A level of IR success can be seen in Oz airlines stemming from their approach to divide and conquer pilot working groups. A move to just one union might however make matters worse if nothing else changes.
There are currently 3 parties: airlines, pilot groups and unions. Whilst there is a need for pilots to unify their group to address an airline’s willingness to take advantage of any pilot that does not know their worth; airlines would currently find it very convenient to deal with a pilot union rep rather than almost any other alternative.
This is especially so when pilot union reps hold pilot positions in the same airline (seeking an improved role and salary within that airline) whilst simultaneously representing the IR interests of the pilot group of that airline. These roles and responsibilities cannot be shared without conflict of interest and opportunity for corruption.
How many Chief Pilots (a coveted company position) have moved into that role after working as a union rep on group pilot contract negotiations? How many other union reps have immediately received company appreciation and / or promotion after facilitating sub standard pilot working agreements? Whilst few are actually corrupt, perhaps all are part of a very weak negotiating framework (on the pilot side).
Pilot group contract negotiating representatives should be appropriately qualified lawyers hired directly by the pilots they represent and not employed by the airline they need to sit across the table from in negotiation.