Understanding ALPA Structure, FPL, and Strategic Planning: Insights from Airline Union Leaders In this episode of Five by Five, host Captain Jason DuVernay is joined by Captain Sean Creed, Vice President–Administration/Secretary and Jade Schiewe, Executive Vice President, Group B1.

As Vice President–Administration/Secretary, Sean Creed executes the policies of the Association’s governing bodies and acts as custodian for all ALPA documents, contracts, leases, property deeds, and general records. He oversees ALPA’s membership programs and serves as an ex officio member of the Association’s Election and Ballot Certification Board.

Most recently, Creed acted as ALPA’s national resource coordinator and executive vice president–Group A for the Spirit Airlines pilots. Based in Chicago, Ill., he flies the Airbus A321. He’s been a member of ALPA’s National Strategic Planning Committee, Strategic Preparedness and Strike Committee, and the Leadership Committee. During his tenure with Spirit, he has served as both Master Executive Council (MEC) and Local Executive Council (LEC) secretary-treasurer. He was also a member of his MEC and LEC Grievance Committees.

Jade Schiewe is based in Detroit, Mich., Capt. Schiewe is a Bombardier CRJ900 pilot for Endeavor and serves as Executive Vice President, Group B1, ALPA’s National Resource Coordinator and a member of the Association’s Strategic Planning Committee and the Structure, Services, and Finance Review Committee.

In addition, Capt. Schiewe acts as his pilot group’s Master Executive Council (MEC) Chair and previously served as its MEC Secretary-Treasurer and a member of its Professional Standards and Accident Investigation committees. He was also a volunteer for the Critical Incident Response Program.

With elections around the corner we sit down to discuss the intricate workings of the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA). They discuss topics such as the importance of ALPA’s bottom-up structure, the role of Local Executive Councils (LECs) and Master Executive Councils (MECs), and the significance of member participation in governance. The conversation also explores the strategic planning process, the utility of Flight Pay Loss (FPL) for union volunteers, and how ALPA supports pilot groups through efforts like the Major Contingency Fund (MCF).

Tune in to gain valuable insights into ALPA’s operations, the role of volunteers, and the ways members can get involved and make impactful contributions.

00:30 Introduction and Guest Introductions

01:25 Overview of ALPA 301

02:19 Understanding LEC and MEC Structures

04:30 Roles and Responsibilities of MEC Officers

10:12 Importance of Pilot Participation

14:51 Effective Communication and Representation

28:49 Strategic Planning and Committee Operations

36:35 Addressing Dysfunction and Trust Issues

37:45 Importance of Honest Conversations

38:44 Role of SWOT Analysis in Strategic Planning

40:49 Communicating with Local Members

43:08 Evolution of the Strategic Planning Process

46:01 Role of The Strategic Planning & Member Resources Department in Strategic Planning

47:54 Funding and Support for Strategic Planning

56:48 Flight Pay Loss (FPL) Explained

01:04:55 Challenges and Commitment of Volunteers

01:13:17 Call for Volunteers and Closing Remarks

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Hosted by Captain Jason DuVernay

The podcast episode features members of the negotiating committee discussing recent events in the negotiation process. They address the company's disappointing and long-delayed response to an economic proposal made 20 months ago and describe the logistical and substantive issues during recent bargaining sessions. The company focused on Section 11 related to training, which has been their priority. The negotiating committee critiqued the company's lack of serious engagement and unrealistic demands. They stressed the need for leadership willing to solve problems and urged pilots to participate in upcoming surveys to ensure their voices are heard. The conversation reflects ongoing frustrations and the committee's commitment to negotiating for the future of the pilots.

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Hosted by Captain Jason DuVernay

Learn all the details of this weekend's upcoming Family Awareness Event!

In response to the Frontier CEO's video from an airplane lavatory, an embarrassing lapse in professionalism, the Frontier pilots MEC is calling on management to address and correct a culture that prioritizes cost over quality, neglects employment empowerment, and is poorly perceived by the flying public. It is time to restore authority to captains and foster a true culture of caring and professionalism.

The podcast episode introduces a new series focused on the inner workings of the MEC Vice Chair and the various committees under their oversight. Captain Jeff Martin, MEC Vice Chairman, discusses the role of the Jump Seat Committee with committee members Captain Amir Manouchehrian and Captain Vance DiPasquale. The episode covers the function of the Jump Seat Committee, the importance of jump seat agreements, and the assistance provided to pilots regarding jump seat matters. It explains the responsibilities and interactions with other airlines, the necessity to comply with standards, and the pilots' role in maintaining these agreements. The episode emphasizes the importance of using the DART system to report issues and the steps needed to resolve common problems faced by pilots. Finally, the podcast underscores the value of professionalism and detailed reporting in handling jump seat-related concerns.

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Hosted by Captain Jason DuVernay

In this podcast episode, CA Nick Kastanes, Chair of the Retirement and Insurance Committee and ALPA Benefits Specialist, Retirement and Insurance Department Michelle Fredenrich discuss the intricacies of long-term disability (LTD) benefits for Frontier pilots.

Key topics include different LTD coverage options, the 90-day elimination period before benefits start, filling the gap with short-term disability, and other state programs.

The conversation covers the core LTD plan and the implications of imputed income, as well as the specifics of LTD buy-up options, which extend coverage and increase maximum monthly benefits.

They emphasize the importance of understanding the 'own occupation' and 'any occupation' definitions within the policy, detailing their effects on benefit eligibility and potential income offsets. Additionally, they discuss the return-to-work incentives and the impact of pre-disability earnings on benefit calculations.

Recent LTD statistics are reviewed, revealing the reasons for claim closures and underscoring that no pilots have been removed due to high-income potential in alternate occupations. The episode concludes with a discussion on proposed contract improvements and the ongoing efforts by ALPA to enhance pilots' benefit packages.

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Hosted by Captain Jason DuVernay

Join us on the latest episode of Five by Five as we dive deep into important changes in your 401k plan for 2025. With expert guidance from Nick Kastanes Chair of our Retirement and Insurance Committee, we unravel the complexities of Secure 2.0, enhanced catch-up contributions, and the nuances of Traditional vs. Roth investment options including a new option to roll over to Roth.

Discover how these changes impact your retirement plan and learn how to make the most of your benefits.

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Hosted by Captain Jason DuVernay

In this episode, the Negotiators reflect on the progress made in over 500 days of negotiations with the company for a new contract. Key issues discussed include the lack of responses from the company on critical sections such as compensation, scope, and retirement proposals. The change of mediators from Connor Parker to Jack Stephen and its potential impact is covered. The team expresses frustration over the slow progress and inadequate proposals from the company, highlighting specific areas such as sick leave, insurance benefits, and vacation policies. This episode underscores the importance of unity among pilots and the goal of securing a career contract that reflects industry standards.