Dear All
I know of a former airline captain, who after being treated appallingly by a company who he had worked for over six years, asked BALPA for help.
It was a legal matter, and he had several witnessess who would testify with reference to his poor treatment.
This extended to foul abuse from the Operations Director, shouted in the airline HQ main office!!!
The response from BALPA?
"We do not have the money to let you have access to legal assistance".
The said Captain then had to go to a private solicitor, who successfully took action against the company. I believe the Captain resigned from BALPA shortly after.
I am NOT saying BALPA treat all members in this manner, but this is not a very good example of how fully paid-up members are treated.
Me thinks from a legal protection view point, private cover is best. If you want legal help, you should get it - it should not be decided by a bean-counter, or people who are 'not interested'.
I also suspect the IPA are pretty good, as has been stated above.