This might give light to the moisture behind my ears but.. What's the point of having such a large Union like ALPA if every airline has different contracts with their pilots, paying different rates, and compete with each other (resulting in lower pay rates)? So for example, shouldn't all ALPA members be operating under a single contract? Same pay for flying a given airframe, same rigs, days off etc.

I feel like operating this way would have prevented the mainline/regional pay and benefits inequality that exists today, and especially combat the way regionals are used against each other by their owners (the reason I think American feels the need to own 3 regionals to fly its passengers....). Heck I'd even say with a proper Union (of ALPA's size anyway) the regionals wouldn't exist at all. But this is my first Union job and I'm not savvy to how exactly these big unions are supposed to work. Thoughts?

Forgive me if this is a dead horse, and I do realize the other important things that ALPA and other unions offer. Just thinking out loud..

 

Your kidding right? Are you for real? Please tell me your kidding.

 

No. You nailed it. ALPA at the regional level is a complete failure.

Union carriers undercutting other union carriers in order to get more Jettttzzzzzzzzzzz. Nothing to see here, move along.

 

You're*. Thanks for the meaningful response

 

Only thing ALPA is good for at the regional level is job protection should you find yourself getting in trouble. But again, this only works if your reps like you. The rest of it serves to give a few a fatter paycheck at your expense

 

Exactly why I don't see how a "regional level" of ALPA is even allowed. Why do people pay dues to a union that offers so little protection? Just imagine the bargaining power of a single airline Union that negotiates one contract for all airlines. Things might just go back to how they were during the good old days...

 

They would. And it would be amazing. Which is why this would never be allowed to happen, unfortunately.

 

Anyone who thinks we will ever return to the "good ol days" has lost their grip on reality.

 

This...this.right.here.

Add "Hard Landing" to the list after FTL I and II.

All of this has happened before...and will happen again.

 

*** are you even talking about? Have you read anything about the history of this industry? If not, why? Reference the deregulation Act of 1978 and the Railway Labor act. Holy crap. At least attempt to be informed.

Hard Landings
Flying the line 1 and 2

Scott