Building One ALPA Through Strategic Collaboration

Capt. Ronan O'Donoghue, chair of ALPA's Strategic Preparedness and Strike Committee, joined ALPA president Capt. Jason Ambrosi to discuss the transformation of ALPA's culture. Collaboration, strategic and communication planning, and solidarity among pilot groups all play critical roles in ALPA’s recent successes. Informational pickets and the introduction of new initiatives like the fact team and virtual components are just a few examples that highlight these efforts.

Episode Transcript

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Welcome to the Airline Pilot podcast.
I'm Jason Ambrosi. 3 00:00:08,87.3043368796 --> 00:00:20,567.30433688 Through the hard work of our strategic planning committee or SPC and our strategic Preparedness and strike committee or SPSC, we have shifted ALPA's culture to collaboration across pilot groups. 4 00:00:21,812.30433688 --> 00:00:34,442.30433688 Most of us are familiar with strategic planning, but for those who aren't familiar with some of our union lingo, the SPSC committee is the one that helps our pilots prepare for mobilize and engage when action is needed. 5 00:00:34,797.30433688 --> 00:00:38,277.30433688 We're here at our strategic planning committee and SPSC workshop. 6 00:00:38,367.30433688 --> 00:00:51,57.30433688 We continued building that culture because our solidarity and collaboration in every phase of negotiations is key to strong contracts today I'm with Captain Ronan O'Donoghue, chair of ALPA's, SPSC. 7 00:00:51,357.30433688 --> 00:00:52,797.30433688 Ronan, thanks for joining us. 8 00:00:52,903.657213879 --> 00:00:53,983.657213879 Always happy to be here, Jason. 9 00:00:54,313.657213879 --> 00:00:54,763.657213879 Yeah, man. 10 00:00:54,949.675864978 --> 00:00:57,572.412220088 look, collaboration and action is, what we're all about. 11 00:00:58,142.412220088 --> 00:01:00,932.412220088 And, SPSC is pretty much, exhibit A. 12 00:01:01,755.348314982 --> 00:01:07,395.348314982 How has SPSC helped build on the idea of one ALPA? Listen, at this point, we are, we're 42 different groups. 13 00:01:07,455.348314982 --> 00:01:10,65.348314982 We're 42 groups now that belong to one union. 14 00:01:10,125.348314982 --> 00:01:18,645.348314982 And actually when you first reached out to me to help you out with a national SPSC, I'm sure you recall this, but you literally said to me, I want one. 15 00:01:19,35.348314982 --> 00:01:22,905.348314982 ALPA to be more than a slogan, and it really is how we operate over the last few years. 16 00:01:22,905.348314982 --> 00:01:26,145.348314982 Level of cooperation between properties has been just incredible. 17 00:01:26,505.348314982 --> 00:01:28,285.348314982 And we're actually doing a seminar downstairs. 18 00:01:28,285.348314982 --> 00:01:34,465.348314982 I know we'll talk about that in a second, but when I opened that seminar, I told these folks, it's not me, it's you in the room. 19 00:01:34,465.348314982 --> 00:01:39,145.348314982 All of you get to know each other, spend the evenings together, get talking to each other constantly. 20 00:01:39,145.348314982 --> 00:01:48,502.02001277 And that's, what we're trying to do, is do your vision of what you wanted, where you wanted this to be today, which is a collaborative one ALPA, One Union Association. 21 00:01:49,447.02001277 --> 00:01:49,807.02001277 Yeah. 22 00:01:49,807.02001277 --> 00:01:59,197.02001277 And I, I really appreciate all that, that hard work that, that you guys have put in, speaking of the communication aspect, it's just a massive part of everything we do. 23 00:01:59,197.02001277 --> 00:02:07,971.54730254 We've got different audiences, different platforms, and how we like to intake, our information and itself is a, source of leverage in these campaigns. 24 00:02:07,971.54730254 --> 00:02:13,288.87752736 So how critical is it of having both a, a strategic plan as well as a communication plan? communication. 25 00:02:13,288.87752736 --> 00:02:20,398.87752736 I keep raising this percentage every time I talk, but I think it's, honestly, with SPSC, it's become like 75% of what we do. 26 00:02:21,158.87752736 --> 00:02:23,408.87752736 even you do a picket nowadays, it's a content generator. 27 00:02:23,408.87752736 --> 00:02:25,808.87752736 You've, you're going to show that on social media. 28 00:02:25,808.87752736 --> 00:02:29,398.87752736 You're gonna show your pilots out there actually taking action and walking the line. 29 00:02:29,788.87752736 --> 00:02:40,183.87752736 And it is so intrinsic to what we actually, and, and one of the big problems that we run into is, and this is something that you and I have talked about many times, but when there's any sort of a void. 30 00:02:40,733.87752736 --> 00:02:42,473.87752736 that's dead air, is bad air. 31 00:02:42,863.87752736 --> 00:02:44,123.87752736 it's really bad Sure. 32 00:02:44,183.87752736 --> 00:02:47,295.3433883 You can't, you can't not give information to your pilot. 33 00:02:47,658.1506111 --> 00:02:49,428.1506111 Transparency is more than just a buzzword. 34 00:02:49,878.1506111 --> 00:02:58,48.1506111 So making sure that your communication plan is truly set up to match and mirror your strategic plan and they really do walk together. 35 00:02:58,528.1506111 --> 00:03:00,508.1506111 And you're right, communications builds leverage. 36 00:03:00,918.1506111 --> 00:03:02,598.1506111 we do that in different campaigns. 37 00:03:02,598.1506111 --> 00:03:03,588.1506111 We, go out, we. 38 00:03:04,73.1506111 --> 00:03:13,813.1506111 Basically can grow a pilot group and then actually leverage that pilot group on social media, et cetera, to create, an environment where the company actually needs to move or companies need to move. 39 00:03:14,143.1506111 --> 00:03:17,533.1506111 It also too, is not only external, but we need to think about it internally. 40 00:03:17,803.1506111 --> 00:03:20,23.1506111 We have to be constantly communicating to our pilots. 41 00:03:20,443.1506111 --> 00:03:23,683.1506111 We have to be constantly giving information, living up to that transparency. 42 00:03:23,683.1506111 --> 00:03:31,363.1506111 And that is, is really, I would have to say the communications team here has really married up with the rest of the committee and done a great job. 43 00:03:31,787.73833023 --> 00:03:35,438.32832553 Well, look, it's, um, paid off with just, I'm gonna go with just one small example. 44 00:03:35,768.32832553 --> 00:03:38,508.32832553 Not small, but, The turnout we've had at pickets. 45 00:03:38,538.32832553 --> 00:03:48,728.32832553 let's go back before, you and I were in these positions when you were at Alaska and I was, still doing, MEC chair at Delta and you guys turned out a record amount of pilots to picket at Alaska. 46 00:03:48,728.32832553 --> 00:03:53,868.32832553 And then, for Delta, we had records for Delta and that's just continues to happen now. 47 00:03:53,873.32832553 --> 00:03:56,448.32832553 And we've seen these records being broken. 48 00:03:56,448.32832553 --> 00:04:00,214.71526325 I think, the latest picket that you and I did with, air Transat. 49 00:04:00,784.71526325 --> 00:04:07,594.71526325 They turned out over 50, what, 55% of their pilot group for a picket on a day when it was gold out. 50 00:04:07,774.71526325 --> 00:04:08,74.71526325 Yes. 51 00:04:08,124.71526325 --> 00:04:08,724.71526325 no, absolutely. 52 00:04:08,724.71526325 --> 00:04:10,104.71526325 And thank you for coming up there, by the way. 53 00:04:10,382.97248845 --> 00:04:14,412.97248845 no, it, it is it, and again, that's part of bringing the pilots with you on the journey. 54 00:04:15,8.73508812 --> 00:04:16,118.73508812 True communications. 55 00:04:16,458.73508812 --> 00:04:30,617.20988879 they now realize that being a union member is not a spectator sport, and you're really seeing them turn out in masses for these all base pickets, it was 54 or 55% up there, and that was, I was so proud to stand with them for a group. 56 00:04:30,647.20988879 --> 00:04:34,367.20988879 that's, it's not the biggest, but it was one heck of a display. 57 00:04:35,39.90699871 --> 00:04:38,709.90699871 think about the pilots that are working, flying. 58 00:04:38,709.90699871 --> 00:04:43,374.90699871 So when you take the amount of available pilots, that now makes it even a more number. 59 00:04:43,374.90699871 --> 00:04:44,994.90699871 It was 84, I think it was. 60 00:04:45,144.90699871 --> 00:04:50,544.90699871 The final number was 84% of available pilots actually showed up on the line. 61 00:04:50,844.90699871 --> 00:04:55,434.90699871 And actually, one little funny anecdote, Jason, I had one guy who ran out and asked me to hold his bag. 62 00:04:56,184.90699871 --> 00:04:57,984.90699871 He literally had come in from Europe and. 63 00:04:58,559.90699871 --> 00:05:00,599.90699871 Gave me his bag and said, I've gotta go do this. 64 00:05:00,809.90699871 --> 00:05:01,619.90699871 I've gotta go stand. 65 00:05:01,869.90699871 --> 00:05:03,474.90699871 that's, that, that's definitely cool. 66 00:05:03,894.90699871 --> 00:05:07,444.90699871 we talk a lot about getting pilots fired up and for the contract. 67 00:05:08,414.90699871 --> 00:05:23,101.25555367 we don't talk as much about, at least we hadn't historically, but you're definitely in a, the team is definitely doing that now is ratification and rollout, right? We've lived through dark periods, the vacuum of information where, pilots start filling in the blanks themselves. 68 00:05:23,381.25555367 --> 00:05:26,291.25555367 we stress that it's so important to get that information out immediately. 69 00:05:26,491.25555367 --> 00:05:35,591.25555367 Why so when you, when we, I remember talking to you very early on, in this role, and we really recognized that we needed to do. 70 00:05:36,351.25555367 --> 00:05:38,631.25555367 Something called a ratification plan or rollout plan. 71 00:05:38,808.00437318 --> 00:05:46,787.92222033 We still haven't settled on which one it's called, but devoid of information of, as we said earlier, it will be filled. 72 00:05:47,177.92222033 --> 00:05:48,437.92222033 Somebody will come in there. 73 00:05:48,677.92222033 --> 00:05:59,27.92222033 And in fact, we have really grown this new team called a fact team into something that's actually very real and it's now formalized training that we can provide to all of our members, in the event. 74 00:05:59,247.92222033 --> 00:06:00,597.92222033 and it may not just be. 75 00:06:00,972.92222033 --> 00:06:03,552.92222033 For a section six or for an agreement, in Canada. 76 00:06:03,582.92222033 --> 00:06:05,862.92222033 But it's something that we actually can use. 77 00:06:06,372.92222033 --> 00:06:10,782.92222033 And we, this year where I'm actually really proud of it, we've made a virtual component. 78 00:06:10,782.92222033 --> 00:06:16,752.92222033 'cause one of the being all encompassing as big as ALPA is we have a lot of freight carriers, we have a lot of home basing. 79 00:06:17,262.92222033 --> 00:06:19,362.92222033 So there's not a one size fits all. 80 00:06:19,887.92222033 --> 00:06:27,937.92222033 And in fact this morning I just gave a briefing at the SPSC seminar here in Vallow, on how we can basically tailor it for you. 81 00:06:28,237.92222033 --> 00:06:33,937.92222033 And you approved earlier on this year, a virtual component of it, which I'm extremely proud to roll out. 82 00:06:33,937.92222033 --> 00:06:41,77.92222033 And in fact, our trans, that's gonna be the first one that rolls it out next week, where folks will be just like making a doctor's appointment. 83 00:06:41,497.92222033 --> 00:06:42,607.92222033 You'll be able to go online. 84 00:06:43,302.92222033 --> 00:06:48,552.92222033 Pick a time, pick a subject that you want to talk about and you'll have a sm a subject matter expert available for you. 85 00:06:48,552.92222033 --> 00:06:56,352.92222033 So we are trying to make sure that we are there, we are meeting pilots where they wanna be met and trying to be more, more broad on that. 86 00:06:56,652.92222033 --> 00:06:59,772.92222033 But absolutely leaving no void of information accurate. 87 00:07:00,752.92222033 --> 00:07:06,392.92222033 Information and the job of the fact team is the, is literally to get you the what and not why. 88 00:07:06,422.92222033 --> 00:07:09,752.92222033 That still falls on the reps, right? They set direction, negotiating committee. 89 00:07:09,752.92222033 --> 00:07:14,495.92222033 All of those folks know the why, but we just wanna make sure there's accurate and timely information out there. 90 00:07:14,617.92222033 --> 00:07:26,808.98230723 Yeah, We're really not here to put our finger on the scale, but we just want people making informed decisions, have the real accurate information, and be access to subject matter experts that, can clear up any misconception that may be out there on, on social media or some other platform. 91 00:07:27,328.98230723 --> 00:07:43,854.21170244 and with those themes, The communication, the collaboration, the clarity, you guys are really showing that here, this week, in Virginia, as we've got, what about a hundred, plus volunteers from 21 different pilot groups, here offering advice, getting, getting, sharing experiences sometimes obviously commiserating. 92 00:07:44,547.54503577 --> 00:07:47,897.54503577 it's reinforced that, collaboration isn't just a talking point. 93 00:07:47,957.54503577 --> 00:07:50,102.54503577 It gives us a competitive advantage. 94 00:07:50,217.54503577 --> 00:07:54,257.54503577 No, it is great to, I couldn't be more proud of the way this week's gone down. 95 00:07:54,257.54503577 --> 00:07:56,447.54503577 And thank you for coming in and talking to the group as well. 96 00:07:56,687.54503577 --> 00:08:00,887.54503577 It certainly was great to have you on a panel and, talking about your experiences in the past. 97 00:08:01,157.54503577 --> 00:08:03,677.54503577 Listen, I think you said it best yesterday. 98 00:08:04,187.54503577 --> 00:08:05,537.54503577 One of us has done it. 99 00:08:05,987.54503577 --> 00:08:11,957.54503577 So there's nothing, as you, you go through these processes, we've all experienced different things. 100 00:08:11,957.54503577 --> 00:08:20,117.54503577 We can all truly learn from each other, and that is literally what being, to me, again, going back to the start of this, but what one ALPA is. 101 00:08:20,567.54503577 --> 00:08:24,737.54503577 When I opened this, I did literally say to everybody, get to know the people around you. 102 00:08:24,767.54503577 --> 00:08:25,997.54503577 Get to at nighttime. 103 00:08:26,7.54503577 --> 00:08:26,967.54503577 don't stay in your group. 104 00:08:27,502.54503577 --> 00:08:28,252.54503577 Collaborate. 105 00:08:28,672.54503577 --> 00:08:45,145.74182207 And it is so nice to see the biggest airlines talking to the smallest airlines, people willing to help And, and in fact, you know, I dunno if you recall this or not, but last year there was one situation where we had a company that was being, let's just say tough on some of their volunteers. 106 00:08:45,145.74182207 --> 00:08:47,395.74182207 Late stage in a very big campaign. 107 00:08:47,395.74182207 --> 00:08:52,625.74182207 And they removed the volunteers', ability to take union time off under your direction. 108 00:08:52,625.74182207 --> 00:08:54,680.74182207 And with Wes, I was able to. 109 00:08:55,390.74182207 --> 00:09:02,390.74182207 Staff that, that, MEC with members from another MEC and they were walking right up to a strike. 110 00:09:03,110.74182207 --> 00:09:03,950.74182207 That's collaboration. 111 00:09:04,280.74182207 --> 00:09:10,240.74182208 It's not just a talking And this is the stuff that we really are trying to enforce, to the other members. 112 00:09:10,480.74182208 --> 00:09:15,490.74182208 I don't care if you're the biggest MEC or you the smallest Call me. 113 00:09:15,820.74182208 --> 00:09:16,420.74182208 Call us. 114 00:09:16,750.74182208 --> 00:09:17,260.74182208 We'll figure it out. 115 00:09:18,160.74182208 --> 00:09:27,810.74182208 Look, that's why, there's a lot of advantages to being part of ALPA, but that's a big one, is where we can, we've got the expertise over decades that can help each other. 116 00:09:27,810.74182208 --> 00:09:32,760.74182208 Uh, you know, pilots and staff that have been there and, and been, been up and up and down through it. 117 00:09:32,760.74182208 --> 00:09:33,690.74182208 So, um. 118 00:09:34,550.74182208 --> 00:09:42,747.40848874 any other thoughts before we, uh, wrap and get you back downstairs to your, uh, conference? No, I just want to continue to, make sure I thank you. 119 00:09:43,77.40848874 --> 00:09:47,667.40848874 Thank, the folks that are working inside this building, getting the resources out there to pilot groups is important. 120 00:09:48,207.40848874 --> 00:09:53,917.40848874 We're now up to over 95% of, MECs have worked with us over the past couple years. 121 00:09:53,917.40848874 --> 00:09:54,937.40848874 Yeah, it's huge. 122 00:09:55,177.40848874 --> 00:10:02,227.40848874 So I think people are seeing the value of what we're doing, and I think they're really seeing the value of kind of the vision that you and I shared when we first started this. 123 00:10:02,872.40848874 --> 00:10:07,912.40848874 Making this, bringing pilots from other MECs to their MECs. 124 00:10:07,912.40848874 --> 00:10:11,722.40848874 And you no longer have to know a guy, You just gotta make a call. 125 00:10:12,152.40848874 --> 00:10:13,802.40848874 and that's what I really wanted to emphasize. 126 00:10:13,802.40848874 --> 00:10:16,262.40848874 But no, I'm just very proud of the work that's been done. 127 00:10:16,262.40848874 --> 00:10:17,12.40848874 Very proud of. 128 00:10:17,12.40848874 --> 00:10:22,382.40848874 Um, I'm, I'm very proud of seeing, you know, some of the agreements that are out there, but also too, it's worth mentioning. 129 00:10:22,382.40848874 --> 00:10:27,417.40848874 And, you talked about this yesterday, being there for each other during tough times too. 130 00:10:27,737.40848874 --> 00:10:28,157.40848874 Yes. 131 00:10:29,117.40848874 --> 00:10:36,286.50103125 know, that was such an important Look, you know, we can talk about how we raised, we, we work hard to, Have a rising tide for all ships. 132 00:10:36,286.50103125 --> 00:10:42,26.50103125 there's times when we need to be there for, our colleagues at the airlines that are struggling, and that's what we're doing, right? we can do both. 133 00:10:42,56.50103125 --> 00:10:48,656.50103125 and I appreciate your leadership, you, Dana, everybody on the strap planning and SPSE committees, the staff. 134 00:10:48,870.63687812 --> 00:10:53,370.63687812 you've taken it even beyond what I expected or asked you to when this all started. 135 00:10:53,370.63687812 --> 00:10:55,448.16194268 So, thank you You're very welcome. 136 00:10:55,448.16194268 --> 00:10:56,438.16194268 And thank you for the time, Jason. 137 00:10:56,438.16194268 --> 00:10:57,83.16194268 I really appreciate it. 138 00:10:57,83.16194268 --> 00:10:57,653.16194268 Absolutely. 139 00:10:57,653.16194268 --> 00:11:05,13.16194268 And for anyone who wants more detail on the SBSC workshop here, the January February issue of Airline Pilot Magazine, we'll have a full recap. 140 00:11:05,403.16194268 --> 00:11:07,65.7089466 And once again, Ronan thanks. 141 00:11:07,125.7089466 --> 00:11:08,175.7089466 Thanks for being with us today. 142 00:11:08,180.7089466 --> 00:11:08,790.7089466 You're very welcome. 143 00:11:09,80.7089466 --> 00:11:09,510.7089466 Thank you. 144 00:11:09,510.7089466 --> 00:11:11,955.7089466 Thank you very much, and thanks to everyone for listening. 145 00:11:11,955.7089466 --> 00:11:17,265.7089466 Remember, collaboration isn't just a concept, it's how we actually move forward together. 146 00:11:19,234.03518491 --> 00:11:20,254.03518491 Thanks for tuning in. 147 00:11:20,254.03518491 --> 00:11:24,154.03518491 If you haven't already, make sure you subscribe so that you don't miss any episodes. 148 00:11:24,304.03518491 --> 00:11:27,664.03518491 And if you enjoyed this episode, let your fellow crew members know about the show. 149 00:11:28,444.03518491 --> 00:11:37,174.03518491 If you have any questions or topics you'd like us to cover, reach out to podcast at ALPA dot org to listen and subscribe to the Airline Pilot podcast or learn more about ALPA. 150 00:11:37,534.03518491 --> 00:11:39,454.03518491 Check us out [e-mail] 151 00:11:39,454.03518491 --> 00:11:40,699.03518491 or find us on all major. 152 00:11:41,24.03518491 --> 00:11:42,540.03518491 Podcast platforms. 153 00:11:43,244.03518491 --> 00:11:46,664.03518491 Until next time, this is the Airline Pilot podcast production. 154 00:11:46,664.03518491 --> 00:11:49,514.03518491 Copyright ALPA 2025, all rights reserved. 155 00:11:49,934.03518491 --> 00:11:51,554.03518491 Thanks, and have a safe flight.