Originally Posted by
DAL 88 Driver
It is not a given that "equalizing costs" will result in "eliminating bodies." In fact, I think that is highly unlikely. They can do the same thing they do when the cost of any number of items goes up. They can either find other places to cut costs and/or find ways to increase revenue. That's what the executives get paid the big bucks for.
And speaking of big bucks... You're right. The market is different than it was in the 70's, 80's and C2K. So how is it that executive compensation has gone through the roof since then, while our compensation has basically been slashed in HALF? Again, it comes back to priorities and even good business management. It is very difficult to achieve success in a company if you treat your employees like cr@p. Smart business managers understand that employees are one of the most valuable assets to the business, not strictly a cost item to be minimized. We need to get back to good, sound, common sense, proven business and leadership practices, not the cold, ruthless, bean counter mentality we have today. In my opinion, you will be more likely to have continued, valuable employment conditions over your career if we fight to correct this now.
I agree with your philosophy on business in general, but in the airline world where seniority is everything and is not portable, our ability to vote with our feet is severely limited. As long as they don't go below the price point that you can make more doing anything else than you can flying you will stay. Your professionalism and your self preservation instinct will keep you doing the job to the best of your ability. You may be surly, but pilots in general have very little contact with the customer.
Where you see the impact on poor relations is in the lower rungs of the employment ladder. At JFK we hired rampers, got them trained then they promptly left for JB for higher pay. Southwest has made a living on doing exactly just what you advocate. They have reached the limits of their business model, though. Whether their corporate culture survive the passing of Herb and Gary, remains to be seen.