Originally Posted by
LostInPA
I'm thinking that as a worst case scenerio, we can let this typical 10-minute government temper tantrum about commuting run its course. Management dances around the 'cost of living adjustment' issue in pilot pay by talking up the concept of commuting.
Looking at how practically every carrier bases in ridiculous cost of living areas I'd say that even management may push Congress to back off this initiative. Because after all, if a crew member is fatigued, wrong as it is, management tries to throw the blame our way.
A two-leg commuter to an outstation base,
-Lost
Ultimately, the ATA is going to be with us, not against us, on this. If junior FO's (especially regional FOs) actually have to live in base, starting pay is going to have to go up. There aren't enough trust fund kids out there, and I really don't think folks are going to shell out $80-100K for a job that will require them to live in a slum tenement. A few will of course, but nowhere near enough.
Also if pilots have to pack up and move everytime they upgrade/transition/etc then (most) spouses are not going to be able to hold down a good job...pilot pay will have to go up to compensate.