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 While there are certainly lessons to be learned, from CA Lyons writings, many of those reasons cited are no longer applicable to us today.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 

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 

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 

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 

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 

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 

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

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

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