Well said Rainboe.
I've been a member for 12years, although they haven't always got it right, the benefits have been vast, although not an exhaustive list
1. Better yearly pay increases compared to other groups within the airline (these alone pay for the monthly Balpa subscription)
2. Better scheduling agreement.
3. Prevented a forced pay cut after 9/11.
4. FTLC that keeps an eye on rostering, and flags up any rostering practices that are outside the agreement or not within the spirit of the agreement i.e.18-30 rest periods.
5. Prevented job cuts post merger.
6. Good CC that have forged a good working relationship with company management (this did not happen over night).
7. Legal cover etc.
and last but not least, free diary every year.