Originally Posted by
capncrunch
The current generation of pilots may be a loss in regards to unity but the future pilots don't have to be. One option would be that ALPA builds our profession into a guild starting with the next gen of pilots. As soon as they get their commercial rating they get their seniority in the guild. In some matter they slowly very slowly transition to the national number/guild system. The next gen will get to tell management what pilots costs. We could even have a menu. Want a 767 pilot, no prob, here is what it costs.
Its a great concept. There are issues. The first of course is the RLA. It would not allow what your propose. The second big issue with a NSA is getting management to hire pilots off the list. If you a junior pilot at airline and everytime management hires they hire a guy in senior to you then you wont be happy. SWA has generated tremendous pilot loyalty by mostly internal growth. That has now changed and as growth has ended there and mergers becoming a reality you can see the discontent within the pilot group growing.
The first thing you have to do is figure out how to get rid of the RLA. Its the biggest single issue facing all pilots. Until that happens a true national union can never be a reality.