I personally have been anti-union most of my life, but never worked in or was affected by an industry that had them until I became a pilot. With that said, I don't know where to stand on this topic. I don't understand why people want the aviation business to be so different from any other profession.
I disagree with management gaining at reductions of worker quality of life, but once everyone is properly compensated why can't management make money? That is how businesses are run, they’re a direct reflection of our society; a few get the most. I'm sure I'm going to get nailed for that comment and I do respect the fact that aviation business are by nature different than other industries, but do they have to be run differently?
If you were an accountant or owned an engineering firm wouldn't you set your rates at a point that would make your business as profitable and marketable as possible? As much as we are all one group and I would never wish harm upon somebody else or want their family to be in a position of hurt, aren't we all truly competitors?
Isn't that the reason that there are different companies with different compensation packages and work rules? We all must work under a certain set of restrictions set by the FAA but beyond that it is up to each company to use them to their best advantage. It then becomes our choice as to which place we go to suit our own personal needs best.
I am not advocating lowering the bar or running a business that undercuts another while not being profitable, Mesa or whatever they're called in Hawaii being a prime example. I'm also opposed to management undercutting their current employees by hiring a new set of employees at a more favorable positioning rate, you fill in the rest.
What am I saying is that if a stand alone company chooses to run their company a certain way, why is that so bad? Everyday people are given multiple job offers and the choice isn't always the most money; you need to look at the full package. Whichever company fits you best for all the things that you choose to identify as important is where you need to go.
With all of this said, does our industry still require national unions? Is that in the best interest of everyone involved? I know how much has been done in the past, but the past is past, do we still need to live there? Like I said earlier I'm still trying to figure out my position on it. If I decide I don't like the union and I get in there, I'll plan on paying my money to a charity of my choice. If I figure out we need unions, I'll support 100% of it.
I know some of the issues facing SkyWest go around the fact of benefits, will ALPA get better benefits? If the work rules are good, what will ALPA provide in improvements? Are benefits based on company choices?
Just some questions I have on my quest to understand the topic. I try not to read many of these forums because it all just turns to people b#tching about stuff. If we are all "one" group why do we constantly bash and pick at our brethren who are just trying to make a living and enjoy their job? I know more questions than answers here and that seems to be the status-quo with this topic. Any political topic is bowed to be charged, I just wish we could have a rational conversation on this.
