Originally Posted by Carl Spackler

OK fine, maybe it's just all the things you list above.

The problem is: 5,800 SWA pilots who were willing to let the rest of the industry fight the wage battles by never even attempting to lead the industry in pay. The problem is 5,800 SWA pilots that used the bar set by others through strikes and serious threats of strikes, and set their wages below that bar.

This history of SWA thus far is one of being users. Users of government protection after the rest of the industry lost their protection. Users of other airline groups to set the wage measuring stick below which you set your wages. Users of government favoritism to extract assets from other airlines when those other airlines attempt mergers or other corporate transactions. Users of the ATC system to get treatment other than "first come first served" in order to increase operational efficiency.

All this said, SWA management has taken these advantages and made a powerhouse of an airline. It would be nice to see SWA pilots stop using and start leading. Especially in pay as we all move forward.

Carl