Originally Posted by
ebl14
The main question that comes to my mind about all of this is: How have the regioinals ended up with such poor working conditions compared to the major airlines. Granted, the way major airlines working conditions have regressed since deregulation, they are more likely going to meet with the regionals work rules than seeing the regionals improve that much. But, that being said, how come they are still so much better right now? Is it the fact that the older guys just end up calling in fatigued, or sick when they work a 14 hour duty day, reduced rest and another 14 hour duty day? Or were our roots as commuter airlines actually worse than now and we have already made improvements? Is it a lack or spine? Is it a lack of unity? Is it a lack of bargaining power? If you know why feel free to share...
Right now i think it's a fact of supply and demand. The supply of pilots supperceeds the demand. In addition, just as every Dr. knows there is a "residence" step in the process, every pilot knows and takes the first FO job as such a step. It has always been that way I don't know why. Time for change?? The recent change for the pilot is that today the "residence" has been pushed into lasting 1/3 of our life time of the career. I think it is due to CEO's knowing our lack of options such as no lateral career, the profession is too specific. We are stuck. We only sacrifice all to get here cuz we love it. Unless we want to give up on our dream and somehow disregard the $50,000.00 debt we have, only to start all over again in a newdirection, education and additional debt, we have no options. Wikipedia definition of, rock and a hard place should= Airline Pilot. Airline CEO's are good at their jobs. I hope there's a special place in heaven for them.