What has BALPA done for you?....
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: Kent
Balpa v IPA
It is interesting that the Independant Pilots Association has recently affiliated its Independant Pilot Federation, the union aspect thus giving additional benefits to the Association. This has been achieved at a very modest cost. Balpa charge a whopping 1% wereas the IPA a fixed charge of £132.00 per annum for employed members. If the benefits are compared the IPA are not at all shabby!
BALPA have maintained a near monopoly for many years and it is good to see competition, of course that competition can only remain viable if it has support.
Having looked at the annual accounts of the 2 it is interesting to see how much higher the pay scales for BALPA are against renumerations at the IPA.
If there was no competition between airlines were would we be today.
BALPA have maintained a near monopoly for many years and it is good to see competition, of course that competition can only remain viable if it has support.
Having looked at the annual accounts of the 2 it is interesting to see how much higher the pay scales for BALPA are against renumerations at the IPA.
If there was no competition between airlines were would we be today.
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 341
Likes: 5
From: UK
I have been a member and advocate of BALPA for many years, but I'm beginning to wonder if they need to be replaced.
Their latest website and particularly it's forums are pathetic. If this is an example of the standard of their work, it's no wonder we're working harder than ever and being treated with disdain by management.
They'd better get their act together soon, in every way, or the exodus will quickly begin.
Their latest website and particularly it's forums are pathetic. If this is an example of the standard of their work, it's no wonder we're working harder than ever and being treated with disdain by management.
They'd better get their act together soon, in every way, or the exodus will quickly begin.
Warning Toxic!
Disgusted of Tunbridge
Disgusted of Tunbridge
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,011
Likes: 1
From: Hampshire, UK
Mods- this is not Rumours or News. May I suggest T & E?
There is no closed shop. BALPA membership is open to pilots to take up if they want. It is a small organisation with an expensive infrastructure to support, hence subs are high. If people want to join, they are welcome, if they do not find it worthwhile, there is no problem in resigning. I don't see why there is any complaint. And contrary to some of the assertions early in this thread, BALPA subs do attract partial tax relief- at least where I worked.
There is no closed shop. BALPA membership is open to pilots to take up if they want. It is a small organisation with an expensive infrastructure to support, hence subs are high. If people want to join, they are welcome, if they do not find it worthwhile, there is no problem in resigning. I don't see why there is any complaint. And contrary to some of the assertions early in this thread, BALPA subs do attract partial tax relief- at least where I worked.
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: UK
The IPA shot themselves in the foot by pitching up to meet our course at Oxford dressed like they were about to go and tend to the garden.
They had nothing of interest to say and had zero influence on pretty much every one whom wasted their time to attend.
BALPA- may not be perfect (particullarly at Easyjet) but better in BALPA than out.
They had nothing of interest to say and had zero influence on pretty much every one whom wasted their time to attend.
BALPA- may not be perfect (particullarly at Easyjet) but better in BALPA than out.
Moderator
Joined: Dec 1997
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 4,929
Likes: 6
From: Suffolk UK
What has BALPA done for me? It forced my company into implementing a LIFO policy after 9/11 (imperfect, but a lot better than could have been the case). It's given me a 25% pay rise; has fronted up to my company to improve many of the terms and conditions I work under; is currently fully engaged in ensuring that a new rostering system doesn't adversely affect my lifestyle; and is actively working every day to protect and improve my working conditions.
I have watched BALPA come to the defence of various of my colleagues for a number of reasons over the last couple of years, and I am happy to believe that I would receive similar support should I ever need it. Much of this is down to the enthusiasm and effectiveness of our Crew Committee, which I recognise is a lot better than it is in many airlines - but, as we saw for ourselves pre-BALPA, enthusiasm is no substitute for strength. We have both.
I have watched BALPA come to the defence of various of my colleagues for a number of reasons over the last couple of years, and I am happy to believe that I would receive similar support should I ever need it. Much of this is down to the enthusiasm and effectiveness of our Crew Committee, which I recognise is a lot better than it is in many airlines - but, as we saw for ourselves pre-BALPA, enthusiasm is no substitute for strength. We have both.
