When the SLI happened, I didn't really like the pay banding, but it was a compromise to get the contract past. Now, I am starting to like it.

Why? Moving from a NB to the 757 pays so little, why do it unless you can get better flying. You won't move for 15% pay. Same thing going up from there. The 764 pays the same as the next pay band. Again, no economic pressure to move up.

The 764 and 787 will also be with us longer than UAL's 763 and 744 fleets. The 787 fleet is going to be HUGE. I think getting these two at the highest pay band will pay off for the pilots in the future.

Of course, there will always be those greedy souls who will move up for a few percent, and then commute to sit on reserve. Then beach about it.

I know the pay banding was about attempting to move the needle during the SLI process. Going forward, I am not sure it is a bad thing.