Originally Posted by
gloopy
Because in that case we'd just transfer existing pax that currently fly on us and our networks, including on our metal, to their hubs and their metal.
Again missing the point Gloopy... If AA flies to Doha and the pax connect to Karachi, Mumbai, Bahrain, Riyadh, Seychelles, Nairobi, why on earth do you care if they fly out Doha on QR under AA codeshare?! My whole point is that I'd like to see AA B-777 do the to/from sector under codeshare agreement from AA's hubs to Doha where they'll exercise that codeshare. That means more B-777 jobs at AA.
And in no case should we tolerate new ticket sales from other countries to and from the US on the ME3 as those were never part of any agreements.
You got your panties in the twist over Milan to JFK. Understandably so... but I think you need to go back and re-read what I've been saying - using the Gulf hubs to connect with ME3 codeshare and having US carriers provide some lift to the Gulf hubs because as it stands right now, we have pitiful presence here.
Please. First of all the ME3 are coming for them just as soon as they're done with the pax carriers. Secondly, the existing demand could be shared equitably between the involved nations. They still need cargo flown and we would still fly a lot of it. Finally, no one is saying to "rescind" open skies. Only that the agreements be fair and mutual. US airlines flying 2 777's to DXB in exchange for what will soon be dozens (and dozens) of 777's/A380's is a raw, one sided deal for us. You know that. This is why its being looked at and that is why the defenders of ME3 are so scared (and angry) about their little dual subsidized one sided gravy train coming to an end.
You may see a challenge to you from the passenger perspective. Fedex and UPS thrive on their overseas business and hubs. Atlas has long-term EY contract, and I regularly taxi past B-748's in AUH painted in Etihad livery where it says "operated by Atlas." They were also doing EK heavy lift if I'm not mistaken. UPS and Fedex maintain a substantial presence overseas and maintain hubs abroad as well. If we enable protectionist policies, you'd really hose those two.
Well technically aren't you supposed to pay tax on over 85K? Is that "uncivilized"?
Actually, FEIE is 98k now and that's not counting housing deduction or if your spouse is working. We are all required to report our worldwide income and file tax returns just like you. But unlike you, we are also subject to additional reporting requirements such as FBAR if your foreign accounts at any point in the year exceed aggregate balance of $10,000 USD, you need to report that to Dept. of Treasury.
Or how's this one for you... as an expat American, I am ineligible for many investment opportunities here on account of my citizenship. Why? Read up on FATCA (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act). For example, I was denied being able to purchase Whole Life Insurance policy here because of FATCA. Retirement account? Hahah... dream on.
'I was terrified we'd lose all our money': banks tell US customers they won't work with Americans | Money | The Guardian
Imagine this happening to you in the US.
I have no problem with an iron worker or telecom tech or whatever going to any country and getting the tax loophole break if they qualify, because what they are doing isn't a direct assault on US jobs and industry. Even an airline pilot in a market that doesn't threaten the US, like intra Africa flying for example. But what the ME3 are trying to do is incredibly hostile to the US and its workers in the aviation industry.
How's ME3 different from say Lufthansa? Or BA? Or Air France? All of these have more flights to the US than ME3. They already blanketed the US cities. Codeshare? What stopped US3 from doing this with ME3 early on? Yes, the ME3 are aggressive, and I want to see US3 become aggressive as well - not whiny and resorting to emotional protectionism and isolationism that just won't work.
Current US tax code is a primary recruiting tool for ME3 to attract US pilots to help wage economic war against our industry and workers. That can no longer go unnoticed. Don't worry, ME3 has more than enough money to pay those taxes for you, plus the tax on the tax they pay for you. It will just help make their costs go up to a more fair level. Cutting their Boeing welfare check will also help accomplish this.
Actually, it's not. Overseas, the pay structures are much flatter than they are in the US. In other words, new hires don't have to be on welfare for a year or two or three before they start making a decent paycheck. And again... most of us wouldn't be here if there were jobs back home when we came here. Now that there are jobs back home, most of us want to go home and forego these "tax benefits." But it's not so easy...
Stick it to the man then. I get your hubris. I do. I'm sure you're doing the expat gig "just to feed your family" or whatever. Well we have families to feed too and ME3 is on a scorched earth war path to take as much "food from our tables" as they can.
Some ALPA carriers did help by paying furloughed pilots health insurance via assessments. And we all know that even if ALPA provided health insurance for airlines that went out of business you'd still have taken the job you did, and you'd still be lobbying the same point of view. And if your airlines shuts down, or furloughs you or whatever, they won't be providing you health insurance either. But you knew that.
So in other words, we were left on our own... what would you do?
I'm not sure how much weight that carries at UAL, but I'm in favor of such a policy and think it should definately carry weight. So I agree that should be something we should do. But it'll never be a 100% flow, and you'd still have taken the ME3 job. Will ME3 help pay for the American ALPA brothers' health insurance and financial assistance if our carriers furlough and close down?
Uhh... read again about most American ME3 pilots looking to come back and why did most end up in these parts. It ain't to chase the "tax-free" lifestyle and getting chauffeured to work.
You do what you gotta do, and we'll do what we gotta do. Lines are being drawn and you have chosen your side. Good luck in the ME3's attempt to poach our international aviation industry. I'm sure you'll remember us fondly, if not smugly, from the left seat of your brand new wide body.
My side is with the US carriers as most of American expats'. We want to see US carriers flourish. Where we disagree is how to go about it. It would behoove you to listen and not be a know-it-all.
I've stated several times that we should hire ME3 pilots with extreme prejudice. All at once, for a crippling effect on those predatory airlines. At least the ones that would be willing to come back. I've heard of several getting hired, but I don't know how many relative to how many have active applications in. What percentage of current ME3 pilots would you guesstimate have active apps in at US airlines and would come back (as a new hire FO or perhaps a furlough bypass that still has recall rights?)
Agreed. I would say at least 70-90% would come back and start over on the bottom of the list. That's a pretty big number. Just yesterday, I was hanging out with a friend from EK (B-777 captain in his mid-30's). He's been trying to get in at US3 or SWA... no luck so far. Has a degree, thousands of hours of jet PIC.... no luck so far. Would have the biggest grin on his face being a narrow body FO at a major back home, and that's the sentiment shared by most Americans abroad.
And yes, you're right, it would be a major kick in the groin to ME3 if American pilots were hired en-masse back home... but we know that ain't gonna happen.
You also need to drop this notion that US pilots at ME3 are your enemy. You couldn't be more wrong if you tried...