Prior to the introduction of wide-bodies, flight attendants were part of ALPA. When these new planes arrived in the late 60s and early 70s, it was obvious that if ALPA wanted to properly represent the pilots, there would have to be a "separation" of the two groups. Soon there would be be more flight attendants than pilots considering the required staffing levels for wide-body airplanes. As a result, and I don't recall the exact process, pilots and flight attendants went their separate ways as far as union representation was concerned.

I believe that today ALPA is at a similar fork in the road. Pilots for a "major" airline and a "regional" airline have very different needs regarding representation. I do not think ALPA can "walk the fine line" to properly represent both at the same time. IMHO, there needs to be two separate unions, each more properly representing the needs of the different groups. Otherwise the two factions will constantly be at each other's throats, weakening ALPA for both groups.

Just one man's opinion.