Union Options?
 

I'm in BALPA, but not for much longer.

Can anyone suggest any other suitable unions that pilots in the UK use? Mainly for legal representation should it ever be needed.

Thanks

Try the IPA (Independent Pilots Association).

I rang them 3 years ago for a chat and the person I spoke to didn't have a clue what he was talking about and the cost was more than BALPA, for me at least.
Anyone in unite? Do they accept aircrew?

If your objective is to secure legal costs if needed in any employment dispute, your best option is to look at your homeowners insurance. Many policies have a Legal Expenses Insurance LEI, option - Link:

Home Insurance: Is legal expenses cover worth it? - Policy Expert Insurance

These days, many so-called unions and associations are both toothless and gutless. The Norwegian Pitiful Group, NPG and Norwegian's Long Haul Pilot Apathy, NLHPA, are perfect examples of how ineffective pilot representation has become.

The problem with LEI is that your insurer will inevitably pass your case onto one of its panel solicitors which is fine if your case is simple one; e.g. a straightforward employment issue, but if the case, or the need for advice, is out of the ordinary or complex (an AAIB investigation springs to mind), you will struggle to find a solicitor with the necessary experience. Even if you know of a firm with specialist knowledge and expertise (such as Stewarts), unless they are a 'panel firm', in my experience most LEI insurers will normally refuse to fund the necessary advice: i.e. go 'off-panel'

In the old days unions were much more flexible but its so long since I had any dealings with unions, I can't say what the current position is.

Please don't take offence if I'm stating the obvious, but isn't the main point of a union (the clue's in the name) to enable pilots to form a cohesive body which is able to take agreed action on behalf of the individual members. It never ceases to amaze me how many of us do management's work for them, by separating ourselves from our colleagues because we think we have a better idea of how to be represented or because of some past grudge against BALPA.

I'll be the first to admit that BALPA is not perfect, just as any alternative is not perfect. But my point is that it's the unity of belonging to one association that is far more valuable than any perceived flaws in that organisation. If we all belong to different entities, or none at all, then we really don't have much collective influence do we? Or maybe I'm missing something.

Adolf
Have you ever tried to herd cats?

IPA used to sub-contract their legal work out but they now employ full time specialist staff.
They have recently acted on behalf of a group of UK pilots and extracted a result.
I was impressed by their case management and communication.