Originally Posted by
All Bizniz
Assuming that's true, then for 2023, yes, the rates could be as you calculated. Once they and SW get rates on par with the big 3 however, (assuming 2024), that's when we'll get to where we wanna be. It's not as fast as we'd like, but sometimes you just gotta give the medicine 💊 some time to work.
Guys, step back for a second and recognize the paradigm shift that has occurred. No longer can AS credibly use the "We can't afford to pay what the big boys are paying" argument in order to secure the infamous "Alaska Discount". Given the insistence of our union, and the current confluence of events within our profession, they've had to agree that our rates is to be compared with that of the big 3, as opposed to only that of the LCC/ULCC.
That cat is out of the bag and going forward, the arc of pay equality must bend towards parity.
Well, therein lies the rub. We did wait for the medicine to work. Three years we waited. At many times throughout those three years, the ailments for which we needed the medicine were pretty severe.
I agree that '24 will be the first noticeable step towards pay parity. But that'll be 1 year of equality before we head into years of negotiations. In the meantime, we're faced with being paid as much as $30/hr less than three, 737 operators, for 20+ months. 3 months ago, we were only $20/hr off that mark. Somehow we took a step backwards in the name of progress.
I know there will be those that say, "so what, we'll be the 4th highest paid 737 drivers then". To them I say, Never, Ever, in any meaningful competition, achievement based, reward system, has 4th meant a dammm thing. We deserve to be at the top of the podium. Why? Because AS pilots have busted their arses for 90 years and this group has earned it!
However, Biz, I am encouraged by the fact that, as you say, the cat's out of the bag. I hope going forward, every AS pilot realizes their worth and demands that top podium spot. The next orange stickers better read ,"Industry leading for Industry leaders!"