Perks of having ALPA?

[fried chickens]

Can anyone tell me what are the perks of being ALPA that doesn't involve something negative happening first? So none of the "they'll help you out if you lose your medical, the FAA tries to violate you, the company wants to fire you..."

Most other membership orgs. have some kind of perk by just being a member
AAA-I get free maps and DMV service
AOPA-Decent mag for $40 a year and maybe car rental discounts

Can I get an ALPA discount for my next medical or stuff I buy from Sporty's.
There's always a golf course by airports so can I get free range balls or free green fees.

All jokes aside, what are the automatic benefits. Better contracts, pay, work rules don't count since there seems to be more bad than good examples of ALPA.

 

[YourPilotFriend]

Really, it's all about the magazine.

 

[711-24-7]

Losing 2% to 6% of your pay check that does not go to the IRS, and than watching union do nothing for anyone. Oh and free sunblockers for your car, atleast at ASA.

 

[SAAB Driver]

I suggest you read Flying the Line parts I + II. Each book is 300 pages long, but I would consider each a must read. They talk about the history of ALPA from the 1930's to the modern era. You will notice many common traits that happened then as do now. In my humble opinion, I would say that when you read both books, you would then have enough information to properly evaluate unions.

 

[gnx99]

In regards to the magazine, I think they should make it an eMagazine. Put a .pdf up on the website once a month, stop printing hard copies, and save the money. Same with the stickers, bag tags and lanyards they send out. What's the point of all that stuff? Cut ALL non-essential costs and reduce the dues.

 

[Rez O. Lewshun]

It allows you to be represented at the US/EU open skies agreements that will determine the viability of your career...

 

[mckpickle]

This is availible to all union member I believe, not just ALPA.

http://www.unionplus.org/about/ Tons of discounts.

 

[AWACO]

A fake gold pin. Isn't that enough for you?

 

[Rez O. Lewshun]

A fake gold pin. Isn't that enough for you?

You can get a silver one.... If it isn't too much for you...

 

[sweptback]

You can get a silver one.... If it isn't too much for you...

You have to do a bit more work to get that pin though.