Heron,

IPA is the ups pilots union, it serves just the ups pilot group. SWAPA and APA serves just their pilot groups as well.

ALPA is a larger animal...each pilot group participating in ALPA gets their own MEC which runs locally within the airline but dues are paid to ALPA for some of the heavy lifting (read bribes/influence) for such items as 117 and age 65 rule.

I prefer the IPA over being affiliated with ALPA. We have our own agenda and hence our own best interests at heart when we are represented by IPA pilots alone.

JMO