent the stronger you are.

You have to decide for yourself if it is worth it, but make no mistake about it, the reason airline pilots have been traditionally highly compensated is because of the ALPA battles your grandfathers fought. If the regionals are to ever reflect the value of the skills pilots bring to the profession, it will be because pilots collectively and in an organized way stand up and say enough.