In Good Times and Bad
By Capt. Sean Creed, ALPA Vice President–Administration/Secretary
As some of our members face uncertainty due in large part to the changing nature of our industry—whether it’s mergers, bankruptcies, forced downgrades and furloughs, or the first fatal U.S. passenger airline accident in 16 years, one thing remains certain—we’re stronger together.
With more than 79,000 members, ALPA pools its collective knowledge and expertise, experience, and resources through our international union to advance member interests and promote the profession. In fact, ALPA members are at the center of every Association decision, ensuring that we get the attention and support we deserve.
The current administration has extended to the union’s 42 master executive councils (MECs) greater access to Association resources and an increased level of authority and independence to determine their individual objectives. MECs are encouraged to develop strategic plans—tactical approaches that outline these goals and the necessary steps required to obtain them. In addition to promoting greater transparency, these strategic plans also serve to ensure that line pilots are aware of, understand the reasons for, and can participate in their union’s activities.
ALPA MECs are collaborating more than ever before, coming to the aid of our fellow members who need our help. While Spirit Airlines and Air Wisconsin face significant capacity reductions and hundreds of their pilots may have to contend with layoffs, other MECs have stepped forward, offering interview workshops with company HR reps and providing insider intelligence about pilot hiring opportunities and interview practices and expectations at their carriers.
Some ALPA pilot groups have negotiated contract language providing for preferential interviews or even the hiring of displaced Association members who meet requirements based on their airline’s employment needs. This is trade unionism at its best.
Another important resource is available through the Association’s Professional Development Group. The Furloughed Pilots Support Program, a component of the Membership Committee, provides furlough checklists to help displaced pilots through this difficult time. The group offers information about pursuing alternative employment opportunities and includes instructions on how to file for unemployment insurance. And through their individual MEC webpages, these pilots can learn more about the terms of their employment status and contractual rights.
ALPA continues to consider new programs as well. We all know that aviation is a tight-knit community and, for many, staying connected with other pilots plays a pivotal role not only in finding alternative employment, but also in helping to maintain a healthy outlook.
The Association is developing a variation of a mentorship network in which newly furloughed pilots can connect with previously displaced members who serve as points of contact—active pilots who can offer guidance from personal experience and answer basic questions like “What do I do if I’m recalled and have a job with another carrier?” or “Are there disadvantages in deferring my recall?” The intent of the new program, once implemented, is to ensure that displaced pilots have access to the pertinent programs and services they need and remain connected to their union.
We know that pilot group challenges can arise from a variety of circumstances. On January 29, a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter had a mid-air collision with PSA Airlines Flight 5342 while on approach to Washington National Airport, leaving no survivors. On February 17, Endeavor Air Flight 4819 crashed while landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport; fortunately all aboard survived. ALPA’s Air Safety Organization Pilot Assistance Group extends aid through the Critical Incident Response Program, which can accelerate recovery from accidents and serious incidents before harmful stress reactions can damage job performance and disrupt careers, personal lives, and general wellbeing.
In addition, Association members can call the Pilot Peer Support program, which provides a trained network of pilot volunteers 24/7 who listen and offer confidential, nonjudgmental support to pilots with personal or professional issues, including job displacements, and anything in between.
When confronting these and other difficult situations, ALPA members are reminded of one of the most important reasons for belonging to a union—you’re never alone. When you’re an ALPA member, you have access to a host of resources tailored to meet your professional needs. If you don’t know where to start, contact your pilot representative or file a DART. The Association has faced challenges in the past and is well prepared to confront future challenges. ALPA truly stands as a testament to pilots serving pilots, in good times and bad.
