The world's largest pilots union is returning member dues in a 'first-of-its-kind' move.
Pilot executing pre-flight procedures in a commercial airliner cockpit before takeoff. (Photo: Shutterstock)
The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) – which represents over 77,000 pilots in North America – plans to pay back $50 million in member dues this year. In a Friday letter to members viewed by AirlineGeeks, ALPA President Captain Jason Ambrosi called the move a “first-of-its-kind across-the-board dues return.”
According to the letter, the return comes “in response to the record 2023 revenue gains.” The money will come directly from ALPA’s national funds, Ambrosi added. Airline-specific committees will also be able to provide their own refunds.
ALPA says it expects to make the payments this summer, which will be available to both U.S. and Canadian members based on dues paid last year. For pilots, the refund reflects up to 16% of total dues paid in 2023, the union stated.
“I thank our national officer team for sharing the belief and commend the Executive Council for upholding the fundamental responsibility entrusted to us, which is to be good fiduciaries of your money—a responsibility we take seriously,” Ambrosi said in the letter to pilots. “As always, we will ensure that your dues continue to be the best investment in your career that you ever make.”
Members of the union pay up to 1.85% of earnings in dues. While ALPA has been able to negotiate record-setting collective bargaining agreements at several airlines, it acknowledges that 16 carriers and their pilot groups are still in the bargaining process.
“The year 2023 was a monumental one in our union’s history…While we acknowledge these significant gains that resulted in a record amount of revenue for the association, ALPA continues to dedicate all needed resources to the 16 carriers that remain in bargaining,” Ambrosi added.
Editor’s Note: This story was updated on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at 9:52 a.m. ET to properly reflect ALPA’s 1.85% dues rate.
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