Well, being professional, would be not allowing someone in your jumpseat that is going to be a distraction and comprimise the safety of the flight for any reason. If you arent' going to be able to operate that flight the same as normal becasue of someone sitting right behind you, then I say it is your responsibility to not allow them in.
Thats funny, because at "my house" I doubt any of us have a problem with anyone's union affiliation. In fact, I have never even asked for anybody's union affiliation when they have requested the Jumpseat.
How about trying this...don't even ask what union the Jumpseater belongs to...then you won't feel like there is going to be a distaction or that safety is going to be compromised.
And for the record...never in my 24+ years of airline flying, have I ever felt like a jumpseater was a distraction or could compromise the safety of the flight.
As for not being able to operate the flight the same as normal...try doing what I do.
I operate my airplane the same no matter if the jumpseater is from my company or another...or if a check airman is observing... or if a fed is onboard...or if it is our esteemed Chairman....or if I'm in the simulator.
If a pilot operates their airplane differently depending on who is or isn't on the jumpseat...then that pilot has got bigger problems than worrying about who belongs to what union.
Last edited: