This was SERIOUSLY considered a number of years ago (before the 2007 drive). Turns out the finances don't work due to startup costs, ie you would need a very large contribution from all pilots on day to provide enough funds to get going. Practically speaking, that would kill the idea since too many folks would balk at writing a big check, and vote accordingly.

Once established, it would also be hard to afford certain benefits which an alpa member would take for granted.

AA is big enough (and wealthy enough) to go it alone, SKW not so much.

Too bad there's not a national union for regionals only. I actually think that would be a good thing, force alpa majors to come to the table. Then perhaps regionals could either compensated better, or granted universal flow.

^yes, possibly a union that represents regionals only. Look at Mesa, Republic, GoJet, etc, all represented by ALPA. It's a conflict of interest in the truest sense, with the cons outweighing the pros (for regionals).

To the OP, what is your motive to push a union drive for a company you don't work for?

I like the idea. But remember when Eagle. Was 5 airlines... and the "devided" crew lounge. One side Wings West , 2 year Captains, the other Simmons 10 year FO's!!! How could you represent all airlines interests.. would be tuff..

If you work for XJT...

If SKW voted in ALPA, that would open up the *possibility* of a common-carrier petition, which might *possibly* succeed. Since XJT is...

a) More senior longevity-wise and
b) Possibly headed to the same place comair went

It's possible that some of their folks could have an ulterior motive, especially if you're a lifer with no other six-figure skill sets.

I voted yes last time, but if there were a next time I'd probably need to see some sort of independent analysis of the likely-hood of common-carrier and the ramifications before I decided.

I feel the exact same way. Well said.

I think the entire airline industry wants everyone to be union. Even CapeAir of 200 pilots is union. The better question is why not? Which has not yet been answered.

Exactly. Almost every other airline is unionized with ALPA or Teamsters.

At least ALPA is going after Mesa in federal court because of the pay changes and work rule violations to certain pilots without negotiations. https://www.scribd.com/document/348798949/ALPA-vs-Mesa Would SAPA go after Skywest? No, because they legally can't, they don't represent the collective group of Skywest pilots. So it will be up to each of you to retain an attorney and go after them if and when they do wrong by you.

They did a survey of XJT pilots like a year ago and 75% of them were looking to get out over the next 2 years. Very very few lifers. Nobody will be left to give a crap. Including myself, I'm already on my way out to a three letter gov agency. And I have a business / six figure skill set / real job in addition. I started this thread out of morbid curiosity. I have not yet seen the answer as to why.

Republic and Gojet are Teamsters.

... Fixed it for you, Rick.

ASA side has more "lifers" then L-XJT..