Originally Posted by
DryMotorBoatin
That's a valid point. BUT...I'm assuming those additional planes would be flown by people already on the United/Continental list. You could use the argument that those would be furloughed recalls and theyd be happy to have "a" job back but it would regardless result in alot of people taking serious paycuts. I do agree that it belongs at the mainline but what makes the difference who does the flying as long as the crew is makin $50k and $18k? Airlines are looking to cut costs and increasing pay isn't gonna do that. I can't imagine them keeping that scope language that would completely eliminate several regionals from existance.
I'd say it makes a big difference who flies them for 50K a year. At a regional you have to start over again at the bottom when you get hired at mainline. Another thing is the regional (under)staffing and other QOL issues that will make for a much better life of the pilots in terms other than pay.
At mainline you may make 50K to fly the RJ but you are already at mainline and just get to sit back and build seniority and retire. Then you get the mainline staffing levels trip/duty rigs, etc. It would be much better to have RJs at mainline even if the pay rates stayed low for a little while.