Why ALPA?
We asked line pilots at AA why they wanted to merge with ALPA. Read below to find out what they had to say!
ALPA has the numbers and the resources. And if airline pilots want to have a union…. Then let’s have a union!!!
Mark CLT 737 FO
I would like to voice my support for a merger between APA and ALPA. I believe a move to ALPA would better serve the pilots of American for several reasons.
1. An ALPA LEC member (our current BOD) can easily be recalled if not performing up to the standards of the pilots. Last year several members of UAL's LEC were recalled after their members were not happy with their performance. Under APA it is nearly impossible to recall a member of the BOD.
2. ALPA has better resources (E&FA Department) that could certainly help us especially now in our Section 6 negotiations. ALPA'S E&FA is known throughout the industry as providing excellence in analyzing business plans and valuing contracts. It would be extremely beneficial to tap into this resource.
3. The recent findings of the ALPA Exploratory Committee which voted unanimously to take the next step to negotiate a merger agreement. After this committee's work it is telling that they voted unanimously to recommend a merger.
Kevin DFW 787 FO
In unionism and being members of an association of organized labor, we are supposed to stand together in solidarity. What do I like about ALPA? I have been an ALPA member at two different airlines (Piedmont, AirTran). I have been through an ALPA merger ( AirTran NPA-ALPA). I have also been a Teamster and member of two independent unions. There are many differences that standout about ALPA and set them apart from the other associations. APA was formed in 1963 and CA Dick Lyons, one of the founding members, gives an excellent history of its founding and reasons for leaving ALPA at that time. In the decades since then, the landscape of the industry has changed significantly, with many airlines having been founded, merged, entering into bankruptcy or ceasing operations. While there are certainly lessons to be learned, from CA Lyons writings, many of those reasons cited are no longer applicable to us today. When choosing representation for collective bargaining, the overwhelming majority of new airlines have chosen ALPA. In choosing to merge with ALPA, the pilots of AA would enter those negotiations from a position of strength. We would, in effect, be turning the 900 lb gorilla that is ALPA into a 1200 lb gorilla. We would have a seat on the board and leadership positions on many national committees. To paraphrase the late CA Jonathan Benton, “if you don’t have a seat at the table, you may be on the menu.” The question I will leave you with when considering a merger with ALPA is, which table do we want to be seated at?
Aaron DFW 320 CA
I support the move to bring alpa in as the primary union for American Airlines pilots. The only two unions that have successfully negotiated a new contract thus far are Alpa pilot groups. The Apa has continuously failed our pilots. Based on updates im reading from the negotiating committee, we will once again lag our peers in work rules. That is unacceptable for being the largest airline in the world. Alaska pilots with support from alpa have negotiated major advances to the quality of life. Its time for a change
Jeff DFW 320 CA
National oversight and recognition. Proven track record for securing solid contracts. APA experiment has run its course. Can’t spend next 20-22 hrs like we are with APA being a rubber stamp for AA.
Jon LAX 320 FO
APA is structurally incapable of representing this pilot group as well as ALPA can. It is clear ALPA has a far deeper tool box from which to organize, influence and negotiate. ALPA also allows a much lower bar to remove ineffective reps, more oversight of leadership, and there is no incestuous relationship between ALPA and American Airlines.
Andrew DFW 320 CA
In its current form I feel the APA has neither the resources or proper internal oversight to effectively represent this pilot group.
Felix LAX 320 CA
The APA Board of Directors will soon vote on a merger with ALPA. It would be best to vote for this merger to benefit you and the membership. This merger is not a rebranding, as it offers numerous advantages, including a functional union structure provided by ALPA. It will incentivize MEC members to cooperate and relieve a BOD immobilized by a toxic culture. Other merger benefits include:
Increased abstraction.
Increased member participation through legal electronic voting systems.
Enhanced union training for committee members.
The capture of ALPA's Economic and Financial Analysis (E&FA) department.
Joining ALPA will help reclaim the profession of airline pilots, which is currently in high demand.
Rick DFW 787 FO
A merger between APA and ALPA would bring the opportunity to get the best of both worlds. We should negotiate to preserve our supplemental health insurance plan, which ALPA does not have. At the same time, getting access to the resources ALPA provides for negotiations would be very helpful to AA pilots. Being part of ALPA also would give us much more clout in front of arbitrators, incentivizing them to be more even handed during mediations and arbitrations. This would increase our effectiveness when it comes to enforcing whatever contract we end up with.
Keith PHX 320 CA
I think the status quo isn't working. Moving forward I think some changes might be needed, and merging with Alpa might be the change we need.
Ti LGA 737 CA
I think that being able to directionally steer towards industry goals from a pilots viewpoint as well as access to a larger negotiation war chest is what is in the best interest of our pilot group.
Mark PHL 320 FO
I have seen APA from the outside as an American Eagle pilot and from the inside as an American Airlines pilot for more than 23 years with very little success. A change of representation would be a start the second would be to move the union headquarters anywhere outside Dallas Texas and away from the swamp of AAG.
Donald LGA 737 FO
Merging with ALPA will give us access to improved resources for negotiating as well as representation in Washington DC.
Michael CLT 320 FO
Domicile leadership higher level of accountability to its members. Better communication/collaboration between different airline pilot groups. More effective communications between the union and its members.
Kelly DFW 737 CA
ALPA has more knowledge, resources, influence, and expertise than APA. APA only had a "single digit" amount of arbitrations since 2015, yet we have a lot of outstanding grievances. Why does APA not even have a grievance committee? If you were disciplined/terminated, would you rather have APA or ALPA on your side? Who has better contracts, and who can do more for us moving forward?
Jason CLT A320 FO
It’s simple, size matters! Canadian just joined ALPA, let’s not be the last at the dance. Forget about protecting your empire on the board, do what’s right for the membership by letting them vote!
Kenneth DFW 787 FO
I would love to see a merger with ALPA. They are are bigger and have the strength of a true union. Our pilot group would have the majority of the voting power. They also have the resources to get us a real contract. The few things good here we can bring those with us. There is nothing to lose by going to ALPA
Terry CLT 320 FO
Resources: ALPA has more on-staff Financial Analyst professionals, RLA specialist attorneys, and a larger group of lobbyists. APA has very dedicated staff and volunteers but ALPA simply has more available resources.
Scale: AA pilots would be the biggest pilot group within ALPA which would allow us to influence national union policy.
Cross-pollination: Being a part of an international union allows for an exchange of different ideas and methods for attacking issues that arise. Being an independent union that deals with only one company can possibly bring a myopia that could work to the detriment of the membership.
Structure: ALPA’s MEC President and Vice President are elected by the LEC chairs and Vice Chairs, not the membership. This prevents President and Vice President being in conflict with the BOD like has happened at APA in the past. Also, recalling LEC members is much easier resulting in more accountability to membership.
Mike LGA 737 CA
The unity from the AA pilot merger ratification vote, the professional resources from ALPA, and the structure that encourages alignment and collaboration between our pilots, their representatives, and the MEC's leadership will all be immediate value added to our representation as pilots at American Airlines. Do not hesitate to move this process forward as expeditiously as possible. The largest pilot group in the world deserves the best possible representation in the world!
Jeff BOS 737 FO
ALPA’’s structure is better than APA’s; serving its members.
ALPA has more pilot members and therefore more influence, etc. than APA.
ALPA MEC members elect ALPA’s National Officers vs APA membership electing their NOs.
ALPA recall procedure of LEC Officers is less complicated than APA’s rules/procedure.
ALPA’s resources are superior to APA’s.
ALPA’s transparency is greater than APA’s.
Vincent DFW FO
Only been at AA for short-time from military. Looking in from the outside, I see 40 years of second-rate contracts by APA vs United/Delta. No further information is needed to decide to go to ALPA.
Jeremy CLT 737 FO
After working for two different ALPA carriers, I feel the structure of ALPA governance is more effective at achieving membership's goals. When collective bargaining efforts at Alaska and Delta are compared with the APA's most recent AIP, it is overwhelmingly clear that ALPA's bargaining assets provide a much more accurate picture of what is achievable in a new contract. The APA operates as if having an exclusive, in-house union is more advantageous than belonging to an international, multi-airline union. But, if that is true, why are there so few pilot groups following that path? It is time to acknowledge the obvious. We will be stronger with ALPA.
Chris ORD 787 FO
Been an ALPA rep in a past life.
Familiar with the unrivaled resources.
Tired of being an industry outlier.
APA is broken and does not have a governance structure in place that allows it to be fixed internally.
Dan CLT 777 CA
I believe joining ALPA would give us a stronger voice being by under the same union as United, Delta, and FedEx. It would make for a very strong PAC.
John PHX 320 FO
ALPA won’t be perfect, but it will introduce legitimate bylaws and accountability. I am also very interested in obtaining ALPA legal and contract negotiation expertise.
Jeff CLT 320 CA
We are at a stage in the evolution of our career where we may all be served better by a large, unified voice versus more fractionalized unions. Our numbers at AA would give us a good seat at the ALPA table and I think it is well worth moving in that direction.
Eric MIA CA
I feel APA is ineffective due to its smaller size and no influence on Capital Hill.
APA’s structure is also too cumbersome and bloated which leads to warring factions.
Kevin DFW 777 CA
Accountability and realistic ability to recall the BOD
Support system; medical, financial, advisors, legal.
Need for a change. APA is a computer stuck in an endless restart-loop just bogged down. Fixing won't happen, we need a complete restart with a new OS, ALPA.
James PHX 320 CA
I believe by merging with ALPA we will have better resources and be better equipped to negotiate with management.
Jean Paul DFW 737 FO
I believe the potential for industry success lies in all the major carriers being represented by one Association. ALPA has a deeper structure capable of delivering contractual agreements.
Scott LGA 737 CA
I feel APA is unable to deliver any kind of meaningful improvement in our work lives. They have a proven track record of failure, while NO's and committee members enrich themselves rather than represent their constituents. I am no fan of ALPA, (Prater, from years past) but acknowledge the positive strength-in- numbers and oversight aspects that would exist with a move.
Kyle DFW 777 CA
I see the other airlines, like Delta and United having unbelievably better QOL, benefits and pay. Even our Regionals are doing great. We do not have attorneys and negotiators that have been in the business for decades advocating for us. We have pilots who have went through a week long course. It's asinine we would expect anything better than what we've gotten.
Eric MIA 787 FO
More resources (Legal, EF&A, Communications, Media). Leadership structure (MEC chair elected my LEC’s, not membership). Cross-pollination on strategy and tactics with other ALPA carriers. AA ALPA would be the biggest fish in the biggest pond.
Mike LGA 737 CA
APA definitely needs oversight and guidance. Let's not be arrogant thinking we could do it on our own. That's exactly why we have inadequate contract language and an inadequate contract. None of us like line checks or CQTs but it is necessary to catch mistakes that we don't realize we're making and extra help for pilots that need it. That’s exactly why we need oversight!!
Ricardo CLT 320 CA
Yes I want to see a merger with ALPA. The current union does not stand up to management.
Brett DFW 320 FO
National level resources, MEC/LEC airline union structure with Local president elected by and serving the MEC.
Erich DCA 320 CA
The day of the independent union is gone. One national union will be better.
Tim DFW 320 CA
ALPA helps pilots in a better contract and defends that contract.
APA hurts pilots and seems more interested in helping the company.
APA rarely defends the deplorable contract that we do have.
APA seems more interested in flight pay loss than actually helping the pilots it represents.
Paul PHL 320 CA
As a 32 year member of APA, there is little doubt to me that merging with ALPA is in the best interest of the AA pilots. An ALPA merger will bring vast amounts of contractual resources in addition to an effective affiliation with a nationally known and recognized airline union with massive political influence on Capitol Hill.
APA is known as a small fish in a big pond around Washington DC. In my 32 years, I’ve seen APA mainly riding off the coattails of ALPA contracts and politics. AA pilots demand better.
Craig DFW 787 FO
Quite frankly, it’s time. APA as we know it has failed it’s members. This merger will bring our members more oversight, more resources, more experience, and less behind our back shenanigans. I’m a definite yes!
Mike DFW 737 CA
APA is at best dysfunctional and I firmly believe, after roughly 4yrs, they’ve produced nothing of substance for me. Something needs to be changed, we cannot continue on the course we are on with any substantial success in my opinion.
Mike PHX 320 CA
I’m a 31 year employee. I am tired of watching APA consistently fail to keep me at the top of contract battle between major 121 operators here in the USA. The extreme greed(PU/PM) shown by APA leadership screams for better oversight under ALPA leadership.
Gordon CLT 737 CA
ALPA bylaws ALPA oversight ALPA in DC ALPA benefits for examples loss of license loss of medical runs circles around POD/PMA. The structure 20 would be roosters AKA board of directors! Basically everything ALPA provides is superior in my opinion over APA!
Roger DFW 787 FO
I have been here for 25 years and been involved with APA in different areas, pro standards chairman in Miami and Jumpeat committee as well. Our union has a lot of talented officials who are dedicated to the membership but we need more tools, resources and leverage. ALPA will give us what we need to be a more effective organization and we will also have more power in Congress. With no doubt we should merge with ALPA.
Sammy MIA 320 CA
To keep up with other Legacy airlines with pay and work rules. Also, to unite with the other legacies to protect our industry for future generations.
Douglas LAX 737 CA
Reduce conflict of interest between APA and American Management. Ability to audit APA to improve compliance, transparency and improve confidence with union members. Improve negotiations with American Airlines, with access to industry leading experts.
Matthew PHL 320 FO
I feel that any gains that we make as a union only happen after Delta or United have done the work. Joining ALPA will make the union as a whole stronger, and we will have a better ability to hold our union accountable for its actions.
Brian DFW 737 FO
With ALPA’s national structure, it’s many resources available, it’s guidance, and our ability to effect timely change at the local level will give our group new found purpose and control of our lives professionally and personally.
Daniel DFW CA 320
In my experience both as an ALPA and APA volunteer I can enthusiastically say I'm excited to see what both organizations together can accomplish. APA has been a lone wolf for so long that its IT department, staff, benefits, amongst others are top of the industry. However, ALPA’s holistic approach to strategic comms, negotiations, and planning, coupled with their built in close / parallel working relationships the member airlines have, make an attractive partner. I believe a merger of our two organizations would help not only the American Airline’s pilots in the areas we’ve historically lagged behind in (pattern bargaining, unity, management abuse), but lift ALPA pilots as the world’s largest airline joins their ranks.
John DFW 737 FO
I write, not as a former ALPA member, volunteer, nor Officer, I speak as a current APA represented pilot. APA has been a steadfast representative organization for American Airlines pilots for 60 years. The length and history of this leadership is hard to fathom for even the most senior of pilots here at AA. But throughout history it is imperative to, not only look back, but to look forward. For the success of the pilots at American Airlines to continue to be a part of history, we must also start to look forward. The future of our successful representation lies within the foundation and structure of the Air Line Pilots Association. We cannot continue to be an independent Association, attempting to balance the needs of our pilots, while the threats of the industry loom. We are more effective joining the 70,000+ pilots and 40+ airlines in securing our future. The gravity of 15000+ APA pilots merging with ALPA will resonate.
In addition to the global advantages of merging with ALPA, we have to look at how ALPA trains, educates, and encourages membership. It is without doubt that ALPA has robust education platform. From Safety, Security, Fatigue, and many more National and local committee's, it is apparent that there is a foundation of passing down knowledge and experience to new members to benefit the industry, and pilots, for decades to come.
APA cannot do this alone. It is imperative that we take advantage of this opportunity now.
Steven MIA 737 FO
Being an independent union has not realized the benefits hoped for by its supporters. We are in need of a different leadership dynamic in order to deal with and negotiate with the management culture of this airline, that is labor averse. I feel ALPA would offer such a dynamic by virtue of its larger size, greater resources and structured oversight of its member MEC’s.
Thomas CLT 320 CA
As a former MEC officer of Envoy Air and a pilot now represented by APA, I ask that the board continue forward pursuing a merger with ALPA.
Having had access to the resources provided by ALPA national I believe that we would benefit greatly by utilizing those resources. ALPA has an economic and financial analysis team that is second to none on the labor side of the industry. They also have an excellent training structure for committee members, especially in safety oriented committees. This will be crucial going forward as we deal with unprecedented turnover in the industry. Training the next pilots to carry the torch and continue driving the profession forward is required.
Adding our numbers and strength to ALPA will be a force multiplier in our effectiveness to continue to have a robust career. APA pilots contributing to the ALPA PAC will be much more effective than our independent PAC on capitol hill.
There are a multitude of other factors to consider, but I believe a fair and equitable merger with ALPA is possible and I ask that the board continue the process.
Zach ORD 737 FO
I am in favor of ALPA representing the pilots of American Airlines. As a former domicile rep and MEC Secretary/Treasurer, I found immeasurable value in the institutional support that was available from an association of multiple airlines both large and small. Whether it was the shared resources of the E&FA team, representation training along side reps from our own and other airlines, or support of the Operating Contingency Fund, pooled resources of a larger association provide more backing than an association operating on its own.
Patrick ORD 737 FO
Better resources and more institutional knowledge. There would be better coordination and pattern bargaining with other mainlines.
Tony LGA 737 CA
More tools for the toolbox. The worlds largest airline should leverage the assets of the worlds largest pilot union. A unified and strong national body of pilots can create a stronger presence in the labor market and make a louder voice on capital hill.
Ryan MIA 737 FO
The most significant factor in why I would like to see a merger between APA and ALPA is the quality of the representation as manifest in the quality of the attorneys. APA Collective Bargaining Agreements have, for decades, been exploited by American Airlines because they have weak or poorly crafted contract language.
The next factor is EF&A. APA simply doesn't have the hired talent to craft a quantitative rebuttal to AA's ongoing ""we can't afford it"" objections.
Final reason why I want to see an APA - ALPA merger immediately: Performance. We live and work in a results and performance based world. For six decades, APA has been bringing up the rear in terms of quality of life and pay.
Enough is enough. Let's get the merger done.
Brad DFW 320 CA
I have no love for ALPA. However, their structure, from the ability to realistically recall reps to communicating/having a plan (ie APA’s unanimous no vote on Holiday Pay with no plan) FAR surpasses APA’s way of doing business. Further, their EF&A is light years better than ours at presenting to management, their numbers are not questioned. Also, ALPA’s lawyers would never have allowed a contract to be gutted through lack of effective grievance challenge and unimplemented items like ours has. Finally, let’s speak with the largest voice possible on Capitol Hill.
Susan LAX 737 CA
I believe that the pilots of the largest and most powerful airline in the world deserve representation by the largest and most powerful pilot labor union in the world.
Kenneth DFW 320 CA
A merger with ALPA will give us increased resources to negotiate better contracts, increased clout on Capitol Hill, and a history of better contracts than we have been able to negotiate in my 30 years. We give up literally nothing. Read the report.
Frank DCA 320 CA
I am tired of all talk and no action on the part of APA! It’s all promises and we never seem to accomplish much. We need new direction, and a change is needed in this stagnant organization. The company doesn’t respect our union.
I believe that AA doesn’t want a change from a weak APA, to a more organized union like ALPA.
Richard MIA 787 FO
Not all ALPA’s are created equal; AA’s ALPA will not be the same as, for example, DAL or UAL’s ALPA.
However, it has become abundantly clear that AA Management does not take APA seriously, regardless of who is at the controls. Perhaps a change in tone/frequency with ALPA’s MEC structure vs APA BOD structure, along with some strong initial interactions between the New AA ALPA and AA Management, will set a new tone for the future. One can only hope. AA management must have a high level of respect for the Pilot Group Union which moves their metal safely and efficiently. A level of respect bordering FEAR of our Union and Unified Pilot group. Only then will our contracts be not only “industry leading” but union enforced and actually implemented by the company for fear of Union repercussions.
Joseph DFW 737 FO
I've been an ALPA member at three previous carriers as well two other independent unions so I know exactly what ALPA has to offer versus APA. The governance structure at APA is simply too antiquated and too inefficient for the size this pilot group has grown to. Additionally, ALPA has greater support resources and clout in Washington.
Merging with ALPA isn't cure but a worthwhile improvement for all AA pilots.
Adam ORD 787 FO
My biggest reason for wanting to merge APA & ALPA is to let management know that we are serious and more unified than in the past. From my understanding, APA has only garnered two contracts in the last 20+ years, which seems absolutely unacceptable to me. By merging with ALPA it says we are cleaning house, although I understand that a lot of the infrastructure will be the same, and are not willing to maintain the status quo of apathy. I do appreciate the hard work that our APA reps are doing now to get us to a contract.
Elizabeth MIA FO
APA has never negotiated an industry leading contract. There’s too much in-fighting and our bylaws are ancient. We need the resources of ALPA.
4 years of negotiating and this AIP is still short in so many areas.
Jeffrey LAX 320 CA
I believe we could benefit from the amount of resources available with ALPA and from my personal experience having been part of ALPA, Teamsters and now APA I’ve seen a higher standard of accountability within ALPA as well as more frequent and consistent communication.
Robert CLT 737 FO
As a legacy pilot for AA I have lived and now seen fist hand how inept APA is. My father has had 3 contracts over his 33 years with the company and my first (AIP) leaves much to be desired. I feel APA is unqualified to deal with our management and has lost sight of what it means to represent the entire pilot group. We need a real union, real lawyers, and real negotiators. I truly believe real progress in the industry could be made if the three largest airlines were all three represented by the same union.
Tyler DFW 737 FO
As a legacy AA pilot, 99 hire, I have seen 24 years of APA failures. It is time to move on from this experiment. This latest AIP, replete with industry lagging work rules and even some concessions should be the death knell for APA. We need governance, support, and resources to take advantage of this once in a generation opportunity to regain losses and improve every aspect of our QOL. It is plainly obvious APA is not up to this task and we need to move on.
Tony PHL 320 CA
I wish to join ALPA because of the structure and support provided by ALPA national and the ability to work more closely with our peers in pattern bargaining.
Michael LAX 320 FO
The limitations of what an independent union can accomplish against a company like AA have become apparent. Pilots are not lawyers and that is this negotiating committee’s direct adversary.
ALPA has dedicated professional negotiators and attorneys that specialize in contract law that are more adequately equipped to combat the lawyer verbiage bullying that occurs in contract negotiations. They are more experienced to pick apart the complicated language to find the hidden pitfalls that will affect the pilot group who are less likely to identify those things.
We need stronger, better experienced negotiators that can play at the same level the companies contract lawyers do.
Karl PHL 320 FO
Simple, our latest AIP proposal is a Joke. The APA BOD has continuously said they value quality of life improvements and Delta plus. That they would not stop until they got it. This AIP falls short. ALPA groups, even Alaska have negotiated better QOL contracts. We NEED ALPA to get rid of our self-serving union.
Dan ORD 787 FO
APA appears to be unable to provide leadership to the pilots of AA when dealing with management. The continuing delay in a new contract is a sign we need change.
James LAX 777 CA
I am in favor of continuing to explore the merger and letting the committee do its job. It is particularly telling that the initial exploratory committee which was composed of never yes and never no people on the subject UNANIMOUSLY came to the conclusion that the process should continue. So continue the process.
Andrew MIA 320 CA
I want to see a merger because I feel that APA has failed this pilot group. We finally get a show of unity with a 99% turnout for the strike vote and 3000+ pilots showing up to the picket, and after promises of an industry leading contract, each NC update is coming back with sections that are not even industry standard. APA IS NOT ABLE TO SECURE AN INDUSTRY LEADING CONTRACT FOR THIS PILOT GROUP. The leadership signs in unity that we will settle for nothing less and have failed to deliver. It's time for ALPA.
Steven PHL 320 FO
I want this merger because after hearing that May 1st wasn’t a real strike I received a threatening text for working on that day. The union representative for MIA was not able to give me an answer. He knew threatening pilots was illegal, and yet supported by APA. We need better strategies and communication to move the our union into the current century of aerospace.
Devon CLT 737 FO
APA has shown to be ineffective in producing a non-concessionary (much less industry-leading) contract since I've been here (2014). We need another strategy. Power in numbers, more resources, and better structure at ALPA. APA has some good people (Sicher) but at the end of the day the proof is in the contract. APA as a union is failing.
Mikhael LGA FO
ALPA already is the biggest pilot union in the world and by adding the pilots from the biggest airline it would be even bigger. With those type of numbers across the industry ALPA would be quite a force to reckon with. Combine that with their legal staff of attorneys who have passed the bar and throughly understand contracts and negotiations, instead of pilots that have had some training, we would be on equal footing when meeting with the company’s legal team. The biggest deserves the biggest because there is strength in numbers plus the enhancement of a real legal department makes ALPA the only real choice for American Airline’s pilots.
Thomas DFW 737 FO
The Allied Pilots Association (APA) is an independent bargaining agent, advocating for 15,000 pilots. The Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA) represents and advocates for more than 69,000 pilots at 39 U.S. and Canadian airlines, making it the world’s largest airline pilot union. ALPA provides three critical services to its members: airline safety, security, and pilot assistance; representation; and advocacy.
It is my opinion that we need to make a change. What we're doing now is NOT working. Is ALPA perfect? No, but we have a better chance to get what we deserve, as the worlds largest airline, by merging with ALPA.
Kelly DCA 737 CA
I believe that ALPA will better represent us not only at the negotiating table but in all aspects of our work rules. I feel our current union is not getting the full potential out of our pilot work group.
James PHX 320 CA
I believe we should consider a merger with ALPA for a number of reasons. While I’m grateful for the many outstanding union representatives and officials here in APA, I do believe greater oversight and accountability is required at the highest levels of our union. Further, a merger with ALPA would quickly solidify our status as one of the largest pilot groups within an already powerful union that has a recent track record of coming through for its membership.
Benjamin BOS 737 FO
I want ALPA simply because APA is ineffective. I was concerned that this may not be the right time since we are in negotiations but now more than ever we need ALPA to get the job done.
Candace LGA 737 CA
In 2010, I was a pilot at AirTran Airways based in Atlanta. I was a member in good standing of the National Pilots Association (NPA), the union that represented the pilots of AirTran Airways. Many of the issues faced by the line pilot at NPA are the same as those faced by the line pilot at APA. Many in our leadership have said that we are unable to both negotiate a new contract and negotiate a merger at the same time. I strongly disagree with that sentiment. I have experienced just that during my time at AirTran. The NPA was able to do exactly that during the AirTran-Southwest merger. While the AT-SWA was happening, ALPA made a push to merge the NPA into ALPA and take over as the representative association. ALPA national did this with the knowledge that the AirTran pilots would eventually leave ALPA to become members of SWAPA once the AirTran-SWA merger was completed. It is my opinion, that ALPA National spent more money to bring the AirTran pilots onto ALPA property than they ever received in union dues from most pilots. It was also at this time, that the pilots of AirTran, with the help of ALPA national, were able to negotiate an industry standard contract that brought us more in line with our peers. AirTran management, at the time, was openly hostile to the prospect of ALPA coming onto property. This included prohibitions against those wearing ALPA lanyards, distribution of pro-ALPA materials and threats of discipline against those who were working to bring ALPA on property. Despite the challenges, ALPA was able to deliver improvements across the board for the AirTran pilots.
Aaron DFW 320 CA
APA has shown to be ineffective in producing a non-concessionary (much less industry-leading) contract since I've been here (2014). We need another strategy. Power in numbers, more resources, and better structure at ALPA. APA has some good people (Sicher) but at the end of the day the proof is in the contract. APA as a union is failing.
Mikhael LGA FO
I want the pilots to get a chance to see an unbiased report. I would want the BOD to understand that this isn't personal but a desire to get the best bargaining position for the pilots at American Airlines.
Mauricio MIA 737 CA
APA lacks oversight, Officer Recall is nearly impossible, hardly any accountability, its 'structure' is outdated and doesn't work in 2023, any longer. ALPA has more Resources, a 'BIGGER stick' in DC, better accountability and PU rules, and so much more. I have been a member at both Unions and prefer ALPA over APA.
Vince DFW FO
APA has proven to no be a effective union anymore as their time has come and gone. It would be a smart move for APA to merge as it will open more doors for the pilot group to be more effective against this hostile management that will out maneuver APA at every turn while they continually violate a poorly written contract. Also I feel there will be equal representation amongst the groups as a check airman for over 10 years. Could some of this happen at ALPA? Yes, but we have more power as members to make sure our reps are doing the right thing.
Carl DFW 320 CA
We need to join our brothers and sisters in being represented by a true trade union. The extensive resources, countless years of experience representing professional pilots, and collaboration between airlines are just a few of the reasons we need ALPA at American Airlines. The structure of APA has failed the membership for decades. It's Time...for a change.
Heather CLT 320 CA
We are stronger together than apart. Having an overwhelming majority of Airline pilots under the same banner gives us the opportunity to pattern bargain to an extent never seen in the history of aviation. There needs to be more separation between the company and the representatives of the pilot group. We need better lawyers and ALPA has them. If a merger doesn’t happen then expect a card drive.
Justin CLT 320 CA
More oversight on the board members that are in bed with a Company.
Accountability with Delta and United and policies that are already established.
Resources and possibly more power politically with a big organization hopefully for the pilots!
Steve PHX 320 CA
I have been represented by the APA for the past 8 years. Not impressed with structure and hierarchy of the APA. The APA has not ever delivered an ILC. Too cozy a relationship between the "Union" and Management. Stop the APA/Management Internship Program! Strength in numbers - join ALPA. PAC strength. Pattern bargaining, for real.
Ron MIA 320 CA
APA is dysfunctional on all levels, the AA pilots union needs the adult supervision that ALPA can provide.
Yuri PHX 320 CA
It’s all about a proven organization with more resources.
Previously, I worked under an ALPA carrier and it was not perfect. We could never expect that. HOWEVER, they had great resources. They listened to our grievances and actually took care of them, and they fought to get us the best contract in the history of the regional airlines.
It had clear and concise enforceable language. APA has only proven to succumb to management's pressure time and time again. APA was the only legacy union to NOT find a way to avoid furloughs during COVID when every ALPA carrier figured it out.
And lastly and perhaps the most important, Isom and company do NOT want to see us gain ALPAs resources and power. That right there is enough for me to support it.
ALPA gets us more power, resources, and more of a structural hierarchy keeping union leadership accountable.
Colin CLT 320 FO
ALPA is the largest airline union, representing a large majority of the major airlines and our direct competitors. As an industry, we are concerned about many of the same threats (security, scope, single pilot, etc.) ALPA has more resources to lobby and more influence than APA alone. Additionally, in theory a union that represents and supports only its pilots should be able to do more for them. Since I've been here that has not been the case and I believe change is needed. We were originally ALPA and it's time to go back.
Shaun DFW 320 FO
APA has too much overlap and I have the impression that individual bases have different negotiating priorities that ALPA would get rid of. Much more resources that could be better used with Delta and United with open communication.
Jason LGA FO
APA isn’t a successful union anymore. It is falling apart from the top down. APA isn’t doing positive for the pilots it represents.
Ashley LGA 777 FO
More representation on capitol hill, join other airlines and have more resources
Andrea CLT 737 FO
Because our current structure fails the pilot group. It is near impossible to recall and replace board members.
Carlos DFW 320 FO
APA is ineffective at many things, including anything contractual. APA has been pushed around for 60+ years, while bod members serve the top 10% of pilots, and for their own needs, instead of the entire pilot group. This needs to change, and alpa is the way to change that. Enough is enough!
Gregg MIA 737 CA
One Craft, One Union. Always believed this statement was the first tenant of unionism, and think it would serve AA pilots as well as other independents best.
Art LAX 787 FO
Look at ratified contracts from both Associations, the Track record speaks for itself
Ken DFW 777 FO
After seeing the QOL and Trip Trading lowlights, I am even more convinced APA needs the experience and hierarchy of ALPA. AA management doesn’t respect their Pilots and the have no fear of APA.
ALPA isn’t magical, but money or loss of, drives AA management’s fair treatment of its pilots. ALPA will get us more QOL and trip trading abilities. Delta has set the pay bar. It’s AA’s turn to not only pay industry wages but also non bankruptcy QOL rules and standards.
Gary LAX 320 CA
ALPA has power to stand up to management. ALPA has better resources in DC. ALPA structure is better.
Dipesh CLT 320 CA
Because I want the ability to recall reps easier than the current process.
Mike LGA 737 FO
APA continues to fall short in negotiating leading contracts for the pilots of American Airlines. I feel that more than 30 years of my dues money has been used less effectively than it could have been to secure pay and quality of life improvements throughout my career.
Jeff DFW 320 CA
I believe a merger with ALPA would give APA more resources to fight for us as a pilot group. It would allow a national oversight and national resources to help as well. ALPA has worked with pilot groups the world over to fight for pilots against overzealous and cheap managements.
I volunteered for ALPA in my previous carrier and while I know the merger would not fix all the ills our group has, it certainly couldn’t hurt to try. I would like to believe that if the AIP had been negotiated with the power and the expertise of ALPA behind it, it would be a much better proposal than what we have seen so far.
Andrew PHL 320 FO
APA has lost its way and its effectiveness. The unions should not be a means to enrichen ones self on the backs of the pilots. Nor should it be the pathway to management. This union has failed the pilots of AA for too long.
Brad LAX 320 FO
APA has proven time and time again that it is unable to secure industry leading agreements. The pilot group has lost trust and faith in APA and it is beyond fixable.
Ben CLT 320 FO
My desire for the merger is not a negative toward APA. It is simply based on my belief that ALPA being able to represent another giant in the industry will make our voices stronger. All of the resources that ALPA has can only help the AA pilots in all facets of our airline career. Please let us vote on this merger!
Daniel CLT 320 FO
It is clear that APA is fraught with cronyism. Last negotiating session made it clear that APA is not in the pilot groups best interests. They are there to further personal positions. I am came from an ALPA carrier and there were certainly short comings, but it was a clear structure and representatives were held accountable in a transparent fashion. APA operates unchecked and with seemingly no viable options for the pilot group to hold them accountable. It is time for a change.
Joshua DFW 320 FO
100% support an ALPA merger. It is time!
Carla PHL 787 FO
I would like to see a merger from ALPA because I believe they provide more resources for the union. ALPA in my opinion, has been successful and know how to negotiate a deal.
Luis MIA 737 FO
I am a new hire and still a probie - not at all happy with APA
Robert DFW 737 FO
I don’t see how working independently versus having a large organization fighting collectively for the same efforts helps us when we can’t even get to industry standard terms.
James DFW 737 FO
Simple, our latest AIP proposal is a Joke. The APA BOD has continuously said they value quality of life improvements and Delta plus. That they would not stop until they got it. This AIP falls short. ALPA groups, even Alaska have negotiated better QOL contracts. We NEED ALPA to get rid of our self-serving union.
Dan ORD 787 FO
The limitations of what an independent union can accomplish against a company like AA have become apparent. Pilots are not lawyers and that is this negotiating committee’s direct adversary.
ALPA has dedicated professional negotiators and attorneys that specialize in contract law that are more adequately equipped to combat the lawyer verbiage bullying that occurs in contract negotiations. They are more experienced to pick apart the complicated language to find the hidden pitfalls that will affect the pilot group who are less likely to identify those things.
We need stronger, better experienced negotiators that can play at the same level the companies contract lawyers do.
Karl PHX 320 FO
I wish to join ALPA because of the structure and support provided by ALPA national and the ability to work more closely with our peers in pattern bargaining.
Michael LAX 320 FO
I would like to get more information regarding a possible merger. Would like to see a better track record and have more scrutiny regarding our elected members. There needs to be more accountability. I believe numbers matter and why be outside as a independent organization when we could have better resources.
I look at track record.
Steven MIA 737 FO
ALPA = checks and balances!
APA = Terrible contract- less than delta and United!
Jay PHX 320 FO
I am for a merger for ALPA. ALPA would give us more resources, but we need to keep APA medical. They are the best.
Jason BOS 737 FO
AA pilots should have never left ALPA. The whole idea of a union is unity. Walking away 60 years ago is akin to individual members quitting the union which only weakens and damages the career. Merging would allow AA pilots to have more influence where it counts. Most important: It would be a step closer to forming a trade union with portable seniority and create a 90+% reduction in costs and resources to fight airline bosses. It would provide the leverage to attain appropriate pay, benefits, and work rules without having to rely on the luck of one group (ie. DAL) leading the way. Face it, if it weren’t for DAL, NB captains would still be making $161/hr. Hell, today we can’t even match DALs Duty rig pay ($45,000/yr hit), retro ($24,000 hit), vacation ($30,000 hit waiting 2 years for 4 days more vacation), sick accrual (min $17,000/year accrual shortfall), STD ($32,000 to create a personal STD plan), life insurance ($800,000 less than DAL pilot), health care expense (unknown at this time but I’m guessing at least $2000 more cost for AA pilot), etc. Time to go to phase 2 and start leading instead of lagging.
Keith DFW 320 CA
Having come from an ALPA carrier, I can say the current ALPA stands by all it's pilots from all carriers. We will have a considerable influence being the largest carrier. Also, having all the resources of ALPA at our disposal will keep our local honest and not doing back door deals with management.
Matthew LAX 320 FO
To have larger resources and team members for our representatives to access during times of need.
Matthew LGA 737 FO
It is time for American Airlines pilots, the very first pilot group organized under ALPA, to return and rejoin our fellow pilots. With the AIP currently under consideration, we can return to ALPA with our heads held high rather than returning as a beaten down, industry lagging pilot group. Returning to the ALPA family will allow closer coordination of resources and bargaining in the future as we work to further improve our contract.
Scott DFW 737 CA
There is strength in numbers! APA has always been lagging behind our ALPA brothers and sisters in contracts. It is time to become part of ALPA and utilize their vast amount of resources and create an even larger, more powerful, pilot union. Collectively we can achieve more than being a standalone, independent union. Management played APA once again at the negotiating table and we came up short. Even with the Delta blueprint right in front of us. What is the definition of insanity? Doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. No more. We need to merge with ALPA and get away from this polarizing union structure with APA. Is ALPA perfect? No. But it's better than being an independent union that is repeatedly not delivering for its pilots.
Michael DFW 787 FO