He’s right. Any % increase in our pay rates, results in an equivalent increase in the dues received by ALPA. Depending on the exchange rate at the time that’s a large amount of gross tonnage in steak and cake.

horses and carts, let’s get a contract first so we actually have that problem

Win dumbest quote of the day.

Do you think after Sept 11th and captain were making $136/hr they raised it 2x to make up?? Wake up

No, but it doesn’t appear that you understand math. I was pointing out that that guy was correct. A 30% increase in pay rates results in a 30% increase in the amount of dues that ALPA takes in, unless they reduce the dues rate.

Heres a couple of questions for you to ponder. If the raise is 30% how much increase is the FPL that has to be paid out for reps working. I’ll give you a hint…30%.

One more question for you. Do you think that you could have negotiated better rules and pay on your own or without a union? Then the ~1% is worth it…

It boggles my mind that a 30 year old would be concerned about the 1% over the duration of their career. Like holy heck do you think you’re so good you could do better? Lol. Pilots are a dumb lot…

Yes, you’ve cracked the scam. But here’s what I can do for you:

For the sake of illustration, let’s assume a total value of 40% in wages & QOL improvements from a new UPA. Once the contract goes into effect, send me 40% of every paycheck you earn. I will in turn refund to you every penny of the 1.2% of that amount (minus a nominal convenience fee) taken by the union. To be clear, you’ll be receiving your full current compensation plus the increase in dues lost due to a new contract!!! Like you said, over a course of a decades long career, this could total tens of thousands of dollars!!! Best of all, this deal is completely legal!

For a limited time only, this offer is being made available to all United pilots. Work smarter, not harder, guys…

Nice try… but I gave no opinion on whether the increase in dues would be well spent, only that the math was correct. Now, if you think that there is no gross waste in a bureaucratic quagmire like, ALPA, I’ve got some oceanfront property that I’ve been looking to offload. PM me for details. Low 7-figures.

Ummm yes, do you??? How did you become a professional pilot without understanding how percentages work :D

Imagine a pilot is making $200/hr and paying 1.5% in union dues. He is paying $3/hr to the union. Now assume he gets a 30% raise, and union dues are still 1.5%. he is making $260/hr, and paying $3.90 in union dues. Let me know if you need any more help with 7th grade math :)

And to the people saying this is too small an amount of money to worry about, please feel free to send me a tiny fraction of your paycheck every month.

A typical united NB captain is paying in the ballpark of $4000/year in union dues. Lets say a 30% raise would equate to about $1200/yr extra in dues. A 35 year old would pay $36,000 over the course of a 30 year career. And if that money was invested in a s&p fund returning 7% a year, that comes out to about 77k.

I knew pilots were bad with money, but sheesh you guys are something else!

Would you prefer we have no union? is that what you are saying?

You realize that the dues go toward paying ALPA volunteers to do work on your behalf. Safety committee, security committee, hotel committee, etc, etc. ALPA pays them the same rate to do the work they do. So, if our rate goes up, so does the expense of operating the union.

it’s not Skywest high school board
this is a union shop and we have no issue paying union dues
you knew that when you applied didn’t you ?