Although I am a DPA member and not an AOA member, I feel obliged to comment. Cider, your post is quite close to the mark in may respects. But there is no need for separate and costly unions. You could always give some represenation to the CPA if you feel that is the way to go. But I imagine that is not a palatable option, and that will always be the problem with separate groups.
What you need are subgroups or steering commitees representing each of your operations. The DPA has this in the form of members from the MAN based fleet on our exec and they do an excellent job of representing the members of that group.
The reality though is that the AOA is a dinosaur. It has passed its use by date, and unless it changes with the times it will continue to slowly wither and eventually die. Other upcoming groups that wish to represent the members will be denied that option because CX will only want to deal with the AOA, whom it can control sometimes and ignore the rest. (new COS case in point)
I will make no bones about this, the DPA has looked at joining forces with the AOA now that we are all owned by CX and the Swire group. Our reasoning is that at some point in the future we will see the 400 odd KA guys come across into a merged seniority list. This will either be done in a mutually acceptable manner an imposed manner, similar to your newly imposed COS. I will not comment further on this as I know it is controversial enough in its own right.
I beleive a more wholistic approach to union representation needs to be looked at. All pilots in HKG, and those based overseas working for HKG companies should be represented by the same union, albeit different and specific negotiating teams within the union. We already have the structure in place in the form of HKALPA.
HKALPA should be the vehicle that brings us all together as one voice in HKG. We set up different Pilot Councils within the group that represent the different operations and it will be those councils that directly negotiate terms and conditions with the respective employers.
We shall receive value for money as we will reduce the need for duplication of services and staff. We will have access to greater industrial muscle, not that we should use it. We shall all have greater access to world trends and information. And numerous other benefits.
And the good part? All our Pilot Unions are already paying a portion of their income to ALPA for being involved. So by simply forming the one union we should be able to reduce fees and attract more members. Non-Members will also be enticed to join as they shall be joing a world recognised association with a global voice.
CX/KA/HKA/HKE/GFS (plus any other HKG emplyed) pilots will all be eligible to join. The employers will have no option but to deal with HKALPA if the original unions are disbanded or merged.
In my opinion, that is the way foward.
Cheers
Drunkenair (hic)
