There was a letter in the Tech Log (ALAE magazine) last issue, about an engineer retiering. His license number was around the 10,000 mark and he was asking if his was the lowest number still being used. Latest license numbers are about the 31,000 mark. This leaves a maximum 21,000 engineers. As has been said some are overseas, some retiered, some left the industry, some passed away, some not bothered to extend thier cover beyond the one license.

As a conservative estimate, I can't imagine more than about 5-6000 people working as licensed engineers in the main stream "Airline" environment. So ALAE membership could be as high as 30%. There is nothing to stop anyone being a member of the M.S.F./A.E.E.U. and the ALAE (I am) and when enough of your colleuges do the same, then it will be easier for the ALAE to take over. The way people are speaking at the moment, it would appear you are all hopeing for a mass transfer to the ALAE that won't happen it has to be done gradually that is the nature of the beast in this industry.

You guys at B.A. will not get a descent pay award while the craft bargaining unit is representing you all. I left just after restructuring because of no license pay and still keep in touch. The "Super LAE" supplement seems to be a step in the right direction, but you need to push for an increase in that, not just basic. Make it worth having licenses again. But do encourage the new license holders to join the ALAE. United we stand ect. ect. ect......

Good thread keep it going guys..

[This message has been edited by Diablo (edited 07 February 2001).]

I believe that the current number of l.a.e's
is about 14,000. How many are working in the U.K. is a good question.

I believe the only way forward is for all aircraft maintenance engineers to be represented by one body. A change in ALAEs name would be a good start the current name is off putting to many. Association of Aircraft Maintenance Engineers would be my choice. Alae is to parochial.

After all, mechanics are just Licensed engineers who haven't passed the exam yet.

Time -ex , I agree with your view regarding reluctance to change unions on the basis being well compensated for injuries sustained at or travelling to/from work.
Many people I have spoken to have used the same excuse & some have said that joining the ALAE is waste of time but this hasn't put me off joining .
If we all had this pessimistic attitude we won't get anywhere .Most Engineers tend to be a cynical bunch at the best of times & this has probably been our own downfall . At least by joining I feel I've made a small contribution towards eventually improving the situation. I agree it won't happen overnight but at least it might in my working lifetime so we need to have faith .

I've on occasion , visited 'The Mechanic.Com' & there appears to be some quite heated arguements on the main bulletin board on the subject of which union should be representing the interests of the AMEs in the 'Land of the Free' . Has anybody else had a look & care to comment?

I think that more of you chaps should join the ALAE, even if your company does not recognise it as a union. The CAA recognises it as a voice of the LAME. The more of us...The LOUDER the voice!!!!

[This message has been edited by spannerhead (edited 01 February 2001).]

I am a representative (ALAE) at British Midland. We have good support, but need other companies to follow. If I can assist please contact me