I am asking this question because I really want to know, not start a flame war. What would happen to a pilot group (NWA, 9e for example) if the pilot groups just decided to go on strike? Take an internal vote, see if they have good numbers, and just do it. I know it wouldn't be a legal strike, so therein lies my question. What happens? Does alpa get fined? Are we personally held financially responsible? I just honestly want to know what could happen. And if the only punishment is a fine then why not bite the bullet and do it? I would think that if management knew that there was a vote in the affirmative and the pilot group was ready to walk, they would get serious about talks. Neither of these airlines could last a week without pilots flying. And it would take several months for them to replace all of the pilots if terminations were imposed. They just couldn’t survive long enough to get back up. Is the very talk of a strike illegal? So those are my questions. Thanks.

 

The efficacy of a strike is highly debatable, nonetheless, it would be considered a "wildcat" strike and would be considered illegal. The President, would relish the opportunity to fire all pilots in attempt to appear more like Reagan who did the same to the PATCO controllers during his first term. Then furloughed pilots and 2nd rate perpetual scabs would cut each other's throat to cross the line at said carrier. ALPA is a great trade organization, I'm a big supporter, but it is no longer a trade "union". A strike hasn't been successful since the United strike of '85. And collectively, we are too selfish and de-unified for that tactic, a strike, to work. I wish it weren't so, but it is.

 

A320,

Is that the infamous redtails of TGE? Awesome avatar by the way.

 

I don't know the history of labor unions as well as some surely do, but over the past 15 years or so unions have been vastly reduced in power by politicians of both leanings. If I am not mistaken, Bill Clinton ordered striking pilots back to work. The courts have not been labor friendly either.

A wildcat strike as described by A320fumes would likely be completely unsuccessful. It would serve only to **** off passengers and management and would not accomplish much of anything. Other airlines would simply pick up the slack.

There is no unity outside each airline's own pilot group, even within ALPA.

We are ultimately too selfish.

No easy answers. And striking should truly be a last resort IMHO anyway. Strikes rarely result in any winners. Both sides lose usually. And labor should not talk of strike unless they really, really mean it. Otherwise it just becomes empty talk.