Agaricus
From the IPA/IPF website;
"The constitution of the IPA precludes it from becoming a trade union, however, with changing employment legislation many requests were received from members asking for representational activity of a union nature. In response to the requests of those members a sister organisation, the Independent Pilots Federation (IPF), was formed in 2001 and that body is a recognised Trade Union. The IPF is affiliated to the IPA and all ‘Full’ members belong to both organisations to receive the benefits each has to offer."
I am a member of the IPF. I have nothing against BALPA and they do a great job for thousands of pilots. However, I personally prefer the legal insurance scheme of the IPF which is an independent insurance policy rather than the BALPA system whereby they decide whether to support you.
Both unions have their advantages and disadvantages. However, the important thing is that we are all members of one or the other.
Airclues