WIZ
Yes I can confirm that subtle encouragement to join was done many years ago and even then it was not compulsory but a union member could choose not to fly with somebody who wanted all the benefits but was too lousy to put his/her hand in their pocket and be part of a solid group. Even the Companies saw the benefits of dealing with their pilots as a group but alas that was when you had real managers not the fluff and bulldust of today who consider themselves masters.
This process has fallen away and now is illegal under the workplace relations laws.
It actually benefitted a vast number of pilots over the years and certainly produced better outcomes than those being acheived under the constantly changing industrial landscape. For those who continue the push for further splitting of pilot groups please read a little history and see what can be achieved working inside the tent rather than trying to reinvent the wheel.
If you cannot be bothered reviewing history then expect to make the same mistakes again and again.
Sorry my point about choice is that we as an organisation are continuing to grow, despite some of the earlier comments, and that will only continue whilst we continue to aim to bring pilots together in one group not allowing one area to dominate the direction/agenda to the disadvantage of the wider group. If we look after the new generation at the beginning of their career then the future will look after itself well after we are gone.
Lawrie Cox