Originally Posted by
ManFlex
I hear your frustration. Remember, we have a contract signed in 2010. Every legacy has negotiated a new contract since ours was signed. Sleep well knowing pay and retirement are going to increase substantially. In 2010, US Airways A320 captain pay topped out at $125/hr. A330 Captain pay at US Airways topped out in the low $160's/hr. They also had pathetic workrules. It's important to remember that context when viewing 35 aircraft, Spirit Airlines, agreeing to $185/hr A320 Captain rates in 2010. Large gains will be made and the industry is better this time around. The anchor that US Airways was on everyone's collective bargain position is no more.
I agree completely. What the Spirit pilot group was able to do with contract 2010 was truly impressive and we have those guys to thank for the position we are in today. I have nothing but respect for what those guys were able to accomplish in that environment.
That being said, I just sometimes get the feeling that as a pilot group we have a tendency to get a little defensive and are sometimes hesitant to admit any deficiencies with our current contract. It seems like a fair amount of guys have convinced themselves that our contract is leaps and bounds ahead of United and Delta (especially with regard to work rules) when that is not necessarily the case.