N311JB

Do you feel the same way about NFL players kneeling during the anthem or do you have Fox News caned answer for that?

Av8tr1

But isn’t leaching exactly what the unions are doing? If you join a airline that has a union you are not given a choice but to join. They get to take part of your pay regardless. And the first year at most airlines you have to pay and still don’t get representation. How is that not leaching.

I’ve always had a problem with being “forced” to join a union. I think your idea of the union only representing those that want union representation is a great idea. At least then people get a choice. I’d definitely value my union membership if it was a choice I make but since I don’t get a choice I’m getting robbed by both management AND my union.

There is a ton of value in collective bargaining and the industry has seen a considerable benefit from it. But forcing everyone to join the union is just as bad as some of the crap we see from airline management.

Bluedriver

In your ideal world where you choose not to join or pay dues, what pay, rules and benefits do you work under?

GogglesPisano

How are unions leeching when they negotiate the very pay and benefits the employee is enjoying? There's a cost to negotiations. It's only fair the people pay it.

Every pilot is free to find employment at a non-union carrier -- or in corporate aviation. The facts are irrefutable -- the pay in those sectors are lower.

Name one airline that was union that voted to decertify and become a non-union shop.

There's a reason airline pilots unionize -- self-interest.

There's a reason unions charge fees -- it costs money to negotiate and represent a pilot when he sits at that long table without a cup of coffee.

For the sake of argument let's say we go full on "right to work" in this industry and some pilots (being pilots) choose to opt out of dues/representation. That pilot is now free to negotiate (or more likely his employer will offer a take-it-or-leave-it package.)

1) Do you think his new compensation will be higher or lower?

2) What type of effect will that have on the rest of the pilot group?

Right to work is a Republican/Chamber of Commerce wet dream come true. But it's all about "Freedom" and "Rights."

kevbo

A free ride rule works best to hurt unskilled labor. The government is the employer of last resort for most people so they have the weakest players. Unionized pilots are too powerful so they are directly limited by the RLA. Unions in Texas are struggling to exist, they offer very little over a non-Union shop anymore.

Bluedriver

Large numbers of pilots, if allowed, will stop paying union dues. They will say it is on principle, but it will be individual greed.

My union will have less funds with which to represent me in all manners, the result will be less favorable results.

More pilots will see less results and mistakenly think it's simply because their union is not effective, and will rationalize not paying union dues on principle (greed).

The cycle repeats.

We are so dumb it hurts.

SonicFlyer

I completely agree. If you want the benefit of a union then join and pay the dues. If you don't, then you shouldn't be forced to.

However if a company wants to hire only union people, they should be allowed to even though it is tacky. But a company should not be forced to have union employees either. It's all about freedom of choice.

SonicFlyer

You do realize that just as many corporations fund Democrats too, right?


Data on Campaign Finance, Super PACs, Industries, and Lobbying ? OpenSecrets

SonicFlyer

False cause. One thing will not necessarily lead to another.

SonicFlyer

It isn't "greed" to want to keep more of your own money