Originally Posted by
jc73drvr
Doctors do work for companies, except we call them hospitals, clinics, and medical centers. True some doctors have private practices, but either way I can assure you they all are members of the AMA. Can you guess why?
ALPA is a Union , they do represent a workforce of professionals. They negotiate contracts concerning work rules and pay. They can authorize a strike. ALPA is also chartered by the AFL –CIO.
By the way, what are the qualifications,how long does the training take and how much does it cost to learn how to drive a truck in comparison to an airline pilot? I am not knocking truck drivers at all, but there is a difference right?
If you don’t believe me, google it.
Look where this thread has gone, simple inquiry about a 121 supplemental carrier, to a debate on why the industry is so messed up.
Sorry about that.....
There is no question why the industry pay is messed up. What can we do to change it? All pilots, in solidarity, stop flying? It'll never happen. Senior guys look at the low pay of new guys and say "So? I paid my dues. You should too." They would never risk losing their job or seniority to help the "cause" of bringing pay up.
You are correct on the driver vs pilot training. Both have a quick way in (driving school or 0 time to cockpit schools) Just because you go to a school to learn the "basics" doesn't mean you're any good. Starting pay for a trash truck driver in NYC is around $62K a year, plus overtime. Starting pay for a first year FO, based in JFK...around $20K. Hmmm, something is wrong. I agree. ALPA can negotiate all they want, if the company doesn't want to pay, they won't, and ALPA will agree or the pilots will go years without a contract while they negotiate (like Pinnacle). Either that, or ALPA will agree to lower pay if there is a promise of better schedules or new planes...then that stuff never comes (Comair).
So, ALPA can negotiate like you say, but (I believe) they have no leverage in the negotiations.
I don't need to "Google" it. I've done both jobs for a long time. I know the training, I know the pay, I know the QOL.
Anyway, I hope that Vision does well. It is always nice to see an airline grow, and maybe give some pilots a job. Every airline started small and grew. Some failed, some made it, some became "Legacy" carriers. As for "low cost carriers"...SWA was small once, and so was Allegiant. They are both doing well.