There may not be 8-10 year Capt at AA right now but their contract is in place so that when it does happen that 8 year Capt is compensated accordingly. We often forget that a contract isn't just about RIGHT NOW it is also about the FUTURE and that is why a wimpy 3% (as often referenced) at FDX would be a huge setback for our association. The AA contract is projecting a pay rate that will be attractive to new hires, fair to current employees, and provides some protection against cost of living increases for the FUTURE.

Many came to FDX with the expectation of industry leading pay, historical job security, and rapid advancement to the left seat. Well for me, two of those three no longer apply and as a result it makes that 4th night of hub turning much less tolerable and that 2-day at home recovery period often has me shaking my head in disbelief that I've chosen this lifestyle for the next 20 years.

Adequate compensation is what our association should be demanding! I also hope this contract delay has allowed our NC to reevaluate their position on what we are identifying as appropriate compensation for the schedules we fly, the conditions we fly under, and the challenging lifestyle we are forced to live because of it.