August 10 - Safety in the Air

On this day in Labor History the year was 1931.  That was the day that Air Line Pilots Association affiliated with the American Federation of Labor.   The need for pilots to organize became apparent as early as the mid-1920s.  The airline industry was new, and pilots often faced dangerous conditions.  They were often put under pressure to fly under adverse conditions, especially if they were tasked with delivering the mail.  As the Great Depression swept the country, pilots were asked to fly more and more hours for less money.  They organization of pilots started off small and in secret.  But soon it grew.  In 1930 the union got its unofficial start, holding its first convention the following year.   David Behncke was elected the first president.  Behncke had served as a flight instructor for the Army.  He then led the Behncke’s Flying Circus, performing airshows across the Midwest.  Then he went to work for a private airmail service. As union president, Behncke established the organization’s headquarters in Chicago.  Over the years as plane technology has changed, the union has fought to ensure the continued safety of the pilots.  Pilot fatigue, as well as security concerns, especially after the terrorist attacks of 911, have also been important issues for the union.  Today the Air Line Pilots Association represents more than 50,000 pilots flying for 31 airlines in the United States and Canada.  Their mission statement begins with the commitment to “promote and champion all aspects of aviation safety throughout all segments of the aviation community.”