Information for SkyWest Pilots
We’re here to answer your questions, debunk myths, and give every pilot a clear look at what ALPA representation truly means — by SkyWest pilots, for SkyWest pilots.
1. ALPA Basics & Representation
The Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) is the world’s largest pilot union, representing more than 75,000 pilots at 40+ airlines in the U.S. and Canada. It provides legal, negotiating, and safety support — while every airline has its own pilot-led MEC.
No. All decisions would be made by SkyWest pilots, for SkyWest pilots. We’d elect our own reps and form our own Master Executive Council (MEC), completely separate from Delta, United, or any other airline.
Absolutely not. Each ALPA carrier operates independently. ALPA provides tools and national leverage, but our negotiating team is SkyWest pilots only.
Yes — but not alone. Our SkyWest MEC (pilots from our seniority list) would lead all negotiations with support from professional ALPA staff: lawyers, analysts, and career negotiators.
No. Any proposed contract is voted on by us, the pilot group. Nothing happens without majority pilot approval.
A Master Executive Council (MEC) is the democratically elected leadership body for a specific ALPA carrier. Our MEC would be made up of SkyWest pilots only.
No one can guarantee specific outcomes — but ALPA gives us legal standing, national leverage, and decades of successful regional contracts to use as models.
2. SAPA vs. ALPA
No. SAPA is not a union and cannot legally negotiate a binding contract. It has no standing with the National Mediation Board (NMB).
SAPA is funded by the company, uses company-provided duty blocks, and has a long history of following management’s lead rather than representing pilot interests independently.
Yes — SAPA quietly registered with the Department of Labor in 2023. While they publicly deny being a union, they are legally registered as one, raising serious concerns about transparency.
The outgoing SAPA president offered to help, but the incoming president refused communication, locked him out of his SAPA email, and admitted to reading his private emails. This lack of professionalism reinforces why we need better representation.
No. Unless SAPA is certified by the NMB as a union, it has no authority to negotiate a legally binding agreement.
SAPA would no longer represent us. Our SkyWest MEC would be formed, and we’d begin negotiating our first actual, enforceable contract.
3. Contracts, Pay, and Legal Protections
Company policy can change overnight. A union contract is enforceable under federal law, protecting your pay, scheduling, benefits, and working conditions.
Yes — Mesa, Envoy, Republic, and Horizon all operate under union contracts that provide better protections than SkyWest’s policies.
If SkyWest violates the contract, ALPA can take legal action or arbitration on your behalf. With policy, you have no legal recourse.
SkyWest has no locked-in rates. Union contracts set pay raises and bonus triggers that can’t be revoked unilaterally.
Yes. ALPA contracts at Envoy and Mesa protect fatigue calls with full pay and no discipline. SkyWest does not.
4. Legal Process & Election Timeline
To build 70% support before beginning NMB card collection. Once cards are collected and filed, a union vote is held by the NMB.
Yes. The NMB requires valid authorization cards from at least 50% of active SkyWest pilots to schedule a vote.
ALPA becomes our certified bargaining representative, and we form our own SkyWest MEC. Contract negotiations begin soon after.
It varies — usually 12–24 months. What matters most is the quality of the agreement and the unity of the pilot group.
Yes. Attrition is low, pilot unity is high, and the current SAPA agreement expires in 2026 — making this the ideal window.
5. Privacy, Participation & Common Concerns
No. This campaign is independent and secure. Your information will never be shared outside the organizing team.
Yes. Nothing is permanent. Registering interest simply helps us understand support and keep you informed.
That’s okay. The first step is information and engagement. Cards are only collected when we’re ready to vote.
SAPA would no longer represent us. Our new certified bargaining agent would be the SkyWest ALPA MEC.
Several past efforts lacked structure or timing. This campaign is different: organized, transparent, and driven by SkyWest pilots only.