The union is a necessary evil. Half of ALPA is made up of 30000 pilots, that they get 2% out of. 3500 more pilots will only equate to an extra 8MM in dues. Also, we pay the 2% for the last 20 months, and have received a few lanyards and pens. Do you think we will get that 2% back when we don't get retro pay? (1st contracts never get retro pay)
Once again, look at Hawaiian if you want to see how we will turn out. They have been trying to get a contract for 4 years, and nothing? If ALPA cared for them like they do for FedEx, UAL and Delta, then they would have a new contract by now?
I'll wear the lanyard and Pickett...hell, I'll even turn down any open time and RSA, but unless the MEC gets their **** together, our contract will be about 15-20% more than it is now.
Anyway, I'm hoping for the best, but expect the same result as Hawaiian!