Thanks for looking into it, Silverhawk.
Re BALPA vs T&G, I've no doubt that BALPA would eventually produce the best longterm results, despite their obvious shortcomings - not the least of which is that historically they have only really been interested in the big established operators such as BA - and easyJet is now the BA of the low cost airlines, hence BALPA's activity and success.
What concerns me is that whichever union we choose has to be affordable. It's all very well saying that BALPA's 1% is good value, but most Jet2 pilots just cannot afford any more outgoings. Their debts are HUGE and they have to go for the least cost option. If we go with BALPA we will end up with an insignificant membership and then we are back to square one with minimal representation.
My proposal is that we at least start with the T&G. It is cheap, we can quickly achieve high representation and if they want us that desperately we can insist on some rapid action. If they fail us within, say, six months we can simply dump them and consider BALPA instead.
Is there any evidence that BALPA want us? Are they actively canvassing for members? I can almost hear the groans of the Industrial Relations Officers at New Road as they relish the prospect of mauling from Uncle Philip.