Many people in the world live their whole lives without having a voice in how their governments are run. While I always feel grateful to live in a country where I can vote for the people who govern me, I feel it most at this time of year, when you can’t listen to the news without hearing the word “election.”

I grew up in a strong union family. I have the same sense of appreciation for how unions like ALPA are run. In fact, as ALPA’s vice president–administration/secretary, I don’t think many people are more involved than I am in the details of our union’s democracy. Our union is rooted in fair elections and, as I tell almost everyone I meet, it is everyone’s responsibility to vote.

On this fourteenth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, ALPA pilots have no need to retell the story that all of us know so painfully well.

That terrible day, ALPA members lost coworkers, friends, and family members. Many were aboard American Airlines Flight 11, United Airlines Flight 175, American Airlines Flight 77, and United Airlines Flight 93. And many were among the nearly 3,000 individuals on the ground who lost their lives trying to help others or simply found themselves in harm’s way.

On this date of remembrance of the past, it is equally important to recognize that every day since the attack has served as a living testament of our resiliency as a people. Beyond acknowledging the sacrifice of those we lost, we who are the guardians of their legacy have moved forward to rebuild our nation and our industry in their honor.

This week, ALPA launched its new "A Deal Is a Deal" advertising campaign, which urges the Obama administration to request consultations with the governments of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar to address the unfair subsidies and benefits provided to their state-owned airlines. 

The ad campaign––which includes print and digital ads and #ADealIsADeal social media effort––will run through October. The campaign will also feature billboards at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport during September.

This weekend, both Canada and the United States recognize the importance of labor/labour in our countries.

We know how vital labor organizations are and that they are an essential bulwark against continuing efforts to erode pay and benefits and deepen the divide between employees and those who employ them. They are indeed worth celebrating.

As a profession, nothing compares to being an airline pilot. Ask any pilot and you’ll find that we are extremely passionate about flying. For us, it’s more than just a job, it’s in our blood—and you would be hard-pressed to find an airline pilot who would rather do anything else.