Originally Posted by 654G

I posted my last question on page 15. Since then the thread has reached page 21, and the vast majority of that has been a group of people vilifying one other person.

Your dislike for the guy’s opinion became crystal clear by page 16 (and on other threads), and the reasons even more so – after a while it just denigrates your own stature, and ideas, among those of use who read, and value the practical, and non-emotional posts.

Hopefully your service with the company will be rewarded with the contract you deserve – you operate largely on the eastern corridor, with all of the challenges that entails. That is deserving of the highest level of compensation.

As for what your fellow pilots think merits a ‘yes’ vote? I worked for a company with which we were negotiating our first contract. I, and a little less than 50% of my fellow pilots voted against it, so it passed. One of those who voted for the contract told us we shouldn’t be doing this job if we didn’t have a wife who had good health insurance (he had both). Of course up until then, we didn’t pay any premium for health insurance, and we knew that once that door was opened, it would only open wider. People see the world as it works for them, and that doesn’t mean it’s logical, or rational, or fitting for the long-term benefit of everyone.

The divisive state of the country’s politics should make that aspect of human nature patently clear.

I sincerely appreciate the information that people provided. A little disappointed that, 21 pages later, a realistic average figure of what someone might expect to take home, in year 1 and 2, with all of the bells and whistles benefits, is still illusive.

The ALPA comparison (combined with the W2) was very helpful and, at lower pay levels, you really need the insurance and other options, in case you or your family have a misfortune. Bit of a catch 22 – you need the protection at the lower pay level, but you can’t really afford it. That’s the elephant in the room for those of us contemplating coming aboard.

Finally, I have a great deal of respect for your pilot group, after having read the different threads over the last while. You work in the toughest conditions, the most expensive parts of the country, the most challenging airspace. Reading of the 2 hour reserve call out – it was replied to by people who made the drive to work imaginable, including the tolls.

The posts regarding red eyes were vivid – I’ve done my fair share of them over the years, and they are a killer.