Our CULTURE is our identity

The culture of our pilot group is fundamental to the effectiveness of our association and the overall health of our profession. Culture is the manifestation of our shared values that include what it is to be an Air Canada Pilot, an aviation professional and a member of organized labour. 

How we treat our peers defines our culture, which in turn defines the way management, the government, and the flying public views our profession. The strength of our union is dependent upon a strong culture of  respect, solidarity, and trust.  

The turbulence our industry has endured over the past two decades has eroded our professional culture.  Now more than ever, we must focus on the culture within our association in order to overcome challenges at the bargaining table, influence decision makers in Ottawa, and show real leadership in the public eye.

 

“ACPA represents by far the largest airline pilot group in Canada. You can make your own judgments on the character of that association, but for the public it is the face of airline pilots in Canada....”

Capt. Don Hudson (retired) ACPA Journal, winter 2011-12

 

HOW DO WE IMPROVE OUR CULTURE?

  • Maintain a high standard of professionalism: Strict professional standards are vital to the success of the company and in maintaining the public’s trust. There is no room in our profession for apathy or defeatism, nor should there be within our association. By maintaining high professional standards we can regain the confidence required to demand what we deserve. 

  • Advocate for and protect our most vulnerable members: Focus our attention on new hires (many who are currently facing furlough), those senior pilots who are about to retire, pilots suffering from illness, or those facing difficulty with training or performance– or simply any pilot on their worst day.

  • Learn from our history: Understanding the history of our association and the diverse experiences of individuals within it will encourage a more united, compassionate and equitable pilot group. 

  • Be accessible and transparent: Information about our association and its business activities should be readily available online. Enhancing transparency improves accountability while keeping the membership informed and engaged.   

  • Support our industry peers: Sharing knowledge and resources with other pilot groups will help to elevate the profession as a whole. The integrity of our profession demands a willingness to lend our voice in support of pilots who are actively fighting against the cheapening of the profession. 

  • Align with other labour groups: By expanding our union networks we can better identify specific issues that affect all Canadians and work together to address them. 

  • Invest in our profession: Our association should operate at the same exacting standards our profession demands. The advancements we hope to achieve cannot be obtained at a discount. Using our dues more effectively, and being open to higher dues levels, allows our association to invest in quality support and services, yielding results that better reflect our true worth.