Originally Posted by
NineGturn
It would depend on the individual. If that pilot who was displaced out of base had established a life there and got displaced to a place where he now had to commute...and take a downgrade in the process...I'd say the seniority system didn't protect him, it screwed him.
In my example, there was no seniority system. Seniority would have allowed him to bid to a different category and remain in base. Lack of seniority would allow the company to say "this is your new position, take it or leave it"
Originally Posted by
NineGturn
If the displacement was because of a competitor airline moving in on his old airline's territory I'd say the seniority system is what's preventing him from making a lateral job move by applying for work at the competitor so he can stay where he lives.
I don't disagree that this industry needs better job portability, but I don't think eliminating seniority is the ticket. Flattening the pay scales is. This is an experience-based industry. The lower rungs of the industry are free of unions and seniority. Yet, the pay is low. It's to gain experience to get the next job. Regional pay is low not because of unions and seniority, but because you need to gain experience to get a major job. Piston twin night freight pay is low not because it's an easy job, but because you need the experience to get a better job.
Originally Posted by
NineGturn
The seniority system is a cage no matter how you look at it. You can train a dog to feel comfortable in his crate but it doesn't mean it's not just a metal cage.
It may be a cage to encourage retention, but it also gives you some control of your life at that company. Removing seniority will make everyone have the unpredictability of being at the bottom of the list.
What do you see as a realistic alternative to seniority? Especially when it comes to bidding schedules and vacation.