ALPA’s Pilot Partisan Efforts: Addressing Pilot Policy Issues During a Global Pandemic


Never had there been a more critical time for ALPA to advance its pilot-partisan agenda before the halls of government than during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The global health crisis compelled the union to change course and refocus its primary efforts on federal relief crucial to the very survival of an airline industry rendered virtually idle for much of 2020.

ALPA pilots are now witnessing the fruits of their labor in the tangible signs of an industry beginning to rebound, thanks in part to the historic payroll support program in the United States and the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy—both of which the Association fought hard to obtain.

In addition to helping secure needed pandemic relief, the Association’s dedicated pilot volunteers, elected leadership, and staff continued their efforts to advocate for ALPA’s pilot-partisan agenda in all aspects of the airline piloting profession, as outlined in the Association’s latest white paper, “Battling the Pandemic, Rebuilding Our Economy, and Connecting the World”). These efforts include preventing atypical employment business models, safely integrating drones and commercial space operations into the national airspace system, mandating intrusion-resistant flight deck doors for all-cargo operations, creating a sustainable airline industry, and protecting aviation’s dedicated radio spectrum.

Advancing Aviation Advocacy with a New Approach

How the Unprecedented Payroll Support Program Saved the Airline Industry

Legislative and Regulatory Issues on ALPA's Pilot-Partisan Agenda

From Atop Parliament Hill

A Pilot's Perspective of Capitol Hill

ALPA-PAC: Protecting Airline Pilot Careers Through One Unified Voice

2020 ALPA-PAC Roll of Distinction

 

This article was originally published in the August 2021 issue of Air Line Pilot.

Read the latest Air Line Pilot (PDF)