American Airlines i en situasjon som likner på den i Norsk Flygerforbund - Curt Lewis

American Airlines pilots can increase clout by rejoining larger union, former union exec says

American Airlines jets maneuver around American's terminals at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.
More than 50 years after American Airlines pilots split off to form their own union, a former union executive is suggesting the group consider rejoining the larger Air Line Pilots Association.

In a Wednesday LinkedIn post, American pilot Neil Roghair said shifts in the broader commercial aviation industry make it the right time to debate a change in representation.

"We need to see that today's environment presents us with new and unique opportunities to better the profession that we haven't seen in decades," said Roghair, who recently stepped down as vice president of the Allied Pilots Association, which represents about 15,000 American pilots. "FedEx pilots once left ALPA but concluded it was in their best interests to return. We can make the same bold, thoughtful and effective decision. The worst mistake we could make right now is not having this debate at all."

Roghair argues such a move could increase pilots' clout in negotiations with management and help return flights currently being flown by regional carriers to mainline operations.

"Airline industry demographics and economics used to work hugely in management's favor, but not anymore," Roghair wrote. "We have a strong tailwind on this issue, which is only going to get stronger. We need to seize the day and do everything possible to return flying back to mainline operations as rapidly and as permanently as possible."

American pilots broke off from ALPA to form the Allied Pilots Association in 1963.

ALPA currently represents about 38,000 mainline pilots for 10 carriers, including Delta, United, FedEx, JetBlue, Spirit and Virgin America. The union also represents 12,000 pilots flying for regional carriers.

To read the rest of Roghair's post, which includes his thoughts on how union dues and long-term strategic vision would be impacted by the move, click here.