Merger with ALPA International
Recently, ACPA and ALPA International (ALPA) agreed to a Unity Initiative process which evaluated what changes might be necessary if the Air Canada pilots chose to join ALPA. These discussions covered a broad range of issues including dues assessments, voting protocols, governing bodies, access to Canadian-specific resources and more. ACPA also conducted a number of surveys to test pilot attitudes towards being a part of a larger union, and what expectations they would have subject to any merger agreement. ALPA was able to integrate several of the changes requested by ACPA into their constitution, subject to an eventual agreement with ACPA. While there are still large outstanding issues around budgets and staff structures, the process had to be put on hold due to the announcement of a possible corporate merger between Air Transat (ALPA) and Air Canada. Both unions agreed that they would return to the issue of union merger once there was clarity on the pending corporate merger.
We support the continuation of these discussions with the aim of concluding negotiations with ALPA on the terms of a merger in order to present to the Air Canada pilots for vote.
How do we plan a successful merger?
Learn from the past: We should never forget why we left CALPA in the first place. Many people think its because of the propsed seniority integration with the regional carriers, but that was simply the straw that broke the CALPA’s back. Simply put, Air Canada pilots felt their voice was not commensurate with their relative size and contribution in the national union. We must never forget the critical importance of proportional representation as we consider ALPA.
Know what value looks like: We have identified a number of areas where ALPA’s expertise, scope and structure could benefit the Air Canada pilots. We need to diligently consider how we might best integrate and avail our pilot group of ALPA’s “toolbox”, and understand the potential value to our pilot group and our profession.
Focus on Canada: In joining ALPA, the Canadian contingent would double in size instantly. We need a robust organizational structure for Canada and a full complement of Canadian staff resources in any potential merger agreement.
One voice for pilots: Simply put, we should never forget the big “why” for national associations: one profession, one voice. Any agreement must have the features needed to marshal the full power of our collective voices to effectively engage companies, governments, regulators and the public.
Understanding that the merger is the easy part: Coming to an agreement on any potential merger is really just a starting point. Bringing association and pilot cultures together takes clear vision, strong leadership, careful planning, continual reassessment and most of all time. A merger with ALPA will not solve our problems. But if we stick together as a profession, in time, we will see the fruits of our labour.