Originally Posted by
AboveAndBeyond
It is ridiculous to think that you should be paid more just because the company is profitable. Would the receptionist, or janitor, or electrician expect these things? Pilots are not special. At the regional level, we are just another contract employee.
I understand the romance of "holding the line", but it doesn't work that way. You eat the crap that they put in front of you, and you move on. That is how it works. If you do not like the benefits and pay that a job offer, do not take the job. It drives me crazy when people go to work at a company, and try to change the company to meet their needs. It doesn't work that way. If the company wants to change the benefits and pay, then you need to leave and go elsewhere if you do not like the changes.
By the same logic, it would be ridiculous to think that management would expect a pilot group to take concessions when a company is not profitable. However, that has occurred on several occasions.
The problem with your statement about moving on is that it's not happening or at least it hasn't been for the past 10 years.
Regarding pilots being special.....well maybe you're not special but as for the rest of us.....
Leave the company? Really? So the guy who has vested 10 years / is a Captain / makes a decent salary / and has contributed to the success of his company is supposed to pack up his gear and go to another regional? Another regional where his experience does not matter? Another regional where his seniority is lost? Another regional where he will sit reserve in some crappy crashpad for at least 6 months? Another regional where the pilots are treated the same as a FA / ramper / gate agent / etc? Another regional because some guy with a business degree doesn't understand loyalty? I don't think so. I think that guy sticks it out at his current company, does everything he can to make it better for himself and those who follow. I think that guy hangs on until he is magically swept up to the heavenly grounds of the Majors. That guy is not leaving......BUD!