Originally Posted by
dracir1
Fair points.
Perhaps you're right. When I was hired 10+ years ago, my thought process was simple - this airlines is the new SWA (who started out paying its pilots less but as it grew, compensated them appropriately to where they are the highest paid now). Of course, Franke is NOT Kelleher but why would anyone take AND STAY at a job 100% knowing they'll never get what others who do the same get?
The answer is - they wouldn't. And you can stop w/ the "un-hireable" silliness - if F9 hired someone and they have the hours and don't have a DUI since, they're attractive to every other airline. The problem, as you have pointed out, is hope. In this business where seniority requires that you pick the right horse from the start, we all hoped (not expected but HOPED) either mgt would eventually come around (ala SWA) or that we as a group could force the issue (via unity and self-help). As they say, hope is not a plan but it is something real to many people.
Maybe that's a pipe dream, maybe not. Every contract cycle is the chance to find out. Personally, I don't think the pilots here at F9 have the necessary unity but I'm on record stating that I actually WANT to strike - one because I already know the POS TA that we'll end up getting won't be enough but also out of curiosity to see if the RLA is viable. But I have issues so . . . there's that.
As for now, given the years invested, that's all I can do until our new TA becomes an AIP and the math favors leaving. Then I will collect my retro check and leave.
You do realize we have the greatest job in the world and will be making WAY more than we ever dreamed possible just 8-10 years ago.
Maybe I’m just speaking for myself but I look at my friends and family and the garbage they put up with at work (doctors, lawyers, plumbers, accountants, landscaping, etc.). It all sounds way worse than the stuff I deal with the 10-13 days a month I work. Not to mention I’m looking at a minimum of a 42% raise in my overall compensation.
Do I wish I was paid on par with legacies - of course. Am I still going to make more money and continue to spend a ton of time at home with my family than I ever thought possible: yes.
Don’t get caught up in the moment. We have the best job in the world and will be paid more than we ever thought possible (notwithstanding the pay will be less than legacies) when the time comes.