BALPA membership

[Tallbloke]

After the tribunal regarding the female BA pilot being allowed to work part time in order to look after her children, I wonder how many wannabees are more likely (or less likely) to join BALPA?

Please note this is posted in the wannabees forum, where I assume most posters, like myself, have yet to gain employment and therefore have yet to seriously consider whether of not they will take up membership. I am assuming those already in employment have made up their minds and I am not looking to start a "union good, union bad". I wonder what other issues prospective members think BALPA should be pursuing?

[DVR6K]

Tallbloke,

Am also yet to gain employment, in fact, yet to gain anything more than a PPL, but BALPA is useful simply for the fact while you are training it's free and you get the Log through the post once a month which gives a nice insider view to the industry. When they ask for 1% of my salary I'll re-think! I'd still say to anyone go for it whilst training and then see what works for you once you're established somewhere.

[African Drunk]

Even though I am not pro that case I do believe that we as a professional body do need representation and I think on the whole BALPA does try hard.

DVR6K
"When they ask for 1% of my salary I'll re-think!"

The fact is BALPA is helping you now for free. When you have a job you can put something back into the pot and help the industry and those who follow.

[VFE]

but BALPA is useful simply for the fact while you are training it's free and you get the Log through the post once a month
I was a member up until they started charging trainee's to belong in about 2002. Have they reverted back to a free subscription now then?

VFE.

[Number Cruncher]

Have they reverted back to a free subscription now then?

Affirm

[ChocksAwayUK]

Yup, there's no charge for "trainee membership" - you just need a Class 1 Medical and a letter from your training organisation.

[Tallbloke]

you just need a Class 1 Medical and a letter from your training organisation. How does that work for modular groundschool types?

[Nereus]

Tallbloke, you'll need a letter stating your commencement & estimated finish of the CPL course from your provider.

[ChocksAwayUK]

I think a letter from any one of your "training providers" should do the trick.

For example i'm distance learning with Bristol Groundschool and they had a standard letter that they put my name on. Interestingly, as well as detailing my course dates it gave details of money spent on training, accomodation, travel etc

[DVR6K]

African Drunk,

"When you have a job you can put something back into the pot and help the industry and those who follow."

I quite agree, never said I wasn't going to pursue the membership but the freebie now is a great opportunity to decide whether I want to commit the finances or or go somewhere else come my airline job...

Tallbloke, have sent some details of a lady at BALPA who was very helpful with my application and should be able to tell you exactly what they need from your training organisation.

[African Drunk]

DVR6K

Sorry re read my post wasn't meant to sound as grumpy.