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.

Skywest is non union. ALPA is making a push for unionization. ALPA is a mixed bag, but I would say more pros than cons.

I did find this quote interesting, especially as a former Union Rep. It is called collective bargaining for a reason. This is absolutely the case in contract negotiations - but organisations like BALPA are also advocating on your behalf as a professional on a whole range of safety, technical and welfare issues. I’m proud to be contributing to an organisation that does this.

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.

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

ha, I’m assuming you meant me when you refer to profanities - I can’t see any in my post, but then if you read my post again you will see I tell all newbies to join BALPA. It’s important. It’s needs to change. The money - your subs - being wasted on internal affairs is real and jaw dropping. I tried what I could for 15 years and once you have hit your head off a wall for that long you finally being to question why you have a headache - but - change will only come with new blood willing to get involved - most view it like RAC membership, not sometime you are part of, but something you use when it goes wrong. The flip of my view is that reps are too close to it. Your average line jockey’s views are probably more worth it. When I see change and the narcissists gone - I’ll be back. Not before. IPA serves my needs well until then - individual representation. I don’t expect collective bargaining from them. But an attitude like we have in my company running things based on ego is not a good place to be in. Reps are not supported as they should be. They are volunteers whilst the legal committee burns your cash on internal affairs. It has to stop.

Was it BALPA that sent out a lifestyle survey - during Covid....