For me (I'm L-XJT) it's simple. I am not overly bothered about the headline hourly rates. If we can get snap back to pre concessionary rates plus a buck or two, then I'd be fine with that. Unfortunately the market rate for regional pilots isn't great, we're up against GoJet, Republic etc all of whom have lower hourly rates than us. I think a lot of the more senior L-XJT guys want 15%+ because they know they're not leaving. While I can totally understand that I think we need to accept that we can't expect Virgin America or Allegiant levels of pay at a regional level.

What I do want is to keep our soft time and control of my schedule. I don't care how that schedule is delivered. I've worked at four airlines now. I've flown under line bidding, PBS and even a simple Excel spreadsheet schedule! The Excel actually worked best, but that's because the airline was tiny and I could speak directly to the head of scheduling. PBS worked fine, because it was programmed correctly, all of the work rules were kept in tact, our schedules were published mid month and we could trade with open time (of which about 10% of the schedule was made up).

Because of our soft time at L-XJT I actually averaged nearer $44 per hour in my first year, compared to the $23 headline hourly rate.

Give me a fair raise, my soft time, a decent schedule and maintain our work rules and I'll be happy. Then hopefully the majority of us will be out of here in a few years and the vicious cycle can continue!

I am all for one list, one stronger airline, and I include Skywest in that. Tough times are still ahead, particularly for the regionals, and we are stronger all together.