Originally Posted by
tnkrdrvr
Every job in the world, from Walmart greeter to 74 Capt, requires some initial training after hiring. The cost of that training is commensurate to the value added of the position being filled. An airline’s management won’t spare a second thought to its obligations to an employee before laying them off, if business interests make it expedient. A pilot attempting to attain employment at a solid career destination job cannot afford to be any less Machiavellian. These are business arrangements we are discussing. They exist solely to generate profit for those involved. I don’t know if military guys are any more or less Machiavellian about it, but I do know that any study of military history teaches that fighting fair is a losing proposition. Leverage every advantage you have and seek to minimize your vulnerabilities if you want to succeed. Airline guys lucked out (relatively) during this last black swan. Only a fool would assume that will continue. Nobody cares about your family finances more than you.
You're comparing honoring one's obligation and having integrity, to fighting a war? You think that dishonor and unprofessionalism somehow equates to winning a military victory? Really?
You're comparing and contrasting curtain climbing to the next shiny jet or the big brass ring, to an airline furloughing?
The cost of training a Walmart greeter isn't much of a comparison to the cost of training and type rating an airline pilot. The wage accorded both isn't remotely comparable, either.
You appear to believe that the ends justify the means. That is unfortunate.
These are business arrangements, you say. A pilot begs a job, is interviewed, and found worthy. He is offered. He is given the terms, and he accepts. He agrees to the wage, and to the job, and knows the investment the operator will make. He takes this investment, which isn't simply training for the job, ala glorified Walmart greeter. He receives a 20,000-40,000 dollar enhancement to his career resume, and unlike the Walmart greeter, his is a lifetime career professional career. His pilot certificate is enhanced with a lifelong professional certification, increasing the value of that certificate, and his value and ranking in future job applications . He is not ignorant of this investment, nor the value which it brings to him.
Having known the terms, and accepted them, having taken the training on an honor arrangement between him, a professional, and the company, three months later when a shinier jet, bigger jet, or better paycheck presents itself, he forsakes his obligation, shamelessly walks away with the investment from his former employer and no intention to repay that investment, and moves on.
Eventually, operators begin charging the pilots that follow, either through a training wage, training bond, or historically in some cases, payment up front. If you haven't been in the industry long, you may not recall a few years ago when this was common practice. Those unprofessionals who take the training and run end up defecating in the bed in which others to follow, must lay. It's not fighting a war, and there's nothing noble about the dishonor of taking the training and running away. Don't attempt to compare that to a professional soldier fighting a war. It's disrespectful to the soldier.