Is it worth joining the union?
Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 203
Likes: 260
From: UK
Ex BALPA rep of 15 years. Am now an IPA member. I gave BALPA the shirt off my back. They took and they took. Been shoved under a bus by them in return, the changes at HQ and the leadeship of my CC and NEC was enough. The subs wasted on internal matters of defending narcissistic people in BALPA is jaw dropping. Also couldn’t take any more lectures from BA on how it should be done and all their little CC tantrums dictating the argument with them threatening to break away and start their own union if they don’t get their own way - it’s like watching the Tories rip themselves apart over Brexit. Then they pushed the best NO under a bus whilst the Narcissist walks about with a swagger.
All that said, any newbie I fly with gets told to be in BALPA from me. The IPA do what I expect of them and from experience, they do it well, with actual employees, not well meaning volunteer reps who did a course at Bath road with a hangover paid for by your subs. BALPA needs to change. They can win back my membership anytime, balls in their court.
oh, IPA membership has never been higher in my company. Our BALPA CC are currently teaching our employer a lesson by not engaging with
them. They seem hell bent on teaching their members the same lesson. My head is in my hands - and before anyone jumps on the standard band wagon - I gave BALPA a decade and a half of service as Rep
in various roles. Myself and my family had nothing left to give.
All that said, any newbie I fly with gets told to be in BALPA from me. The IPA do what I expect of them and from experience, they do it well, with actual employees, not well meaning volunteer reps who did a course at Bath road with a hangover paid for by your subs. BALPA needs to change. They can win back my membership anytime, balls in their court.
oh, IPA membership has never been higher in my company. Our BALPA CC are currently teaching our employer a lesson by not engaging with
them. They seem hell bent on teaching their members the same lesson. My head is in my hands - and before anyone jumps on the standard band wagon - I gave BALPA a decade and a half of service as Rep
in various roles. Myself and my family had nothing left to give.
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 337
Likes: 82
From: Australia
And as others have said - if you have an accident or incident, the representation that is available to you could very well be priceless. Just like insurance, it’s expensive to have right… up to the point you need it.
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 90
Likes: 66
From: Looking north out to sea
Re the replies above. Like looking at any reviews, ignore the outliers, especially those who use profanity to enhance their case.
I was a BALPA rep for 6 years specialising in Disciplinary and Grievance. Very few people wake up with the intention to make a mistake, get in trouble or in today’s world cause offence……. But those that need defending may go to bed rueing their decision to save a few quid and now find themselves very much on their own.
Me
I was a BALPA rep for 6 years specialising in Disciplinary and Grievance. Very few people wake up with the intention to make a mistake, get in trouble or in today’s world cause offence……. But those that need defending may go to bed rueing their decision to save a few quid and now find themselves very much on their own.
Me
Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 203
Likes: 260
From: UK
Re the replies above. Like looking at any reviews, ignore the outliers, especially those who use profanity to enhance their case.
I was a BALPA rep for 6 years specialising in Disciplinary and Grievance. Very few people wake up with the intention to make a mistake, get in trouble or in today’s world cause offence……. But those that need defending may go to bed rueing their decision to save a few quid and now find themselves very much on their own.
Me
I was a BALPA rep for 6 years specialising in Disciplinary and Grievance. Very few people wake up with the intention to make a mistake, get in trouble or in today’s world cause offence……. But those that need defending may go to bed rueing their decision to save a few quid and now find themselves very much on their own.
Me
