Coalition of Airline Pilots Associations or CAPA

[Rez O. Lewshun]

CAPA is a group of non ALPA unions or in house unions. APA, SWAPA, IPA, NPA and IBT.

Their goal is basically the same as ALPA put perhaps with a different M.O.

The point?

Air Line Pilots must be represented on Capital Hill. Notice the link for Jetblue pilots.

CAPA also has a Political Action Committee or PAC.

Check out their website!

http://www.capapilots.org/about.asp

The Coalition of Airline Pilots Associations (CAPA) was established in early spring of 1997 when Captain Mike Cronin (APA) and Captain Steve McPhail (SWAPA) unified the collective efforts of several independent pilot unions to address common concerns of an industry specific nature on Capital Hill. Through the formation of a “Trade Association” CAPA’s approach was unique in the industry. As a group of volunteer pilots, the CAPA volunteers began working for pilots and the passengers they served by highlighting their concerns on Capital Hill and with various government agencies.​

CAPA evolved as a strong and effective voice of independent unions after several years of informal cooperation. In 1997, via the Railway Labor Act’s provisions, American Airlines pilots withheld their services. To end the strike, President Clinton ordered the pilots back to work and convened a Presidential Emergency Board to hear arguments from both sides of the table. Congress could have dictated the terms of the settlement however the unofficial coalition of independent unions urged Congress not to intervene in the APA / American Airlines negotiating process.​

Shortly after the APA strike and given the coalition’s reputation and strong voice in Congress, Captains Cronin and McPhail were compelled to establish the coalition via a Memorandum of Understanding formalizing the group officially as-- The Coalition of Airline Pilots Associations.​

CAPA with a constituent base of 22,000 professional pilots is well-known in Congress and many Government Agencies. CAPA holds an excellent reputation characterized by its collective strength, integrity, responsible activities and collaborative approach. In concert with other organizations, CAPA has successfully lobbied for the Federal Flight Deck Officer program, the securing of hardened Flight Deck Doors, improvements in flight crew duty days and rest periods as well as a host of other legislative issues important to the member pilots and our traveling customers. CAPA continues to work specifically on important Safety and Security issues common to its member organizations and on behalf of the public traveling within the aviation infrastructure. ​

 

[p3flteng]

I know that CAPA is not a organized union as such and representing pilots in contract negotiations and such other typical union duties/functions.

But what does everyone think of a having one national union? Think of the power this union would have to negotiate with.

 

[YourPilotFriend]

We don't need a national union as much as we need a new approah to barginning. Since no matter what you do, the company has the legal system tied up. However, one national union is a good start.

 

[Rez O. Lewshun]

We don't need a national union as much as we need a new approah to barginning. .

Any new approach will have to address the RLA. In order to address the RLA one must go to CapHill.

Now... imagine CAPA trying to do this and ALPA trying to do this seperately.

Imagine this for each issue. Looking at both the CAPA website and the ALPA site it appears they don't address the same issues...

 

[FlyBoeingJets]

But what does everyone think of a having one national union?

Is there anyone out there who has been with ALPA and SWAPA (at different jobs) or APA and ALPA (ditto)? What differentiates an inhouse union and national. Cost? Services?

Seems like many dislike how ALPA supports opposing workgroups (regional and mainline). Maybe it makes them unresponsive.

Someone make me smart on why a national union is better than in-house. (Please try to use facts instead of name calling)

 

[p3flteng]

There are different benefits and detractions to in house and national union.

However, I was wondering what the rest of the guys thought about ONE union, which would of course be national.

 

[FlyBoeingJets]

I can't have an informed opinion on a one union system until I figure out what is better or worse about a multi-union situation.

It seems better, until I learn otherwise, to have inhouse unions and get together to have a single voice (CAPA) to work political issues. That way each individual union would have a voice. And those being lobbied would be assured each member company's pilots supported the effort (instead of being held hostage to ALPA national, for better or worse). IF the political action organization got too crazy (age 60, expenses, pension reform) then an inhouse union could quit and create another, competing organization.

I know many are upset with how ALPA national operates. I'm still trying to figure out how they are accountable to union members at individual companies.

Don't get me wrong. ALPA (The ONE union option) may still be the best option, I'm just not convinced yet.