Originally Posted by
Adlerdriver
This should never degraded into an RJ vs. mainline issue. As you say, RJ pilots are just trying to get by too.
What needs to be acknowledged is this:
This best interests of RJ pilots flying for express carriers that have agreements with legacy carriers are contrary to those of the mainline pilots. It's completely unrealistic for ALPA to claim they can represent both groups effectively. ALPA has become all about numbers and membership at the expense of their true purpose which is to represent their members and improve QOL, improve contracts, etc.
To simply state that pilots need to "get involved" is a simplistic solution. How can ALPA pursue contractual improvements at a mainline carrier that will result in more stirngent scope language? The real answer is that they can't. To do this will eventually limit the career expectation of those pilots they claim to represent at an express carrier flying for the same mainline.
I have to say that I think you are wrong about this.
ALPA can fight for QOL and contract improvements at both the regionals and majors. what they have failed to do is fight against the whipsawing.
I've never seen that it's ALPA's job to fight for larger aircraft. It's not ALPA's job to fight for more 70 seaters or 100 seaters at the regional just like it isn't their job to fight for 380's (just because they are made) at mainline. If either of those aircraft arrive then it's ALPA's job to fight for QOL and contract improvements.
I will agree with you that ALPA has become more about numbers than actually representing all pilots.