Originally Posted by
tsquare
I can't argue your logic vis-a-vis having a lot of big airplanes when times are good etc etc... THAT is management's job to sort out. And so far, our team has done a great job. As far as decoupling pay, I am sure nothing I can say is gonna change your mind, and frankly I am growing weary of trying. (although I am not gonna stop whenever the opportunity to say I told you so presents itself) I have had a fairly fortunate career. I am sitting in my retirement seat and I will be 53 this summer. I couldn't care less about the 747/777/330... well maybe I will go fly the 2x4 someday.. but that's it. So my point is that I have no dog in the fight other than leaving a better career than I found. We can still make sure that the Ninjas like Carl continue to benefit all alone, and that those like him that happened to be in the right place at the right time are handsomely rewarded... or.. we can pursue alternate methodologies. Either way, doesn't affect me one way or the other. I just think it is a shame that misplaced greed (and that is what it boils down to) takes precedence over what would be better for the group going forward.
T,
What you say makes a lot of sense and I believe that our pay system will change, but very, very slowly over time, toward something like what you have been saying.
The current pay system made a lot of sense when our defined benefit amount was based on our "high three." Then it made sense for the top few guys to make the big bucks, because that was what would determine our pensions.
Well that system is history and with the 401K and the time value of money (Hmmm - where have I heard that before) it makes a lot more sense to push higher earnings forward in our careers.
On the last contract we brought the 88 pay up to the 90 pay-rate - a very small move in the right direction, not much but it is a start. I think as more and more guys think about this issue DALPA will start investigating alternatives. I have no idea what they should, or will eventually come up with but the first step is making everyone aware of the issue and discussing it. In that regard your posts are very informative and helpful - keep em coming.
Scoop