Bongo
you must have an insight on what GA pilots can do to better their working environment without union input?
The problem with most GA pilots is that they are scared sh*tless of annoying the boss and losing their job, or getting a bad rep, so they pretty much do as they are told. They know that they have no power, and belonging to a union won't change that as the union has no way of enforcing their will (as long as the employer is obeying the rules). They also know that ten guys want their job, the employer knows this too, so what you have is a classic lose-lose.
So what can they do? Stand up to their bosses and make sure they don't compromise their standards. It's called being professional... and move on as soon as possible. Don't need a union for that.
Why do you think standards in GA have barely changed in 20 years?
I would be interested to know what leadership you have shown to those in GA, that you now associate with, to better their terms and conditions? Surely you have interfaced with management on this issue?
The answer is "quite a lot", but the PROBLEM is that if it costs money, the owner isn't interested. Have made some progress though. Union nowhere to be found.
What the industry actually needs is an advocacy group with some teeth, that is interested in doing something about the most dangerous group in NZ aviation - the small to medium GA operators. The flight schools you mention are all professionally managed and highly unlikely to involve their staff in risk. Operations like CTC are very well run and professional. They won't even let their aircraft into the air if there is a CB within 50 miles... which is more than you can say for most GA operators.
The operations that most need NZALPA intervention are also the ones that NZALPA shows no interest in.
Once again, NZALPA could learn an awful lot from BALPA.