Originally Posted by
Margaritaville
The difference is that a union contract protects a pilot when they refuse something on safety grounds and stop the operation. That's the biggest benefit to unionized pilots. I'm sure there's a reason why the Delta pilots are the only unionized group in the company. Supply and demand determines pilot pay. This is why contract battles are so stressful and drawn out.
Sorry, but you can make that same argument for all people that handle the plane. Plenty of awful pilots get protected by the union.