Originally Posted by
gdub7588
is there a single pilot here who is not a union supporter, or do they just never speak up? personally, i feel that unionized labor, in general, is no longer necessary in most professional fields and creates inefficiency. It would be hypocritical to make an exception for my own profession.
Are airline pilots in general pro-union, or do we admit the inefficiencies it creates and support only our own union for the arguable purpose of higher pay?
My honest assessment? I think they are both good and bad.
First, I think we are better off with them. I can thank them for pay and benefits that we would probably not have otherwise. There is no doubt that we have work rules which far exceed those found in a non-union environment. Having flown for two non-union carriers in my past, I can honestly say that my worst day under union negotiated work rules far exceeds my best day in the non-union environment.
Second, while I think we are better off with them, I have to say that unions are not without problems and far from perfect. They can get very political and the fees may or may not be spent wisely. While some committees are very necessary, some seem like they are created solely to provide non-flying jobs for pilots who don't want to fly. Jobs have rightfully been restored to members who have lost them under unfair circumstances. On the other hand, many people who shouldn't be in a cockpit are protected by the union.
At the end of the day, after listing the pros and the cons I would much rather be at a unionized carrier than not. Perfect? No, but it is certainly the best we can do with what we have to work with.