Jeepman said:
I was just wondering what the pro's & cons were of having a union. ALPA (for a regional) vs. certifying an in house union?
You are really asking two questions here. The pros and cons of having "a union" are not the same as the pros and cons of ALPA vs Independent Union.
On having a union vs no union.
Pros = Union.
1. A certified union establishes legal rights for the employees and the Company.
2. Guarantees that the Company is required to bargain with the employees (union) for wages, working conditions and other rights. Establishes rules of how and when this must be done .
3. Provides a legally binding (on both parties) contract.
4. Establishes a grievance procedure, thereby changing the "at will" status of the employee. (Bypasses the detrimental side of a "right to worK" State ... like Utah, in that Federal law takes precedent)
5. Mandates the right of "representation" of the employee in all disputes with management.
Cons = no union
1. Employees have no legal, enforceable rights other than those provided by State Law. (In "right to work" States, this is usually zero).
2. The Company is not required by law to bargain with any group or individual over anything. Management retains ALL rights.
3. Contracts/agreements are NOT legally binding. May be changed or eliminated by the Company, unilaterally, at any time.
4. There is no legally binding grievance procedure. Employees are "employees at will" and may be disciplined or terminated at any time, with or without cause.
5. Employee has no legal right to representation in disputes with management.
6. Seniority system, if any, is not legally enforceable.
7. May create adversarial relationship and confrontation if management resists.
ALPA vs Independent Union
Pros = ALPA
1. Well established and adequately funded on the National level.
2. Most experienced in issues specific to pilots.
3. Very good in promoting safety related issues and ensuring good safety practices.
4. Excellent aeromedical facility. Most knowledgable in pilot related medical issues. Can prevent loss of medical in most cases.
5. Excellent political connections, particularly with National Mediation Board and also in Congress.
6. Strong support mechanisms, e.g., financial analysis, legal department (grievances - FAA issues), safety staff, representation department, contract administration. These are often referred to as "resources".
Cons = ALPA
1. Expensive dues structure. Small carriers not always adequately funded.
2. Extensive internal conflicts of interest between regional/major airlines. Favors major airlines.
3. "Resources" often used against you, rather than for you. Particularly if you are a small carrier.
4. Small carriers are actively "controlled" by the National union. Critical decisions often made by "others" not employed by your airline.
5. Very political. Small carriers have no political clout and can be outvoted on every issue. Totally dominated by major airlines.
6. Political influence and agenda often advances causes of major carriers regardless of impact on small carriers.
7. Foused on general interests as opposed to carrier specific interests.
Pros = Independent Union.
1. Focuses primarily on interests of the represented group. No conflict of interest. Very little external influence.
2. Provides the same legal rights of representation and bargaining afforded by a National union, without the burden of representing other entities or interests. Independent.
3. Dues structure can be less expensive. No dues used to support national structure or agendas of others.
4. Attorneys have only one client (no conflicts of interest). Your lawyers represent only your interests and you control them.
5. Can gain National clout by affiliation with Coalition of Airline Pilot Associations, without losing independence.
6. Can purchase many of the support requirements from other entities at reasonable cost.
7. Usually less adversarial (with/to management) due to absence of external agenda.
Cons = Independent Union
1. Generally lacks expertise and experience (unless knowledgable leaders available on the property.)
2. Finances limited to resources of the particular group. The smaller, the more difficult.
3. No or very little political influence.
4. Lacks in house support mechanisms such as those provided by a large union (ALPA).
5. Lacks meaningful recognition from large government organizations like NMB, FAA, until well established (or affiliated with CAPA).
Please note that all of these pros and cons are my personal opinions. Others may see things differently.
There are many successful Independent unions. Among them are the Allied Pilots Association (APA - American), SWAPA - SouthWest Pilots Association, IPA (Independent Pilots Association) representing UPS pilots, NPA (National Pilots Association) representing Air Tran pilots.
Until recently the IACP (CAL & CALEX) and the FPA (FedX) were also independent but merged with ALPA. The Teamsters also have an airline division, that currently represents Horizon, Airborne, Chautaqua, and other pilot groups (some of which are not airlines).
) and I've been told over and over by our higher up's about how much better everything is for our negotaitors. They have top-notch lawyer's, benefits/retirement specialists, and medical help. Also ALPA Policical Action Commitee has worked hard to fight for all airline pilots in D.C.
