Can anyone make a good argument as to why we have differential pay scales based on a/c size? I know the "old" reasoning that arose with the advent of the turbo jet age. But I really don't see that as applicable anymore.

One might argue that an MD-11 Captain produces more revenue than the B757 Captain...but is that really true? We really have no way of knowing what that revenue split is since we don't get to see behind the curtain.

Then there is the question of work. Who works harder? Like most on this board I've done my share of hub turns and pond crossings. I much prefer one long leg and a layover than a week of hub turns. I just find that easier. Some guys/gals love to hub turn to their home town or hate international flying. I think they work as hard or harder than I do...I don't think I could stand the constant "Op Emergencies" that seem to pop up on a regular basis in MEM. Dragging 2 legs into SBN after one of those is real work!

I believe the split pay scale is out dated and out-outmoded. I think most of can agree that quality of life in the end trumps just about everything except maybe money. Wouldn't it be nice to not have to chase money in lieu of QOL. Then our seniority would really mean something.

I think there is a win-win here for the company and us. After a shake out period they get stability in there training system, relative experience goes up in a fleet over time as does familiarity with the type of flying both of which improve overall safety and I believe we get to do what we really want to do (seniority allowing) vice chasing money.

The real question then becomes how much of their pay raise are the WB pilots willing to forgo to bring the NB pilots up. I don't think we can reasonably expect the same % pay raise as we would expect under split scales. This would be a factor in the next CBA but mitigated over time and by QOL improvements.

Purpledog is correct...FDX will soon be weighted more towards the 757. The efficiency of the airplane combined with its load/leg capability make it a much different animal than the 727. Its the thin routes we need to worry about...can you say large RJ? The current scope clause would force that kind of flying to be done by mainline FDX pilots...but would the company really agree to pay a CRJ900 Captain 250+/hr? Maybe that's why they don't seem interested in a single scale. Why aren't we?

Sorry for the rambling...probably need to skip posting after happy hour in DXB!