Originally Posted by
Sunvox
During the SLI, UAL-ALPA put up a graph showing the history of pay scales at both United and Continental. Up to 2005 United's pay scales were significantly higher than Continental's and had been so for over 3 decades. In 2005, you may recall, United's pay scales were set by a judge in bankruptcy proceedings. On no planet in the universe did any pilot at United expect that relationship to be maintained. Every United pilot expected pay rates would return to the pre-bankruptcy levels which historically had been higher than Continental's once the next opportunity to negotiate arose. That opportunity came with the JCBA at which time the union was able to negotiate rates higher than Delta's something Continental pilots had never before achieved. The relative pay rates you are using as an argument were not representative of the long term reality but rather were an aberration caused by the 2005 bankruptcy.
As to the point of 767-400 pay, I think it is a silly discussion. It should remain banded with the top pay rate. Why would anyone argue otherwise unless they somehow believe 16 planes are dragging down the potential max value. Delta pilots are arguing to bring their 764s up to our level. Let's not ruin their opportunity to increase their pay. Who knows maybe our NC can get the 767-300 banded up as well
I'm not sure what your first paragraph has to do with anything? You think your better then us? Mandlebaum! Mandlebaum! Yes United had a nice payrate pre bankruptcy, So did Continental pre 1983 Bankruptcy. It can take a looong while, multiple negotiating cycles to get back what bankruptcy takes away. We were both lucky to be able to use the merger to bulster both of our rates up.
The top rate was influenced much more by what Delta and other competitors had achieved for WB pay rates then by what the seat differences were between the 767-400 and other WB aircraft. I completely agree with your second paragraph.