Capt. Tim Canoll making his remarks to the Executive Board on Wednesday.

ALPA's Executive Board is gathered at the Association's Herndon, Va., Conference Center for its 120th regular meeting. MEC chairs, together with the union's four national officers and seven executive vice presidents, reviewed proposed policy changes and continued the strategic planning process. The two-day session began on Wednesday with national officer reports, as is customary, and Transportation Trades Department President Ed Wytkind joined to offer insights in the afternoon. The meeting will wrap up this afternoon.

In his Wednesday remarks, ALPA president Capt. Tim Canoll talked about the importance of using the right tools to generate positive performance and outcome. Recognizing ALPA's demonstrated arsenal of programs and services, he noted, "These tools have made possible remarkable results in collective bargaining; aviation safety, security, and pilot assistance; and in building a strong future for our profession." Canoll outlined the progress being made in contract negotiations, particularly at Hawaiian Airlines, and ALPA's ongoing efforts to defend and uphold the terms of foreign air service agreements.

Capt. Joe DePete, ALPA's first vice president and national safety coordinator, reported on the Association's Air Safety Organization (ASO), commenting, "The ASO, and indeed our very Association, exists because of the nature of our profession. Flying several tons of metal, now mostly composite, and fuel at thousands of feet above the Earth carries with it risks. And our job as pilots is to manage those risks, whenever and wherever they arise." DePete also provided an update on ALPA-PAC, noting that this year's goal is to raise $2.25 million. 

Vice president–administration/secretary Capt. Bill Couette reported on recent Professional Development Group activities, noting, "We have an obligation to inspire, educate, and mentor the next generation of pilots." He continued, "Just as important, we need to keep these jobs in the United States and Canada. Only by attracting new candidates, in our countries, can we do this." Couette also reviewed product improvements ALPA's Information Technology Advisory Committee is overseeing, including an ALPA app upgrade and the new "My Proxy System."

"We've exhibited sound, safe, and practical financial planning—and combined with the economic conditions of the airline industry, we've been able to prosper," said vice president–finance/treasurer Capt. Randy Helling. In his presentation, he explained how current dues income is allocated. Speaking directly to MEC chairs, Helling added, "I cannot emphasize enough the amount of trust that our pilots have put in each and every one of you by putting you in the seat you're in today. Our job, then, is to repay that trust with our actions, our decisions, and our responsible planning."

Later in the day, guest speaker Ed Wytkind, president of the Transportation Trades Department of the AFL-CIO, spoke to the Board about how transportation and infrastructure issues have become a "political football" within the federal government. Wytkind stressed that continued advocacy work from transportation unions is needed—now more than ever—to press for improvements. He observed, "We have to stop calling it transportation 'spending' and start calling it 'investment' again." 

Look for additional coverage of the 120th ALPA Executive Board meeting in the May 2017 issue of Air Line Pilot.