Originally Posted by
Lab Rat
Uh, actually I remember my history quite well, thank you very much. Do you remember New York Air, Eastern, Texas International, and the old Continental?
In case you misread me, I want to clarify that I was not defending Lorenzo. In fact, I think what he did was criminal. But, the fact that pilots are more unwilling to leave this profession for another actually helps the likes of people like Lorenzo. All I'm saying is that he probably knew that and used it to his advantage.
Oh believe me, I remember all too well unfortunately as a few members of my family were greatly affected by both Texas International and the Old Continental.
For some is not a matter of willingness, but rather the byproduct of circumstance, if you're making 6 figures as was the case of many in those days, it was extremely hard to just walk. A strike is one thing, but leave the profession altogether is another, and for some is not entirely an option, so I really don't see it. I could see leaving a certain outfit for another if you have the means to take the cut, but certainly not leave the industry. Quite frankly this was not part of Lorenzo's strategy, he was more of an executioner, but I see you remember your history now.
Originally Posted by
Lab Rat
Because of Sicilian business "consultants" who take an interest in workers rights?
Easy there boss, you might wake up in the trunk of a car
Originally Posted by
Lab Rat
Not necessarily. I know several nurses who do much better in terms of pay, benefits, and time off than a lot of friends who are regional captains - and part of the analysis is the fact that they complain less than my captain friends. Anyways, hospitals are out to make a profit as well, and nurses are typically in high demand and non-union. Typically, because there are a few exceptions.
That's why I said the transportation industry, I have no expertise to speak of when it comes to other industries, but I will say that the fact that demand is high and supply is low certainly plays a huge roll on what they can get. Not the same with us, not yet!!!
Originally Posted by
Lab Rat
Of course they are, that is their job. And the job of our unions is to try to minimize or prevent those concessions. You can keep the higher wages, but when your competitor is paying 50% less because that is what the labor force accepts, it won't be long before your company is out of business - all other things being equal.
I agree, illustrating my point. If it was up to management we would be paying them to work, proving that unions are a necessary evil. It's a matter of getting everyone on the same page, which management has successfully been able to deter by turning us against one another. With the exception of gojets, I believe we should all be trying to fight the same fight regardless of which union we belong to, which is why it is so critical that everyone negotiates the best rates and work rules possible as their contracts come up...we set the stage for each other, and in doing so, we begin to eliminate the companies that try to do this for "50% less" (a bit of an exaggeration there but I do get the point).
In essence I believe we're trying to address the same issues from different angles, but I do appreciate your point of view.
Bond