Key Takeaways
• 58% of American Airlines pilots support switching from APA to ALPA for stronger leadership and more resources.
• ALPA represents over 77,000 pilots, offering robust legal, safety, and contract negotiation support across the aviation industry.
• In June 2024, over 8,219 pilots signed cards supporting a change to ALPA, surpassing the majority threshold.
As of April 8, 2025, a significant number of American Airlines (🇺🇸) pilots are demanding a shift in their union representation. With 58% of the pilots showing support, the push centers around replacing the current Allied Pilots Association (APA) with the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA). This development reflects growing dissatisfaction with the APA and a desire for stronger leadership and better resources. For years, the APA has represented American Airlines pilots exclusively, but its challenges and internal conflicts have created room for change. The movement toward ALPA, which offers broader resources and a larger presence, could reshape labor relations within the airline.
The Growing Demand for a Union Change at American Airlines
In June 2024, a pilot-led group called “AA Pilots for ALPA” publicly announced a critical milestone: they had collected more than 8,219 signed authorization cards from pilots who supported a change in union representation. These cards represent more than half of American Airlines’ roughly 16,000 pilots, meeting the criteria needed to request a formal vote on changing unions. With such a large show of hands, it was clear pilots were dissatisfied with the current state of their representation.
Following the announcement, the group didn’t stop their efforts. They continued collecting authorization cards from more pilots, aiming to build a stronger majority. This strategy highlighted the group’s commitment to unity—something they believed was vital to achieving their goal of affiliating with ALPA. For many supporters of this movement, the ultimate objective has been about securing a louder, more effective voice for pilots in all areas affecting their careers.
Reasons Behind the Push for ALPA Affiliation
The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) is the largest union of its kind, representing over 77,000 pilots from 41 airlines in the United States and Canada. Its reputation for expertise and resources has drawn the attention of many American Airlines pilots. ALPA offers robust support in areas such as:
- Contract negotiations
- Legal counsel
- Safety and security advocacy
- Interaction with government agencies
- Industry-wide strategic planning
For pilots advocating this change, these services could address long-standing concerns about representation at American Airlines. Many feel that by joining forces with a large, well-established organization, they would gain access to better tools and strategies to navigate industry challenges. ALPA’s scale means it can influence nationwide aviation issues, something the APA has been perceived as lacking.
Moreover, being part of such a large union could also provide American Airlines pilots with greater leverage in key negotiations, including those related to pay, benefits, and working conditions. Pilots believe unified representation under ALPA could give them a stronger voice in setting industry standards.
While ALPA represents opportunity, the decision to move away from the APA stems, in part, from dissatisfaction with the current leadership. Many pilots feel the APA is not meeting their expectations or effectively advocating for their needs.
Challenges Facing the Allied Pilots Association (APA)
The Allied Pilots Association, which exclusively represents pilots at American Airlines, has faced growing criticism in recent years. One of the most notable incidents came in October 2024, when Captain Ed Sicher, then-president of the APA, was removed from his position. The APA’s board of directors made this decision with a 15-5 recall vote, citing troubling events during his term. These included alleged efforts to sideline candidates supporting ALPA and the possible misuse of member data during union elections.
Such leadership issues created significant turmoil within the APA. Many members began questioning the union’s ability to unite and represent their best interests. Critics argue that these leadership challenges have further undermined confidence in the APA and fueled the growing interest in ALPA. For pilots seeking stability and reliability in their union, such incidents are glaring reminders of why change may be necessary.
Additionally, the APA has been historically resistant to significant structural change. When discussions arose in the past about merging with ALPA, progress was slow or even halted entirely.
Previous Discussions of a Merger
Back in November 2022, the APA Board of Directors created a merger exploratory committee to study the implications of aligning with ALPA. The committee undertook a detailed analysis of multiple factors, including finances, member benefits, governance, and organizational structure. By April 2023, the committee concluded that ALPA was far better equipped to provide American Airlines pilots with strong and reliable representation.
These findings seemed to reflect the general sentiment of the pilot community. In a survey conducted in 2022, over 67% of respondents supported exploring a merger with ALPA. Although the survey response rate was about 50%, the results indicated that many pilots saw value in affiliating with a much larger organization.
However, when a motion was raised to form a dedicated committee for merger negotiations with ALPA in June 2023, the proposal failed. The APA board was evenly split in a 10-to-10 vote, and under APA rules, a two-thirds majority was required to move forward. The failure of this motion disillusioned many pilots, particularly those who had hoped the APA would take steps to address their concerns through collaboration with ALPA.
This history has led ALPA supporters to seek change directly from the pilot community, bypassing attempts to resolve issues through APA leadership.
What a Move to ALPA Could Mean
A change in union representation could bring significant benefits, but it isn’t without challenges. On the positive side, affiliation with ALPA would mean access to more resources and expertise. Pilots at American Airlines could achieve better leverage in collective bargaining, which could lead to improvements in salary packages, job security, and working conditions. ALPA’s legal expertise also offers enhanced protection for pilots in employment-related disputes.
Beyond individual benefits, the aviation industry as a whole could feel the ripple effects of such a move. A unified pilot voice from different airlines could create stronger standards for safety, mental health provisions, and professional development opportunities.
But there are challenges too. Union transitions are not simple, and the process involves legal hurdles. The National Mediation Board oversees the process of changing union representation, and gathering a majority in support is only the first step. These legal complexities have proven to be a deterrent for some APA members who are wary of the effort required.
Moreover, union switches can sometimes divide the workforce. Not all pilots at American Airlines are guaranteed to agree on the benefits of joining ALPA, potentially creating internal discord.
ALPA’s Response
The Air Line Pilots Association has responded positively to the idea of representing American Airlines pilots. Captain Jason Ambrosi, the union’s president, has emphasized his belief in the strength of unified representation and has conveyed his willingness to support the democratic decisions of the pilots. His calm, measured response stands in stark contrast to the turmoil witnessed in the APA and has bolstered support for ALPA.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, ALPA’s cordial approach underscores a key selling point: the organization’s commitment to acting as a stable partner to its members. For many pilots, this suggests an organization that prioritizes collective gains without rifts or rivalries.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Representation at American Airlines
Changing union representation at American Airlines could define a new chapter for its 16,000 pilots. While this movement does not guarantee an immediate shift, the growing support for ALPA demonstrates a united effort to seek stronger representation, better resources, and enhanced industry influence. On the other hand, legal and procedural complications might slow down the process, demanding careful steps ahead.
What is clear is that American Airlines pilots are determined to have their voices heard. As 58% of them push for a shift to ALPA, the eventual outcome could serve as a landmark decision for labor relations not only within the airline but across the industry as a whole.
To learn more about the official processes and legal requirements surrounding union elections, you can visit the National Mediation Board’s website here.
Learn Today
ALPA → Air Line Pilots Association, representing over 77,000 pilots and providing legal, safety, and union resources in the U.S. and Canada.
APA → Allied Pilots Association, the current exclusive union for American Airlines pilots, facing dissatisfaction and leadership challenges.
National Mediation Board → A U.S. federal agency overseeing union representation processes, including votes on changing labor unions.
Authorization Cards → Signed documents indicating pilots’ support for holding a formal vote to change union representation.
Collective Bargaining → Negotiations between employers and a group of employees to determine work conditions, pay, and other terms of employment.
This Article in a Nutshell
American Airlines pilots push to replace their union, APA, with ALPA. ALPA’s resources and leadership attract pilots disillusioned by APA. With 58% of pilots supporting the switch, this potential transition could reshape labor relations and create stronger representation for better working conditions, pay, and industry-wide influence in aviation matters.
— By VisaVerge.com
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