View a photo slideshow from today’s session.

October 18, 2012—The 44th Board of Director’s meeting of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l closed today with the union’s highest governing body adopting 22 resolutions, which will define the direction of the Association during the next two years and beyond.

Of note today was the presentation of Agenda Item #17 to eliminate the exemption from dues of pilot wage deferrals into 401(k) or Canadian RRSP plans (the exemption currently applies if such a plan is the only pension plan within a given pilot group). The original proposal as approved by the Executive Board and subject to approval by a 2/3 vote of the Board of Directors, was to eliminate the exemption effective January 1, 2014.

As a result of collaborative efforts among leaders from large and small pilot groups, an amendment was presented on this matter to the Board of Directors, and adopted by a large majority. Here are some of the details:

Starting January 1, 2014, the dues rate for active members will be 1.90 percent—a reduction of .05 percent. This was made possible due to the initiatives the Association has implemented to work smarter, save money, and be more fiscally responsible with our dues income. The change reduces the dues rate that has been in place since 1994, and establishes a dues rate that will be the lowest rate ALPA pilots have paid since 1985.

The dues exemption for 401(k) and RRSP deferrals will be eliminated January 1, 2014. However, for 2014, an MEC whose pilots are eligible for the exemption has the option to extend the exemption for pilots at that airline until January 1, 2015 by using a portion of its MEC funds to help fund shared union resources during 2014.

The agenda item also included improved means to fund the Major Contingency Fund and other ALPA strategic funds.

This resolution as revised passed by a 78-percent margin.

ALPA is a democratic union, representing nearly 51,000 pilots at 35 U.S. and Canadian airlines. The compromise shaped by ALPA’s highest governing body creates a fair and balanced dues structure for our members.

During the four-day meeting, pilot representatives learned from subject matter experts, debated agenda items, and decided on resolutions and strategic plans that will improve the lives of ALPA pilots and advance the Association. Nine executive vice presidents were also elected during this week’s meeting, who will take office on January 1, 2013.