Labor Is Our Voice
By Capt. Jason Ambrosi, ALPA President
On January 5, Alaska Airlines Flight 1282—a B-737 MAX 9—experienced an in-flight blowout of a left mid-exit door plug shortly after takeoff from Portland International Airport. This resulted in rapid cabin depressurization, forcing the flightcrew members to declare an emergency and return to the airport for an immediate landing. The accident sparked international attention, raised serious questions about safety, and exposed weaknesses in our industry. Thankfully, all 171 passengers and six crewmembers survived with only minor injuries.
While the NTSB is still investigating the accident, we know one thing for certain: the skills, training, and professionalism of the two pilots on board that flight saved the day—as pilots do day in and day out when things go wrong in flight. This accident reminded us that during every phase of flight, we must always expect and be ready to react to the unexpected.
Earlier this year, we released our newest white paper, “A Gamble with Safety: Reduced-Crew Operations,” which underscores the dangers of removing pilots from the flight deck. Despite those motivated by profit to cut safety corners, in the complex and often unpredictable airline operating environment, there’s no replacement for having two pilots on the flight deck—no matter the level of aircraft automation, especially when that technology malfunctions or fails.
In Europe, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and EU aircraft manufacturer Airbus are working to develop criteria to remove airline pilots from the flight deck. Regulatory changes that EASA is considering would make possible a reduction in the required number of pilots for certain types of airline operations.
To prevent this safety risk from reaching North America, we teamed up with the European Cockpit Association and the International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations to develop “Safety Starts with Two,” an international campaign to highlight the dangers of this reduced-crew operations. If we wait for this scheme to come to our shores, it will likely be too late. We must remain engaged and take action now to protect the high safety standards that ALPA and our partner organizations have fought to achieve in order to keep our skies, passengers, and cargo safe.
Organized labor has long been a force for good, the conscience of our industries, and the champion of worker rights and safety. Every day we see that the labor movement is alive and well. We’ve made important gains, we take care of our members, and we continue making our countries and industries stronger and safer.
Earlier this month, we celebrated Labor Day in Canada and the United States, which is a time to reflect on the gains and sacrifices that the labor movement has made. Just days before, I was proud to stand with more than 2,000 Air Canada pilots who rallied to informational picket the Canadian airports in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and Winnipeg sending a clear message to their management that the labor movement will not be silenced and they are willing to do what it takes to get a world-class contract.
There are many similar moments throughout history that demonstrate how unions have played a multifaceted role in improving and supporting the lives of our members. Our successes not only help union members, but they also improve the lives of all Canadians and Americans. Unions help secure better wages, make workplaces safe, and improve health-care and retirement benefits.
Along with our successes, however, our industry also endures its fair share of challenges. Unfortunately, some of our Spirit pilots were furloughed earlier this month and we stand in solidarity with your MEC to support you. Please reach out for assistance and access essential resources available to help you and your family during this difficult time.
ALPA and our union family at many other aviation unions including air traffic controllers, flight attendants, machinists, and airport security personnel have helped to make aviation the safest and securest form of transportation while bringing together people and cargo across the globe. And we intend to keep it that way.