I think that your views of ALPA might be slightly off base. There are several things that we have to consider when giving ALPA a legitmate evaluation. Primarily we must remember that the MECs dictate what ALPA national does, not the otherway around. And thus naturally the larger ALPA carriers with the larger pilot group are going to have a greater pull on ALPA national. I work for a company that the pilot group was hurt in a maner very similar to yours. With respect to USAPA, some of the major concerns that I have heard are with respect to some of the items that we all benefit from ALPA national. Such as the insurance, ALPA medical ETc. Nearly every alpa carrier who has attempted to form a self union has returned to ALPA. Furthermore, the leadership at USAPA consists of a large number of the former ALPA leaders. How can they honestly expect to have any positive change with the same leadership, operating under a non established union, with little to no political pull. Although recent years have been tough, one of ALPAs strongest assets has been there political backing. If you havn't done so yet I strongly recommend that you read Flying The Line. Do not look at it as a piece of ALPA propoganda however, look at it as the history of our profession..

Enjoy.