Originally Posted by
madeinUSA
Yeah I hear what you are saying but why not just call it what it is. Instead of 20/hr for a 75 hour guarantee, just say 4/hr for time on duty. It might do us more justice to have headlines read "Pilot's make less than half minimum wage" Plus the fact that we are not being paid overtime. They worked it out so that we are salaried but under the "hourly" category minus the overtime benefits.
I don't think it's a big secret that regional pilots are underpaid - however you want to do the math. The headlines are there and easy to find.
What Can New Pilots Make? Near Minimum Wage - WSJ.com
This just doesn't fly: Some airline pilots barely make living wage - NBC News
The public who reads these articles may be surprised and even sympathetic but they don't negotiate your contracts. They're the ones who have expected to fly across the country for the equivalent of bus fare for the last 30 years. They also know that no one put a gun to your head and made you take the job. It's doubtful the pay scale was a secret when you took it either.
It's not going to change unless you make it happen. Overtime is something you negotiate. Some of us have it in some form or another. Don't vote for your next contract unless it's there (along with proper pay rates). Vote no until it's right, strike over it, leave or deal with it. Your choice - sounds harsh but that's the way it is.