Originally Posted by
BE19Pilot
I think you're really onto something with your supposition about waiting for government intervention. There is enough momentum now that the balance of power is shifting toward the concerns of regional pilots that belong to ALPA. ALPA has been doing the same thing as the industry, kicking the can down the road and not confronting the personnel challenges facing the airline industry.
Spot on. However I don't think the government will be as receptive to intervening as everyone seems to think. The FAA is not about to repeal their own rule and as far as the ATP goes I don't see congress repealing the law anytime soon no matter how hard the RAA kicks and screams. To quote BB himself any changes to the law will be
years down the road. The jig is up and they know it that is why the rumored Republic TA contains significant raises for First Officers. It might take some time to turn this ship around but for once at least we're all pulling in the same direction. Republic has a rare opportunity to do what Comair tried years ago that is raise the compensation bar for everyone. With the votes at ExpressJet and Eagle, new aircraft orders on the way, and a massive pilot shortage, we could not possibly have more leverage. All it takes is just a little backbone and it's amazing what you can achieve. It seems in the media at least Wall Street has already recognized that salaries are going to have to increase but that doesn't mean they're going to go down without a fight. We have them on the ropes now it's time for the pilots of RAH to deliver the knockout punch.