Originally Posted by
OnCenterline
I come from a background of economics, and I disagree with the notion that size doesn't matter--part of our higher pay for a larger plane is based on the notion that the equipment that generates the most revenue pays the most. Another way to look at it is to assume that the position of the most responsibility pays the most...
That has absolutely nothing to do with a free market system of supply and demand. You are describing a seniority system where senior pilots are rewarded with larger equipment to justify higher pay, not a system where the highest skilled or most qualified pilots are rewarded with the best jobs in an open and free market. To believe they are the same thing means you would have to confuse seniority with experience, ability and qualifications.
The same phenomenon occurs in nearly every profession, even sports: news anchors earn more than in-the-field reporters; quarterbacks get paid more than other players; the lead actor gets paid the most; senior partners in a law firm get the larger share of the profits; a VP will always get paid more than an entry-level manager. I could go on, but I think I've made the point.
No you didn't make any point because you are describing people who accomplish higher pay through performance and competition in a free market, not people who achieved those levels by seniority alone.
A pro football player can't bid the quarterback slot based on time with the team alone. News anchors don't get their job based on seniority or longevity.
In fact these professionals are often hired from a competing company, network, or team and placed directly in those positions over colleagues who have worked longer and harder than they.
Has seniority been the fault for a lot of other issues? Yes, and it would be folly to say otherwise...
Exactly! So let's get rid of it altogether.
When I see a senior pilot hiding behind his seniority number I see a guy who is afraid to be compared on an open market, a guy who is afraid that his co pilot may be better than him or that RJ pilot who does 6 landings a day can outperform him in the sim. I see pilots who don't have the confidence to compete for a better job and pretend they are so good they no longer have to.
Personally I believe in a free and open market. Bring it on!