Union Involvement during Probation

[derg]

Re: Union Involvement during Prohbation

Our current Chief Pilot was the BIGGEST pro union guy on the company seniority list before he went to the dark side. He wasn't even allowed to talk to the company any more because he would get so angry at them.

Reminds me of "Gustlock" from my last company. Huge union supporter, help lead the initial offensive, but then went to "The Dark Side" after he got promoted.

Ended up on the other side of the negotiating table during contract talks.

 

[SlumTodd_Millionaire]

Re: Union Involvement during Prohbation

Got it.

So is it best for a probie to just lay low and not even get involved with stuff?

Not necessarily. I started doing ALPA work while still in my probationary year at my previous carrier. I just didn't get involved in the "high visibility" stuff until off probation. Grievance and negotiations are definitely off limits for probies, but you could always do some low-key work on the Communications, Jumpseat, Retirement & Insurance, etc... Committees. ALPA's only restriction on probie members is that you can't be a committee chairman or run for elected office. At the very least, show up to the Local Council meetings and talk frequently with your reps to stay informed during your probationary year.