I have been an ALPA member for over 20 years (happy to have paid the Eastern Assesment)
I'm "junior" at UAL with nine+ years senority. Getting ready for my third furlough (second from UAL) And yes, I have been on committees.

Here is how ALPA now looks to a Junior guy here:

-No Furlough clause violated in 2001/02/03- UAL decided NOT to pursue. I didn't expect my job back, but UAL ALPA could have tried to get something for the violation.

-70 seat jets (jobs) given away

-Contract 2003, total cave in. Lost stuff that was just regained in contract 2000 that was given up in the 1970s. MAN-UP people. We just keep caving. I'm a nine year Airbus 320 F/O making less than I did at a Regional, with 12 days off a month and never have a weekend off, ever here

-Lost pension, bond payment given to UAL ALPA (over 500 million). Furloughed guys who lost pension, job and B/C fund contributions during furlough were LEFT OUT of the payment. Another major airline included EVERYONE (remember Union=Unity-not at UAL) on their list

-ALPA pushed for age 65 even though most ALPA members, who they are supposed to be represeting, DID NOT want it=flushed my job away...again

-UAL ALPA will not adjust line hours to save jobs

-furlough fund passed-thanks, but very few voted and it didn't not pass by much, just shocking.

-Now I'm sure we are getting set up for a merger and all of us that were furloughed once, then twice will probably be stapled, if we even come back.


I flew for a Regional that had a great pilot group, great unity and that resulted in good contracts and a great working enviroment, just doesn't happen here.