Originally Posted by
Tinpusher007
Rhino...the problem with that is that if we go through tough economic times which we can't seem to escape lately, there won't be any hiring at the majors. And everything at the regionals will be stagnant with even lower paying jobs according to your logic. Today there aren't too many regionals that cap capt pay at 60-70K. It more like 100 for those with descent contracts. The problem with regionals isn't really at the top end with the capt pay. Its the low end F/O pay that starts at 20K and very often caps at 40K or so.
Ah, but that is the problem. It should have never gotten that high. What about the guy who crosses the line during a strike and takes that job for LESS because of tough economic times??? And no, I'm not implying anything.
We're not going to solve this problem here, but a national seniority list is by no means the answer.
When I was commissioned in the USN (1997), I was flying airplanes for 24k per year. Not much either, I remember, as I too had gone through civilian flight training and paid my way through college, but I always wanted to fly for the airlines and the military was going to be my 12 year stepping stone. Where's my national seniority number come in???
I also work for an airline, like you. I would by no means ever wish anyone harm in their profession. BUT, I do want my airline to be the best. I want my airline to make more money than yours. I want my airlines stock to do better than yours. It's just business. If I lose my job because my management stinks, should I be able to come to your house and still reap the benefits earned at my former employer over you?
And what about the fact that "the airlines" really isn't just "the airlines" anymore. There are many levels as you know. I don't really think that your union and mine should be the same entity. How can a union fight for more pay, bigger airplanes, better working conditions, etc, for you, without negatively impacting me.
As I said before, I think the real problem lies with the fact that it's ON THE VERGE of being too good to leave a regional in this day and age. Should have never gotten this good at that level. Now you want to make it better!