Originally Posted by MiLa

I’m a former SkyWester who is now at a mainline carrier and ALPA member. When I was at SkyWest (granted it has changed since I left in 2015) I had never worked for a union carrier and never felt that we needed a union. I felt overall we were treated fairly and pay was on par with our peers... After having worked for an ALPA carrier I realize that ALPA is so much more than negotiating pay. The vast medical, legal, safety benefits are more important in my mind that the pay rates that are negotiated. I’ve known many pilots who’ve had medical issues and every one of them has said that ALPA medical was worth every penny of dues spent and way more. That’s just one example. The safety programs are also extremely important. I know SKYW has adopted many of them but it was ALPA carriers that have lead the way on that front too...