Well, I am confused now… You want solidarity yet you think it’s ok for let’s say Gojet pilots to be taking jobs away from their TSA brothers and sisters? When Gojet was formed their whole premise was for the TSA Holdings management to circumnavigate dealings with the TSA union and while TSA pilots were being let go they were hiring to their Gojet unit… Where was the solidarity then?

I'm neither supporting nor knocking GJ on this thread, what I'm getting at is that they would either not exist right now or would have been brought about in a more kosher manner.

Well my airline does not belong to ALPA (IPA) so are we out? Also, if the NSL took effect I can guarantee you that all the pilots at those small operators would actively seek a membership in ALPA – would you tell them sorry, you’re just not important enough?

I would think you'd be welcome on the list, but like APA you would have the right to your own union. Seems like it might defeat the purpose of what we're talking about though. The smaller guys could vote the union in or vote not to get involved just like they can now. (Example: Colgan)

I’m sorry, I'm willing to listen and to discuss but I still think a National List is a horrendous idea… Not practical but also extremely unfair to those who researched/gambled/lucked out (whatever your preference) in choosing the ‘right’ airline for their long term career…

I just don't think it's necessary to kick a guy when he's down. "Sorry, you had bad luck, and I know you're 50 and not as likely to get hired anywhere else, but that's just too bad. Hope you like Mac n cheese... And don't worry about losing the house, apartments are cheap..." Why start at the bottom again after working so hard?

I’m fed up with subsidizing mortgages for those who bought houses they couldn’t afford… I know this is going to sound very cold but I do not think I should have to subsidize other pilots’ career progression if their airline goes out of business…

Similarly, if my company goes belly up a few years down the road I will not expect for you or anyone else to slow down your current progression (a.k.a. earnings, benefits, schedules, etc.) just because I had bad luck…

We're subsidizing mortgages for irresponsible people who bit off more than they could chew and lenders who gave out money like it was cool. Believe me, I'm not happy about that or the GM stuff either... I don't agree that this is the same issue. All that holds a union together is the members' commitment that they'll back each other. The reason we've sunk so low is that there are pilots willing to stiff other pilots so they can move up. They do this in the name of "career progression" and don't look back. I can certainly support a fellow union member if I know the same rules will apply to me if I need them.

I believe that having many airlines is good for the competition and for our job choices but so is having many unions…

Many Unions = Management's whipsaw opportunity. We see that in what's happening to the industry now.

Again, no harsh words intended, just my point of view. Something may very well happen to change my mind, but from where I sit, this doesn't look like a bad idea. Glad to hear you're still flying. (Glad to hear anyone's still flying)