There’s quite some drama right now at the Allied Pilots Association (APA), which is the union representing American Airlines’ 16,000+ pilots. Somehow it involves election interference, and pilots who are “pro-pilot choice.” We really have the same issues everywhere, eh? 😉
APA board of directors recalls president
On October 8, 2024, the APA just casually posted on Twitter/X that “on the first day of its regularly scheduled fall meeting, the APA Board of Directors approved this motion on a 15-5 vote.” There’s a picture of a screen with the motion, which is to recall the president of the union. Umm, that’s kind of a big deal, and the casual way it’s thrown out there is almost comical.
Aero Crew News has the scoop on what’s allegedly going on here. There has long been talk of the possibility of the Allied Pilots Association (APA) merging with the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), with the latter being the world’s biggest pilots union. As you’d expect, some members favor this, while others don’t.
The president who was just recalled is staunchly in favor of the APA staying independent, and is against an ALPA merger. I mean, presumably that’s in part because he’s the head of the union, and may not have such a certain role if there were a merger.
The controversy centers around the recalled president allegedly doing everything he can to block union candidates who favor a merger between unions, or who at least want to put the concept of a merger to a vote with the membership. These pilots are known as “pro-pilot choice” (does that make the other pilots “pro-union life?”).
The APA reportedly recently filed disciplinary charges against two members and six local council candidates who were pro-pilot choice. This was justified based on Article 7 of the union’s bylaws, which suggest that actions that threaten APA’s existence justify disciplinary action (which… that’s one way to prevent a merger!).
There are also claims that the previous president had threatened to release the names of voters and non-voters in local council elections, as a form of voter intimidation.
Interestingly immediately after this vote, the union’s social media is highlighting how happy members are with the APA. So even with the president ousted, the APA (or whoever is behind the social media account) is still heavily pushing how it’s better than ALPA.
Let’s see how this situation unfolds
Of course this internal union battle doesn’t impact passengers, but I find the business and politics of the airline industry to be fascinating (and unions are run like businesses in many ways).
It’s going to be very interesting to see how this unfolds. The head of the pilots union has now been ousted, so what’s next? Will he be replaced by someone who is also pro-APA, but who can maybe be less controversial? Or will the efforts to prevent a vote on a merger between unions actually fast track a union merger?
What I find interesting here is that the president was recalled by such a large margin. I imagine most of the people on the board are pro-APA, so why do they feel that now is the time for him to go? Do they think it’s the best path forward for APA to remain independent, are they not as anti-merger as he is, or…?
Pilots seem to have vastly differing opinions as to whether or not a union merger is good. That’s beyond my area of expertise, and I’m just here for the drama. 😉
Bottom line
The head of American’s pilots union has been recalled, as he’s accused of trying to prevent a vote on a possible merger between unions. American pilots are unique in not belonging to ALPA, and clearly there are efforts to change that. It’ll be interesting to see what kind of a candidate replaces the one that was just ousted, and if this could cause a union merger sooner rather than later.
What do you make of this drama at the American pilots union?
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