Hey man !
What a great post, thanks for sharing ! With all the JRM going on at ABX last year most first year FO's (yes first year) made around 7-8K a month without trying (that's 16K a month on second year pay). Company was still making money, that should tell you something. I wont talk about captain pay because those numbers make me spin.
There is literally no reason, and I mean zero, why you should get paid any less. It took you years to get to this point and you are operating a widebody Boeing. Like I said earlier I truly believe it is the new guys at ATI who will carry the company to a better contract as you realize the position you are in. The old people (well some) are in it for themselves. That's the beauty about ABX, the old people have their real frozen pensions and 7 figures in their 401K so wont take any more crap. The newbies at ABX know they can get hired anywhere so they wont accept any crap either. That's 100% unity. I can also tell you for a fact there is not one single FO under 45 at ABX who won't leave unless a good new contract / something positives with Amazon happens. Not one. The only FO who told me he is on a two year plan vs one is a guy who lives close to the airport and even when he bids reserve his QOL is ok. I get that. Even he told me though he is out if nothing happens. I know a few guys who have interviews the next few weeks at legacies. Imagine the pain Amazon will feel if all FO's walk out same time captains are retiring. Not pretty. And not necessary but the company is doing all it can to let everyone know they are not wanted nor appreciated. Wonder where that will end up.. so unless amazon buys us and atlas and turns it into their own good paying operation you are about to witness an epic mass exodus. Unless the company is smart and pays people a good and fair contract.
It's not 1992 anymore and worse case you can take your 121 time and be a street captain at a regional with a flow and just wait for your number to get called. And that is if UA/SWA does not call you first.
ATSG is starting to notice though that they are dealing with a new reality and a new generation. Did you notice how they totally pulled an ABX on ATI and gave ABX two more Amazon planes because the ATI guys where not going to play nice? Used to be the other way around
The BS ends when two groups realize they are being played against each other for no other reason than the short term gains of a very few, very rich.
The irony is ATSG could be so successful if they realized its the employees who make the company, but no, short term greed is more important than success long term.
Stick together, keep your apps out and leave your company a better place you found it.
303.