Originally Posted by Groundpointfife

You want to know what really keeps pay too low at the regionals, the mindset that we can't have one union between all of the regionals (I am not talking just everyone join ALPA, but rather a regionals only union), or the idea that having so many regionals is ok.

Being realistic and saying well AA, DL and UA won't pay a penny more to their regionals until they are all getting the similar pay means either it happens slowly as each regional negotiates for better pay, or until ALL regional pilots can say enough is enough. Unfortunately where Comair failed is that Delta had choices of other regionals. That is the problem you still face today, where all regionals do not act together. Lets say that Republic wanted to do something, well guess what it will only be a short effect and they will lose flying.

If AA, DL or UA only had 1 regional partner, they would have to give them what they wanted. The same would be true if all regional pilots would only work for certain conditions. It is not realistic to tell someone, don't go fly for a regional until they pay fair wages (otherwise none of you would be in the industry right now). So having one voice with all pilots members would effectively make it the same as AA, DL or UA having one partner.

Here is my projection, regionals are giving higher compensation as time goes on, and you are correct, RJ pilots do more hard work for less money. But as the bonuses and compensation approach entry level mainline pay, we will see lowball regionals fold. GLA sounds like it is actually on its last legs. They are doing pay deferral (not paying employees), and are behind on lease payments by $80,000. Next will be places like Mesa. Possibly we will see consolidation of airlines like TSA, GoJet, Compass. As this all happens companies will be able to afford the higher wages, but there will become a point where mainline management realizes that it is better to insource the flying. What will be left is the big 3, Alaska, LCCs and wholey owned regionals. SkyWest will probably still be around.