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Originally Posted by WacoFan  Couple of questions about the recent overthrow of ALPA at US Air.
1) What is the economic impact of the US Air/America West pilots to ALPA. Something over 5,000 pilots are going to stop paying 1.95% (I believe). What is the dollar amount of this, and what is the impact to ALPA's overall budget? |
A rough estimate of the dues revenue lost would be in the neighborhood of $12 million per year. You can figure a couple million per year is usually used to support the AAA MEC, plus several million every few years for MCF grants during contract negotiations and other major issues, so the net amount lost to the Association would be in the neighborhood of $5 million per year. It's not good, and will probably result in cuts to certain departments and increased fees to independent unions that have to utilize ALPA services to make up for the shortfall. However, ALPA has roughly $85 million in the Major Contingency Fund (MCF), and that can always be used to supplement the normal Operating Contingency Fund (OCF) by a simple vote of the Executive Council. Overall, the hit shouldn't be too bad for the Association. The loss of a carrier like United or Delta would be much worse for the Association. However, there is a huge intangible loss to the Association: AAA Captain Chris Beebe, Vice President-Finance, who is one of the finest men and union reps that I've ever met. I can think of no one in the Association that is capable of taking his place. His loss will be tough for the Association.
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2) What do the West guys do? If they don't join (and I wouldn't), what job protections do they have for grievances, legal issues, etc?
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The System Board of Adjustment will likely still be open to them to handle grievance issues, but they'll have to fight them themselves without union assistance. They can always also hire their own attorneys if they'd like.
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3) Is it worth it for West guys to join USAPA just to recieve whatever protection they can recieve rather than to be completely uncovered?
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Most of them would rather take the risk of lacking protections rather than give a dime to USAPA. The problem for the West with giving dues to USAPA is that they would be funding the very organization that is actively trying to abrogate their seniority rights and hold up their contract negotiations. It's a lose-lose situation, but I think they're better off in trying to bankrupt USAPA so they can bring ALPA back at some point for some true protection.
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4) Will the resulting decline in revenue to ALPA result in a diminished amount of services to ALPA members at other airlines?
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Most likely not.
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5) Has there been talk of a "jumpseat war" towards USAPA pilots by ALPA carriers?
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Based on the forum rules, I can't give you my opinion on this question. That should tell you all you need to know.
