Originally Posted by
chazbird
Sadly, for many Americans it seems they may become worried about their safety and not be concerned about the quality of life of their underpaid pilots. So far there's little evidence that says safety has, or will be, compromised. This is a sad indicator of the increasing tilt of the equality level in this country, all about our own little selves. "Oh my god, those pilots make so little, I am worried about my safety" - its not about the pilots, its about themselves. And everyone knows many pilots play this against each other, too. Sad. I frequently ask non-pilot friends if they'd pay $5 more per flight to boost pilot/crew pay. They all readily agree they would. Let's use a RJ700 at 80% capacity. 48 X $5/4 = $58 per crew per leg. 4 legs a day = $232 a day per crew x 15 days per month $3480 a month. Like that's going to happen!
I am sure someone else has thought of a tip basket by the cabin door. I also wondered what would happen if upon arrival the crew said "we'll we're here and on time, everyone enjoy their time at home, it'll give us time to spend our food stamps" Of course they'd be fired. It would be a interesting court case, too. Fired for telling the truth. Interesting times.
Why should the public care about how little we are paid, other than the fact that low pay is generally associated with attracting less qualified applicants. I accepted the rate, so I can live with the consequence of that decision. Do I think we need to increase the pay? Yes, but that needs to be taken care of during negotiations, and not through any form of government intervention.