Originally Posted by
Voski
While most contracted, FFD airlines could certainly negotiate with their mainline partners in order to increase wages for their pilot group, the disadvantage they have over, say wholly-owned carriers (Endeavor, Envoy, Piedmont, PSA), is that the parent company does not have the same vested interest due to their business model.
Look at, for example, SkyWest - they fly for Alaska, American, Delta, and United. Increased pilot compensation without a decrease in profit means negotiating with four mainline partners. Moreover, SkyWest is a publicly traded company accountable to shareholders, so operating as lean as possible is even more important. They're not going to increase wages unless it's absolutely necessary to fill classes.
Agreed.
Example ExpressJet.
United was trying to do something via commutair that the market won't allow anymore.
With SkyW mostly being at street captain levels on the CRJ, the need for higher captain pay might be here whether they are filling classes or not.
OO vs 9e 900 pay.
The 9E pay is attainable when put in the context that lifers don't really make more under their agreement. Essentially the 9e deal simply shifts everyone <15 years of longevity up the pay scale by 5 years. Really low longevity guys would be bumped up essentially 8 years.
I might be wrong but I think the 9e agreement isn't even active yet, i'm patient for what's coming to all regionals. (if the world doesn't melt down)