Is there an opportunity to meet with the union leadership prior to interviewing at airlines. Experience wise I have NONE when it comes to union/nonunion jobs. I'd love to know more about them of they're going to be such a huge impact on my life, which it seems they are. Reading here in the forums, they seem to be hugely disappointing to nearly every regional pilot regardless of airline (SEE PSA, Piedmont, envoy, TSA, Etc.)

That's from my reading here, but these forums are very much like a high school locker room sometimes, but less reliable.

After they’re done complaining about unions, ask them if they’d rather work for a non-union carrier. The replies and pretzel logic should be interesting.

Please don’t become an airline pilot.

It sounds like you have never had a job before. Why start now.
As far as a locker room, I doubt you have ever been part of a team.
Possibly team manager at best. Skywest is non-union.

Sorry tiger, the option for union was never in the discussion in the military. We thought about striking once y'know, but there's that whole jail consequence. They did give us matching uniforms so that was neat.

Also, thanks for being the example I needed. To those who've produced some info, thanks. To this guy, thanks for the entertainment.

I would suggest reading Flying the Line Part 1 and 2, before making any decisions about whether or not you desire to support the union at any airline you choose to hang your cap at. It will help you make an informed decision.

Apron and peeler? Sounds like you have already decided anti-union with your in-depth online research at APC.

First, I want to say that from a collegiate standpoint - I was very anti-union. However, my tune has changed since working for the airlines. I very much so wouldn't want to work at a non-union airline at this point.

Unions are only as good as those who volunteer for them. Remember, your union will be made up of your peers and colleagues. The quality of the union is only as good as the people who make it up - unfortunately some members are short sighted in their goals and feel that their time and money are worth more than the overall good of the workplace.

Unions can only accomplish so much with the resources at their disposal. People see the dues leave their paycheck and don't necessarily see the tangible results as quickly as they hope. In addition, you also see people expecting the union to save their ass when they are blatantly in violation of the contract or work rules, which unfortunately the union always cannot. Ultimately, this is a forum and 90% of the posts here will be people complaining.

Simply put, the Union is there to give you and your colleagues a singular voice when it comes to improving your quality of life and protecting your industry. Ever hear of KCM? You can thank ALPA for that. Currently, ALPA is going to bat against potential legislature to reducing the ATP requirements, flags of convenience, and single pilot operations. These are all things that threaten our industry and our livelihoods as we know them. That's what you pay your dues for.

Lastly, pay is a constant point of contention. Unfortunately so, our job market is extremely inelastic. You are seeing that in the way the companies are doling out huge bonuses to get new hires in the door. For that same reason when there is a surplus of people willing to do the job, wages won't increase. We are a highly specialized workforce which doesn't leave much in the way for pay increases when there are people willing to step up and do the job for cutthroat rates rather than be unemployed or find other work when their specialized skills are so deeply invested in. Having a singular voice does help in some regards though. Otherwise, wages will always be what the market will bear.

Good information. Thanks

Man, wasn't there a regional specifically formed to under cut another regional with cutthroat rates? One that used management pilots to form a "company" union? Was known for throwing pilots under the bus for the slightest "infraction" back when pilots were a dime a dozen, but has been forced to improve its act now that pilots are in demand? It's on the tip of my tongue...