Originally Posted by
fosters
The words "unified" and "equitable" shouldn't be used in the same sentence. As a union, IMO, pilots artificially inflate their value.
If you want to look at what the "true" market value of an airline pilot's wages would be, look to non-union carriers such as jetBlue, Virgin America, and skybus.
Total compensation shows that it's not artificial at all. Compare by fleet and seat, and you'll see unionized pilots make more money, have better benefits, and enjoy a better quality of life.
The beauty of capitalism is that the fair market value is what you negotiate. What you want it to be, and what it is, is sometimes disappointing.