If its any consolation to FlyBe - the same questions are frequently asked by many pilots with other operators. I work for a major Charter airline and I'm damned if I know why I still pay the money - same old circular argument every year - no muscle in negotiations because membership too low - no increase in membership because no results from BALPA; actually to be technically correct our membership has crept up due to a change of leadership in the CC - only time will tell if that increase is justified.
Perception of BALPA has always been hindered by a number of adverse concepts:
a. BALPA only really interested in BA.
b. Majority of members only join for legal protection.
c. Fees too high
BALPA enthusiasts will contradict these perceptions and quite understandably so but these feelings remain and until they can be countered such problems endure.
Do we want an Association as a truly 'professional' body like Doctors, Architects, Lawyers, Surveyors etc or do we want an out and out Union (uncomfortable word that for many) - perhaps a Prune Poll would be appropriate ?