They are selective,you're correct.
I wouldn't want them to act like idiotic 1970s style union muppets wasting my subs on unwinnable cases just for the sake of outdated political dogma and muscle flexing either :=
What I will use them for though, is as a professional association that have experts who can give me up to date informed opinion as to my my legal situation.
This scenario is like not having a survey done on a 300 year old house,or not insuring it,then trying to wriggle out of the bill when it: A.falls over or B.burns down by asking an unknown bloke down the pub for his advice :uhoh:

No. Perish the thought!

Glad you understood the irony of my OPEN opinion.The SKIES can be the limit in some court cases!!!:hmm:

Absolutely! We want those BALPA subs to be used to fight cases where the worker has been totally abused and mistreated by a shameful and wicked employer!
After having a baby and using all maternity leave, female pilots should hardly have to work at all and employers must make exceptions, pay and provide all the benefits..:ugh:

Woman pilot sues BA for not letting her reduce hours - Telegraph

The dogma is outdated, which allows you the freedom to make this choice. And when the greedy mill-owners start up with their victorian ways again, then what? Then the dogma is suddenly bang up to date. Just because the creaky pit prop has held for a few years, don't think you can stand around with your hands in your pockets indefinately. Or do you think that your life is good right now because the bosses like your face?

And posters at #4 and #12, please don't post this sort of thing unless you know what you are talking about. RYR: 7500 euros deferred for 2 years, as opposed to amortised, which is more usual.

16024, if someone signs a contract to be financially bonded to a company for a qualification they paid for themselves, well....:ugh:

Don't go :ugh: at me, TT.
I am simply explaining the situation, and correcting previous posts for the benefit of those who might not know.
Bonding an experienced, and type-rated pilot is the norm. Even dear, departed Maersk bonded pilots who joined with a type rating, back in the nineties when the ball was very much in the pilots court.
As it goes, I agree with your remark about having little sympathy with those who casually jump ship. Most companies (not RYR) put a lot of money and resources into getting new (to the company) pilots on line.
That said, if you get an offer out of the blue that is too good to refuse, then you would probably have to take it on the chin and pay up.

Bonds and Unions
 

Bonds are better than SSTR but you have to watch what you sign.

One company bonded for TR but only gave a probationary 1 year contract. A new contract arrived for year 2 but added another bond for no extra training. BALPA were the recognised Union but did nothing. After all it only affected junior FOs on £18k pa.

The IPA legal advisor got involved as one pilot went of to the airlines in year 2. Thereafter he had his bond fees cancelled as legally you could leave after year 1 and not have to repay a penny. This was settled amicably outside of legal action.

In my own experience, BALPA will fight for what is in the interest of BALPA. IPA will fight for what you want to do. But remember, if you want to go all the way through court you'll need legal cover.