As an outside observer, I needed to comment on a notion that appears to take rise in this particular thread and surfaces on other threads with regularity.

I don't think anybody is selling their "skillset" short. I see a great deal of pride and accomplishment in one's "skillset" in the piloting profession. However, one's "skillset" pride is not going to determine the value of a labor contract for that particular skillset..

The market determines everything...pilot "wants" will have minimal to do with contract settlement unless "wants" correlate with the existing labor market.

In an industry such as US air transportation (deregulated for nearly 35 years), two things and two things only will determine where a labor contract settles...craft and class positions at direct competition and the economy.

Sorry guys, the market determines everything. Labor is certainly at the table, but settlement is determined by competitive position and the economy. The AMR bankruptcy did not help any ongoing negotiations and "wants" are unlikely to be a factor unless...they coincide with the market.