General Topics
Here are some common topics of discussion we have heard come up when discussing an APA to ALPA merger on the line.
Frequently Asked ALPA Questions
Since the APA-ALPA Merger Committee Resolution posted on the upcoming APA Board of Directors agenda, we have received a lot of great questions about ALPA, the merger process, and misconceptions about what joining ALPA would mean for our pilot group. We address them below. Please continue to bring questions to our attention as you think of them!
Previous FedEx Pilots Association President on Merging with ALPA
Captain David Webb (Retired) was the FedEx Pilots Association (FPA) President that led the FedEx pilot group back to ALPA in 2001. We reached out to retired FedEx Captain David Webb to hear his thoughts on bringing the FedEx pilot group back to ALPA in 2001. Enjoy the read!
Resources
Both APA and ALPA provide resources to its membership, volunteers, elected representatives, and staff. What are the differences?
E&FA at ALPA vs. APA
ALPA’s E&FA Department has an enduring “built to last” infrastructure with a vast wealth of experience and credibility. APA’s E&FA Committee consists of voluntary members with outstanding financial credentials but will likely have significant turnover resulting in a loss of institutional memory.
Elected Officer Training
The Leadership Conference ALPA provides is extensive, with a broad range of professional training intensity and networking opportunities with elected officials at other ALPA carriers. By contrast, APA provides a short orientation for new Domicile Officers that requires on-the-job training to fill in any gaps.
Grievances 101
ALPA International has an extensive grievance process, backed by full-time staff to include experts in contractual and legal matters. This results in a powerful union that not only negotiates a contract but also enforces that contract…providing member pilots with the full support required when a dispute arises.
Legislative Programs
ALPA Governmental Affairs brings lobbying muscle and advocacy to Washington, D.C. backed by over 60,000 pilots and AFL-CIO membership. APA is represented in its lobbying efforts independently and as a part of CAPA, which represents approximately 30,000 pilots. Imagine the power and influence available to the pilots of American Airlines and the airline pilot profession in the United States if these efforts were combined into one organization.
ALPA's Recent FFDO Support
ALPA International’s President, Captain Joe DePete recently hosted a Federal Flight Deck Officers (FFDO) symposium at ALPA Headquarters, attended by ALPA pilots, pilots of other unions, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) FFDO Office, Federal Air Marshall Service (FAMS), and the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI). Read more below!
Governance
APA and ALPA have similarities and differences in their representational governance. Let's talk about them!
ALPA Executive Vice Presidents
ALPA’s EVPs represent their respective pilot groups on the Executive Council. The AA pilots will be afforded an EVP position when they rejoin ALPA. These positions ensure representation of every pilot group on a routine basis at ALPA National regardless of which pilots are elected to be the National Officers.
Past APA to ALPA Merger Efforts
The have been two attempts since 2000 to initiate a merger between APA and ALPA. Both efforts lacked a critical element: the engagement of the pilots of American Airlines.
ALPA and APA History
Historical accounts of both APA and ALPA are in this section. We will endeavor to add more recent history of both unions as we collect more information.