[QUOTE=Wingdeagle;2304670][QUOTE=GogglesPisano;2302958]There are plenty of non-union airlines out there. Pilots are free to work there without having to pay dues. They can be full-on rugged individualist. They're mostly located in Miami, fly cargo, and offer exceptional pay and working conditions
You should check them out.
Freeeddooommmm!
No, most of them are not located in Miami, but scattered all over the world and fly passengers. They do not pay union dues, but sacrifice in many different ways (long commutes and keeping the pay scales on a very high level). Freeeddddooommm to come and go as you wish and to accept or decline contracts on individual basis: yup. But it's all a trade off. Some things work better for some than others. Check out my post 128.
Please don't pick on the guys flying cargo out of Miami. Many of them are heck of aviators, but perhaps for one reason or other never had a chance at the dream job you may be having. Perhaps some just do not interview well, but can fly the heck out of an aircraft, some may never have the right connections or people to help them to get to a major. Some choose ACMI, some fly for small airlines, some go overseas. These people do not harm you or your airline. They do what's best for them and try to put food on the table just like you do.
The majors are doing great right now and I hope it will last for the next 100 years. But we all know how this industry works. You never know: today you are cozy at a legacy, tomorrow you may on the street crying over your lost pension looking for ways to pay your mortgage.
Cheers :-)