Originally Posted by
Bond
Just to see if I understand your perspective correctly. You don't agree with your company getting the equipment, however, you'll fly them anyways. I'm honestly not trying to flame you, hence, the following question:
Will you, or any of your co-workers just fly them, or will you take advantage of the fact that you're in current negotiations, and try to get mainline pay for a mainline aircraft?
Honest question there Fred, since we're assuming that you guys have "no say" in the equipment that your company flies.
Since that's not anything close to what I said I'll try to clear it up.
#1. Do I want to see 190 size aircraft at a regional airline.
Answer.. NO
#2. If they are going to end up at regional airline would I prefer to be working for the company getting the growth or would I rather fall on my sword sitting in the right seat forever while another company flies the aircraft.
Answer.. Would you fall on your sword for me? Have you?
#3. Do I think it is wise to be the highest paid amongst the regional airlines.
Answer.. No, ask ExpressJet and Comair how that worked out. 2 steps forward 3 steps back. There is a lesson in that.
To summarize my perspective. I do not want 190s at regional airlines, frankly I don't want crj's at the regional level. 50 seat turbo props or less please. If we have them do I want paid for them, yes. I will not be endorsing any contract that does not pay our pilots (both seats) reasonable wages for equipment current or forthcoming. If however I were to show up to work tomorrow and have a E 190 on the release that I was supposed to fly will I, yes. It was not mine to give up and I am not going to end up out of a job because someone else didn't have the stones to stand up for theirs.
I believe that the code shares we fly for and their pilot groups have much more control over what happens at regional airlines than we at regional airlines do. But frankly they have their hands full with problems directly effecting themselves. Until work rules and pay are standardized between all airlines there will always be someone willing to do for less what someone else won't if it means personal gain no matter how short term. Do I personally agree with that philosophy, honestly no. It has been detrimental to nearly everything in the world, and clearly to this industry.