Originally Posted by
tennisguru
Last I saw more than half the airline commutes, so commuters wouldn’t need a single in-base pilot to vote for PSC.
But that’s not the point. I support an expansion of paid parental leave even though I’m not having any more kids and would never benefit directly from that. Well over half the air line doesn’t sit reserve but many of them support improvement to reserve rules. I’ve never been in the military but I think the company should give former military pilots a partial credit for being on tricare and not the company insurance. We’re a group of 17000+ pilots who each have their own wants and desires based at least partially on their “life choices”. If enough pilots are willing to take little to no improvements in other areas of the contract to do so then it’ll happen.
Personally, I don’t think the cost of obtaining PSC is worth it even though I’m a commuter. I want a contract with improvements across the board even if some wouldn’t current affect me now or ever, and lots of other pilots share that sentiment.
As usual, tennis hits the nail on the head.
As an aside, I suspect there is a statistically significant difference in pilots' feelings on PS between pre and post-covid hires, since we had PSC during Covid. Of course, during most of the time PSC was in effect (as extended by the Government PSP money), middle seats were open, and so it literally was zero difference in cost to the company (other than 200ish pounds of weight). I'm sure ALPA would love to point to the stats from the early part of that period as proof PSC is low cost, while the company would like to point to the stats from the tail end when the opened up middle seats and revenge travel started in the Spring of '22.
My point is that commuters who experienced PSC during Covid had a tangible experience that likely drives a higher desire for the predictability and stress-relief PSC provides. Those who don't commute, or or weren't part of that period likely have a lower desire for it.
I've lived both lives, and the number one reason I'll never commute again is the stress that came from the commute, particularly making it home after a trip. But while I'm sympathetic, I'm with tennis that I don't think I'm willing to pay the quid the company wants to get it. But I totally respect those who do.