I think that BALPA, many years ago, was the BA Line Pilots Association, and I can whole heartedly understand why ex Dan Air pilots are members of the IPA and TGWU. But these days are now gone. I agree that BALPA are only as effective as the CC that represents your views, but also you need 90% membership (if not more) to be very effective.No good balloting strike action with only 70% membership.
I am lead to believe, the reason BALPA is very effective for BA is because of their membership. Maybe someone can correct me, but I have heard that in BA you either join BALPA or pay the equivalent subscription to charity (not too sure about this).
I have been a member ever since I started my flying training. 1% of salary may seem a lot to some people, but if it wasn't for BALPA my salary would be a lot less than it is today. The 1% I pay has more than payed fo itself.
BALPA has prevented demotions/redundancies in our company after 9/11.
I haven't got a bad word to say. Although I would like to see more happening on the fumes front.
The only thing that really gets my goat, is the free loaders who pay nothing, yet reap the rewards of my subscriptions. Then have the cheek to say that they don't get a say in whats happening with their T & C's etc.