Originally Posted by
SMACFUM
Your right, it's better to rationalize the pay rates and stick your head in the sand than to face the issue head on and try to do something about it.
Maybe if more people felt ashamed or embarrassed, and actually got upset about the state of the industry, instead of just rationalizing everything, things would start to change.
I don't think its so much a rationalization as it is a realization. 5-10 years ago both UAL/CAL and DAL had over 1500 airframes contracted out combined. By YE 2015 combined it will be just over 900. Its simple supply and demand, and the majors have the ability to put out these cut throat CPA's.
The realization is this.....is your goal to fly contracted work for the major, and improve the existence as a contractor? Or, maybe an understanding that with those cut throat CPA's comes very little negotiating leverage (PSA, ENY, etc) and the goal for many is to get in and out as quickly as possible.
I think most folks fall in to the "this is temporary" category and are focusing on getting out. It is a shame of how Mesa treats its employees, but the state of the industry enables that.