Originally Posted by FlyJSH

"our Life Capital"
We are tools, machines, mules. We are labor, Skilled labor yes, but labor just the same. To the company, our lives are only worth what we can provide them and how much they can be sued if we die. What is the difference between Chuck Yeager and a barely-pass-the-checkride pilot? Nothing. We both are "qualified" and do the same work.

Actually, flying IS piecework. We move X tons or our plane has X seats. We get paid more per ton or per pax: don't believe me, check out the pay rates at most (if not all) of the legacies and majors. They pay more for aircraft that can carry more. Is flying a 777 significantly different from flying a CRJ? No. Both take off, fly a route, and land. The DIFFERENCE is one carries a great deal more responsibility: 450 pax means nine time the number of lawsuits versus a 50 pax jet. That's why the guys that fly heavy iron are paid more. (However, if you think that is wrong, change the contracts. I would be thrilled to fly my Saab and make the same as an B747 pilot)

So, Rob, assume for a moment ALL your company's flying was done by mainline employees. Since we all do the same work, would you be willing to fight for my pay to be the same as yours despite the fact you carry 10 times as many pax?