Another season, another simulator its time to dig out the all-weather and cold-weather ops manuals, as we do what we do for our employers and customers day in, day out, all year round. We put safety and professionalism at the forefront of everything we do and should reflect on what a good job we do, despite the challenges presented to us on a daily basis. BALPA continues to represent you at the highest levels and, while pay is important, we should also be thankful for the work done in upholding terms and conditions that keep you safe and protect you as members. The trade union movement gained momentum during the Industrial Revolution, as workers sought to protect themselves from dangerous working conditions, long hours, and unhealthy working environments. While airline managers are not like the mill owners of the past, some commercial pressures have a distinctly historical feel. Thankfully, our professionalism as pilots stops us going beyond our regulatory limits and we use our judgement to keep everyone safe. This year, your BALPA representatives and staff have kept operators honest in paying a fair rate for your services. We must continue to hold our employers accountable, to honour your hard-fought-for industrial agreements that form part of many pay settlements. Delivering on the working arrangements of your contracts is as important as getting pay in the bank. We are engaged with government and those who regulate us, reminding them of the challenges you encounter each day. We recently highlighted the lack of data in reports because pilots fear reprisals or disciplinaries. We will continue to lobby to ensure that every pilot feels comfortable submitting a report and not operating an aircraft if they feel it is unsafe to do so. Civil aviation safety is sustained by facilitating the reporting of occurrences, and advances the principles of a just culture. BALPA continues to push for this goal. Our conference, in November, had the theme Building a sustainable future. As a professional association, our duty is to protect the careers and opportunities of all pilots across the UK and, with our partners at ECA and IFALPA, across the globe. Paul Copland, BALPA NEC Executive President and British Airways Captain Upfront The latest in aviation and industrial news from around the world N E WS Executive Presidents welcome NEC election We would like to thank everyone who voted in our NEC election helping to shape BALPAs leadership team. Congratulations to the following members who have been elected: Alishia Bateman Virgin Atlantic Paul Copland British Airways Joanna Duffy Virgin Atlantic Gavin Hall British Airways Leo Nugent TUI Airways Hugh Sheils easyJet Samantha Walkinshaw Jet2 All have been elected for two years, except the lowest-polling candidate, who will serve a one-year term of office in accordance with rule 19.1.9.2. We would like to thank the departing NEC members, Simon Morgan and Adam Walker, for their work. Commenting on the election, BALPA General Secretary Amy Leversidge said: I would like to congratulate our successful candidates and look forward to welcoming our new members and re-elected members on to the NEC. I know what an honour and privilege it is to represent BALPA members, as we are the voice for UK pilots and there has never been a more important time to welcome new members of the NEC, who will help build and strengthen our organisation. I look forward to working together to ensure BALPA continues to grow and increase our influence on professional and industrial issues. Our pilot representatives are the backbone of our Association and we thank every member who volunteers to work on behalf of their fellow members. I also want to thank all members who voted in the election, by participating in our democracy you are shaping your union. MORE THAN SKIN DEEP In an exclusive interview with The Telegraph, BALPA General Secretary Amy Leversidge has discussed ongoing initiatives around diversity, saying: Adverts showing female pilots are important but youve got to back that up with real policies. Otherwise, its just surface-level. Talking to journalist Christopher Jasper, Leversidge went on to outline the vital changes required to pilot recruitment to make the industry more inclusive. She also covered the costs of training, the need for pilots professional voices in the realm of flight safety, and how BALPA has won more for its members this year. Read the interview in full at bit.ly/3Unja4U 7 THE LOG Autumn 24 pp06-07 News.indd 7 13/11/2024 14:15