Up in Arms
>> . Backed up by social ostracisation (or worse) of non-members, scabs, strikebreakers etc. <<
I would rather endure low pay than see a return to that particular form of union nazism. The unions will flourish if they are seen to be a strong and viable force in the industry. That is what will gain them support- not the sort of '50s union thuggery you are on about. Oh, and yes, I have been a union member for as long as I have been a professional pilot- I believe in unions.
Sadly, BALPA is a thousand miles behind comparable Euro pilot unions when it comes to looking out for our interests. This will hopefully change as the new legislation takes effect.
US-style unionism has a downside, you know... look at their FTL scheme for example. Also, think back to the Continental dispute...