Hey everyone, first post back in probably a year or so. I have come to the conclusion that pilots are too good for the airline industry, and until we are treated with the pay, benefits, and quality of life that we deserve they can suffer the consequences and see how long the public will tolerate cancelled flights due to lack of pilots.
I just started training as a dispatcher for the state police back at my home state. Instead of going back to the regionals and making 20k a year under a concessionary contract, I will be making just over $40,000 a year guaranteed during my 6 months of training then over $47,000 a year guaranteed after the first 6 months. With the amount of overtime available due to a massive shortage of dispatchers in the state, the vast majority of dispatchers here make their salary again in overtime. That means instead of flying at a regional who hates me and abuses me at every turn for $20,000 I'll be going home every night and sitting at a console that isn't moving around for closer to $90,000.
Will I miss flying and the lifestyle (and my pass bennies?) of course, but it's just not worth starting over at the bottom of the barrel for the FOURTH time. The airlines don't deserve me or my loyalty, and they don't deserve any of the other pilots who work hard every day under these intolerable conditions. Refuse all concessionary contracts. Bring the airlines to their knees. Secure a future for yourselves and for those who enter the industry after you. I'll keep an eye on the industry and check in from time to time. I hope you guys keep fighting the good fight and showing the airlines that they can't keep victimizing the flight crews. Stay strong and good luck.