Some supporters of the Teamsters believe that if Colgan pilots vote in ALPA we will be stapled to the bottom of the Pinnacle seniority list and they'll limit our scope to 34-seat flying. This is untrue. Pinnacle pilots want to insure management will NOT be able use Colgan as a whipsaw. An integrated seniority list is the solution.

In the event of a merged seniority list and scope issues, it will be the PILOTS of Colgan negotiating with the PILOTS of Pinnacle. Voting in ALPA fosters a good relationship between the two pilot groups for the ensuing negotiations. It is a sign of solidarity among the two pilot groups and hurts the chances of management to use us against one another.

ALPA is a professional organization for pilots, while the IBT represents a variety of professions. Which is better suited to negotiate a contract for airline pilots that includes per diem for day trips, block or better per leg, and extension pay? Which is better suited to represent an AIRLINE pilot when faced with legal issues from the FAA or company?

the professional org that allows first year pilots to get paid 20k...my best friend with no college degree drives a beer truck for budwiser...he makes 55k starting pay driving that truck...so what your telling me is the beer in that truck is worth more or more important to society than the 30+ people in the back of my plane?? if the unions truly were for the pilots they wouldnt let crap like this happen, and if the airlines were managed like they should be there would be no need for the unions....its a dirty crappy cycle and im damn proud im not part of it....union free is for sure the way to be!!

No, but he is willing to fly for 20k a year blame him not the union. I love when people make stupid comparisons like this, if you think driving around a beer truck will be a more lucrative career, have at it, but you know its not.


"union free is way to go" <-------------ignorance is bliss I guess

Also I checked the starting pay is around 30k to drive a beer truck

Why not investigate them both before drawing a conclusion...

ALPA is a member union of the AFL-CIO. The AFL-CIO represents a whole bunch of professions:

Unions of the AFL-CIO

You might want to take a look at who the Airline Division of the IBT represent:
Who We Represent
A couple notable pilot groups are Republic (all three), ABX, and NetJets.

My guess is these horse drivers have probably heard of block or better before.




I suggest you do some real research before you choose between ALPA and the IBT. If you want ALPA, fine. But make sure you are choosing ALPA because they are BETTER, not because ALPA has AIRLINE PILOTS in its name.

not ignorance.... wishful thinking.

The only companies that have (or will have) unions are those that NEED unions.

A Union is only as strong as its local council and the airlines individual Officers. Look at XJT's contract, and look at MESA's...................

Here is why. You heard it here first. My speculation for the day. Pinnacle is going to sell you down the river in the end to get the 9E guys to sign a contract. Their scope clause will fence you in and integrate you. If you are not part of ALPA I would highly suggest that you understand the Merger process of "Alleghaney v Mowhawk". That is what you can look forward to. Stapled at the bottom of their most recent new hire. Not meant to threaten or intimidate any of you. Just the rule of law established long ago.

NetJets has dropped Teamsters. Thanks for suggesting I do the research though.

Right, and we can't even get a response from the IBT on our Union-sponsored website which cost over $60,000 and doesn't have any good up-to-date info.

I'd take ALPA over IBT any day. ALPA is a trade union which is made up of pilots. IBT is the leftovers that aren't in specialized trades.

ABX air is teamsters but will mostly disappear in a year with UPS taking over much of their flying. Alpa has a huge war chest fund of cash saved for legal battles which is only possible by being the size they are with multiple streams of income..