Originally Posted by
WutFace
While all the things you listed may be true, but I guarantee that management does not share this ego-flattering interpretation of the job.
All other professions that you listed have some way where individual talents are on display. A good lawyer, a good heart surgeon, a good architect will achieve individual recognition for superior work. Our profession, by design, is faceless. You are either satisfactory or unsatisfactory. You are a cog in the machine, and managers will treat you like the interchangeable resource you are.
So all this talk about being a white collar professionals and being treated as such does a disservice to the mindset we need going into negotiations. Too many pilots think they're a cut above a blue collar employee and it costs us unity. Our strength is in collective bargaining. Embrace it.
I didn't say otherwise, I said we have some blue collar characteristics. Organization and unity are critical. Other than that I enjoy most of the blue collar aspects of the job.
I don't disagree that management considers us widgets.
My point has nothing to do with ego, I've long ago satisfied any professional ego requirements that I may have had. Point being don't forget that sometimes you have to say no or insist on certain operational conditions. The FAA expects you to, and so do the pax. If you're not a professional you're just seat meat, ie along for the ride.