I think something we all need to think about is “who’s looking after the new pilots?”
Are we giving back to the profession by making sure new CPL’s have some assistance, guidance and representation for the minefield that is GA?
The membership rates of GA instructors and charter pilots is very low, and they are the ones that could use an industrial helping hand the most. History will show these folks will only join when they already have an issue, ie: they’ve been sacked, or underpaid, maybe if they had some guidance earlier, they could avoid the situation.
Should be looking to foster a culture amongst these new CPL of joining a union? As they progress in their careers they can, if they choose, become an active member of the appropriate pilot council.
If they join QF or VA or even JQ, Q’link (DH8) etc, they can then choose which union is for them, be it AIPA, VIPA, TWU etc, but at least they will have some first hand experience with Unions and be able to make an informed decision.
This could foster a co operative attitude toward each other rather than the long held animosity about something that happened long ago.
We are heading into an employment cycle we haven’t seen for a while, with all the companies playing the same IR games, this is not a time for us to be fighting each other.
If the unions can then have a co operative relationship under AusAlpa, then maybe we all have a chance.
Remember:
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