Originally Posted by
Beechlover
I've been in this industry now for 3 years. Been reading the boards quite a bit in that time as well. To be honest.., based on what I've seen, and read, and heard, I feel that this "solidarity" so many speak of is a myth, or at the very least a reality I will never see in this industry based on the apathy and indifference that exist. That and the "I got mine crowd" seem to me to be the biggest impediment to bringing any solidarity to this profession. We need a fundemental paradigm shift before any EFFECTIVE change will occur. Not likely to occur in my opinion. At this point in my career, my priorities are my health, my family, my career.
At no point in any of these threads have I felt the true spirit of solidarity that compelled me to change my actions with regards to doing my job or make a self sacrifice (read: fall on my own sword) so that those higher in seniority could continue to enjoy job security, prestige and, great pay. Sorry that's how I see it.
With regard to the E-190, do you seriously think that ANY pilot who cares about their family, their livelyhood, and being out on the street in THIS economy, Is gonna ACTUALLY refuse to fly it??? I don't know what world these folks live in, but I tend to focus on the real world.Employment at the "Legacy Carriers" is becoming less and less attractive to me these days. Don't think I'm gonna be heading in that direction. Threats are a little school yard don't ya think?
Pilots don't get to choose what aircraft their airlines fly, MANAGEMENT AND THE MARKETS make those decisions. THE ONLY thing we AS pilots have control over is the speed and altitude we chose to go from A to B. Not crazy about every decision thats been made by this airline's management, but that's life in the 121 world.
If or when it comes my time to fly the E 190, don't expect me to fall on my own sword. That is unless we all collectively intend to provide us (pilots who refuse to fly it) with either the unemployment income or another job..., any takers.., didn't think so.., so much for "solidarity."
I'm gonna continue to do my job as I would expect any professional pilot to do. If it makes you all happy, when or if our union ever gets it's collective self together, we'll see about better pay. Don't hold your breath. So there it is.., do with this what you will. Don't get me wrong, I love my profession, myjob and the folks I fly with, hell I even like who I fly for (RAH).
Imagine that, a pilot who actually enjoys working for the airline he flys for, what a concept.