Originally Posted by
Knobcrk1
That's my point, how do you negotiate when you're brainwashed into thinking you're in the "minors". You can't. Alpa is partly to blame in perpetuating this mentality. It's amazing how even in this market, places like Mesa and Skywest pass subpar contracts with big pay gaps with the majors. Management can pay more, but they don't have to when we're voting in these agreements justifying them somehow.
I don't know if "brainwashed" is the best descriptor. I think there are a lot of factors in play. If you want to blame some of the "inertia" in the industry perpetuating the "regional" stereotype, I can agree with that and I sympathize.
But, here are some other frank and possibly harsh realities:
The aircraft "express" type airlines operate are usually smaller and therefore less productive on a per seat mile basis. Mainline typically pays their smaller aircraft pilots less than the larger more productive equipment, so there's precedent. If the mainline's smallest aircraft is an A319, that's still going to "out-seat" an RJ by at least 50%. AA's 319s hold 128. So, you got that going against you.
Hiring minimums are usually higher at a major airline. They pay more because the pilots they hire have the experience and the hours that airline wants. In this current environment, most likely, if you met or better yet, exceeded those qualifications, you'd already be working there. When I was a carpenter's apprentice with less experience than the rest of the guys working on the job, I didn't get paid as much as they did. I did the same job, sometimes worked harder than they did. Our employer valued their experience and since I had little, I had no way to command the same pay. That's just life as a new guy starting out in any field.
But, the main thing is that new guys, looking to get experience and willing to work for lower wages
keep showing up. Not as many as years ago, hence the bonus money and up-tick in wages at many RJ airlines. The massive hiring at major airlines and the effects of the 1500 hour rule (if it stays) have finally forced these airlines to start paying to attract pilots. But if no one showed up to take these jobs (I know, unrealistic) they would have to make them even more attractive. If these sub-contractors were unable to fulfill their commitments, maybe the mainline would have to fold all that flying back into their airline. More mainline jobs is a good thing for everyone. I know that's all a pipe dream but it would work if it happened.