Why are pilot unions important for the airline pilot?

Why are pilot unions important for the airline pilot?

Example 1: An pilot who is not a union member is very unhappy with the shift patterns demanded by the employer, as they leave the pilot often tired and prone to make more mistakes. The employer laughs off those concerns and tells the pilot to suck it up or find another job.

Example 2: A pilot is is a union member has exactly the same problem as in the example above, and raises the matter with the union. The union calls the employers attention to the complaint. The employer takes the matter seriously because they know that the union has the power to orchestrate action amongst its members to force the issue if it is not resolved, and those potential actions will ultimately cost the employer money and a damaged reputation.

There are loads of other reasons, such as joint pay bargaining, negotiating for better worker rights and benefits, and even negotiating with outside bodies to get members discounts on all kinds of goods and services.

Add Comment