What Do My Dues Pay For?

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Where Your ALPA Dues Go and Why it Matters Now

As pilots, we all want the strongest contract possible—one that reflects our professionalism, ensures our safety, and protects our future. But what many may not realize is just how much power and preparation goes into that fight, and how essential our ALPA dues are in fueling it.

If you've ever asked, “What exactly am I paying for?”, here’s where your dues go—and why they matter more than ever during contract negotiations:

Professional Negotiators at the Table for You

Your dues fund highly experienced contract negotiators who work only for pilots. These professionals understand airline contracts inside and out and know how to press for meaningful improvements at the table.

Legal Power to Protect Your Rights

You also gain access to some of the most skilled aviation labor attorneys in the industry. Whether it’s reviewing contract language, defending pilot rights, or preparing for arbitration, ALPA’s legal experts are working behind the scenes to safeguard your interests.

Economic Experts and Data Analysts

Every proposal ALPA makes is backed by hard numbers. Your dues support economists and data analysts who study your airline’s financials, industry compensation standards, and long-term forecasts. This ensures we negotiate with facts—not guesswork.

Keeping You Informed and Engaged

From contract update emails to town halls and social media graphics, ALPA’s communications team helps ensure every pilot is informed and engaged. Your dues support the creation of accurate, timely, and transparent messaging during every phase of negotiations.

Pilot Wellness and Support Programs

Your dues help fund essential support services—from mental health resources and peer support networks to emergency assistance programs. ALPA is here for you during contract stress, life challenges, and everything in between.

Logistics and On-the-Ground Support

Contract negotiations aren’t just paperwork—they require physical presence, coordination, and travel. Your dues cover everything from meeting logistics to room rentals, technology, and operational needs to keep teams moving efficiently.

Research and Strategic Planning

What are other pilots earning? What’s competitive in the industry right now? Your dues pay for deep-dive research to ensure we’re negotiating with strong, informed positions that push standards upward.

Pilot Unity and Mobilization

Solidarity is strength. Your dues help fund mobilization campaigns—whether that’s informational picketing, base visits, or unity events—to show management that pilots stand together behind their negotiating committee.

Education for Your Representatives

ALPA invests in leadership development and training for the very pilots who represent you at the table. That includes labor relations training, contract law education, and strategic communications courses—so your representatives are always prepared.

ALPA's Broader Influence

Behind every negotiation is a network of influence. Your dues support ALPA’s national and international work to advocate for pilots at the industry level, coordinate with other unions, and strengthen our collective voice.


The Bottom Line

When you contribute to ALPA, you’re investing in a powerful, multi-layered system built to protect your job, improve your contract, and elevate our profession. Every dollar works for you—from the first proposal to the final vote. 

As we head into this critical phase of bargaining, your support and engagement makes all the difference. 

Stay informed. Stay unified. Stay ALPA strong.


ALPA Dues FAQ