Air Line Pilots Association

Air Line Pilots Association
source
Name	Air Line Pilots Association
Full name	Air Line Pilots Association, International
Founded	1931
Headquarters	Herndon, Virginia
Country	United States
Affiliates	AFL-CIO, International Transport Workers' Federation
Key people	Joe DePete, Tim Canoll
Members	Over 61,000

Air Line Pilots Association is a labor union that represents over 61,000 pilots from various airlines, including Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines. The association was founded in 1931 by a group of pilots from National Air Transport, Boeing Air Transport, and Pacific Air Transport, with the goal of improving working conditions, wages, and benefits for pilots. The Air Line Pilots Association is affiliated with the AFL-CIO and the International Transport Workers' Federation, and has worked closely with other unions, such as the Association of Flight Attendants and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. The association's leadership has included notable figures, such as David Behncke, Clarence Sayen, and John Prater, who have played important roles in shaping the organization's policies and advocacy efforts.

● History

The Air Line Pilots Association has a rich history, dating back to the early days of commercial aviation, with pioneers like Charles Lindbergh, Amelia Earhart, and Eddie Rickenbacker contributing to the development of the industry. The association's early years were marked by struggles for recognition and better working conditions, with notable events like the Air Mail Act of 1934 and the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 shaping the regulatory landscape. The association has also been involved in significant events, such as the 1955 Airline Pilots Association strike, which led to improved wages and benefits for pilots, and the 1978 Airline Deregulation Act, which transformed the airline industry. The association has worked with various government agencies, including the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board, to promote aviation safety and advocate for pilots' rights.

● Organization

The Air Line Pilots Association is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, and has a complex organizational structure, with various departments and committees focused on issues like collective bargaining, safety and security, and government affairs. The association is led by a president, who is elected by the membership, and has a board of directors that includes representatives from different airlines and regions. The association has also established partnerships with other organizations, such as the National Air Traffic Controllers Association and the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, to promote collaboration and coordination on issues affecting the aviation industry. Notable figures, such as Robert Crandall, Gordon Bethune, and Doug Parker, have played important roles in shaping the association's policies and advocacy efforts.

● Membership

The Air Line Pilots Association has a diverse membership, with pilots from various airlines, including Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and JetBlue Airways. The association represents pilots from different regions, including North America, South America, and Europe, and has a strong presence in countries like Canada, Mexico, and Brazil. The association offers various benefits to its members, including training and education programs, health and wellness initiatives, and retirement planning resources. The association has also established relationships with other unions, such as the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers and the Transport Workers Union of America, to promote solidarity and cooperation on issues affecting the aviation industry. Notable members, such as Sully Sullenberger, Chesley Sullenberger, and Tammie Jo Shults, have made significant contributions to the association's advocacy efforts and have been recognized for their heroism and dedication to the profession.

● Collective Bargaining

The Air Line Pilots Association is involved in collective bargaining with various airlines, including Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and United Airlines. The association negotiates contracts that cover issues like wages, benefits, and working conditions, and has a strong track record of achieving significant gains for its members. The association has also been involved in notable labor disputes, such as the 2010 Delta Air Lines pilot strike and the 2012 American Airlines pilot strike, which highlighted the importance of collective bargaining in the airline industry. The association works closely with other unions, such as the National Mediation Board and the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, to promote fair labor practices and resolve disputes through mediation and arbitration. Notable figures, such as Lee Moak, John Prater, and Tim Canoll, have played important roles in shaping the association's collective bargaining strategies and advocacy efforts.

● Safety and Advocacy

The Air Line Pilots Association is committed to promoting aviation safety and advocating for pilots' rights. The association works closely with government agencies, such as the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board, to identify and address safety concerns. The association has also been involved in notable safety initiatives, such as the Safety Management System and the Aviation Safety Action Program, which aim to reduce the risk of accidents and improve safety standards in the airline industry. The association has also advocated for policies like pilot fatigue rules and crew resource management, which prioritize pilot safety and well-being. Notable events, such as the Colgan Air Flight 3407 crash and the Asiana Airlines Flight 214 crash, have highlighted the importance of safety advocacy and the need for continued vigilance in the airline industry. The association has worked with other organizations, such as the International Air Transport Association and the European Aviation Safety Agency, to promote global safety standards and best practices.

● Notable Events

The Air Line Pilots Association has been involved in several notable events throughout its history, including the 1955 Airline Pilots Association strike, the 1978 Airline Deregulation Act, and the September 11 attacks. The association has also played a key role in shaping the response to major aviation accidents, such as the TWA Flight 800 crash and the ValuJet Flight 592 crash. The association has worked closely with government agencies, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the National Transportation Safety Board, to investigate accidents and promote safety reforms. Notable figures, such as Robert Francis, Jim Hall, and Mark Rosen, have played important roles in shaping the association's response to notable events and advocating for safety reforms. The association has also established relationships with other organizations, such as the National Safety Council and the International Civil Aviation Organization, to promote global safety standards and best practices.