Originally Posted by
fisherman
The AIP did not directly address QOL. If we want better QOL, there is a whole list of things we need (more days off, trip/duty rigs, etc).
As for pay, I don't support the continual erosion of our profession. In the Bankruptcy Contract, we gave the company the BARGAIN of us operating E175s/CRJ900s at CRJ700 pay rates temporarily. After a couple years, our contract states we will negotiate new rates for the E175s/CRJ900s.
If we had voted in the AIP, we would have permanently lowered the standard by agreeing to fly E175s for CRJ700 pay for at least ten years (which would most likely end up being permanent). This would have further eroded our profession.
I go to work to maximize my profit for myself. AAG wants to pay us less so they can maximize their profit, but we are under no obligation to give concessions just to be nice. We stood up for ourselves for once.
You cannot artificially prop up the profession. The economy will dictate how much a pilot makes, all you did was ensure some other pilot is making the amount you weren't willing to take. In the end that pilot who was willing to suffer short term hardship will be your captain, either at the regional you're forced to apply at or the legacy / national you hope to work for.