Originally Posted by
ComeFlyWithMe
Yes I realize the above question is an invitation to flame me. And I will not dispute this. But I have an honest question and, as someone about to begin this career, I would like an honest answer.
Are unions to blame for the current state of pilot pay, QOL, and working conditions? Here is why I ask: After 9/11, when the major airlines were all losing money, they all went to the unions and begged for wage concessions. The unions, fearing massive layoffs, obliged, and the low pilot pay we say today is a reflection of the unions' judgement in that situation. I noticed that the people who WEREN'T asked to "make sacrifices" were the airlines' non-union employees. Not just executives, but everyone from the non-exec folks in the corporate office down to the baggage handlers. From my perspective, it looks like having a union is like having a spokesman yelling "cut my pay!," since it's easier to bully a single entity rather than a bunch of independant workers. Pilots used to make as much as engineers, architects, and lawyers. None of those groups are unionized, and as independant workers their employers can't cut all their pay in one fell swoop. It seems as though pilot pay has dropped because the unions legitimize the process of cutting pay. From what I've seen, only in a unionized workplace can management look every employee in the eye and tell them their pay is being cut.
What are your thoughts on this? I'd like to be enlightened here.
Excellent question:If truly studying and serious, go read some labor law and the RLA and it's application to airlines. Next, study the people in office when airline pilots fought against managements. (You'll find airline pilots court little favor with either of the two parties) Both dislike us in general. RLA is designed for employers and to keep employees at work.
Next: read history on salary slashing/job cuts of engineers in the aerospace indusrty. Architects and lawyers find competition at the paralegal/internet side.
My analysis: We need unions, members need to be engaged. Weak unions indicative of weak members. However, can't dimiss the market forces at play in the equation. If something is going in, you make the best landing you can with the altitude and airspeed you have.
Anyway, that is the biggest challenge, however, just look at the UAL/UAX jumpseat issue. Pilots are carnivores, we also eat our own. Unions protect us from each other nearly as much as they give some measure of protection against management.