Originally Posted by
The Juice
Since when is this the governments job to levy a "pilot tax" on airfare. I am all for higher pay but this is nonsense.
The government has ZERO business meddling in the pay issue. Anytime the federal government interferes with private business we take one step further away from the free market capitalist society that made us great.
This is nothing like the Federal Minimum Wage act which is intended to determine a minimum standard of living for all people. Pilots make more than this so it is not an issue.
Juice, while I respect and do agree with where you're coming from, I want to further elaborate on my point.
Government regulation of the airline industry should be limited to the FARs. But if the RLA is going to continue to remain in effect, keeping labor's hands tied behind their back (effectively regulating the collective bargaining process that has helped keep capitalism in check which has also made our country great) then why not have the government at least help out pilots a bit with pay?
I want the RLA to be thrown out or at least amended just as much as the next guy, and that would be preferred over government regulation of pilot salaries, but you don't hear our congressmen or union reps crying foul about it at these hearings.
And about the pilot fee, I realize it would probably never work. But with all the other fees for everything else, maybe you just might be able to pass it by some people.