You should apologize.

So your pay rates are up to the lowest paying legacies in the industry that had LCC wages forced down their throat six years ago? Congrats. The fact that you are bragging about just shows the mentality of your pilot group. And the fact that your group only looks at hourly wages proves that you guys need to sit down with a good ALPA E&FA guy to see how far you REALLY are behind. For example, UA guys get a 16% B&C fund and medical for my family costs $0 (zero) dollars per month for a good HMO. But your management guys are smart. They know hourly wages are bright and shiny and will dance that object in front of your eyes every time.

Without the help of a union? Please. The only raises you guys will ever see are trailing wage increases (this raise being a perfect example) that are earned riding on the coat tails of negotiated union contracts.

When (if?) the majors start hiring VA guys will leave in droves and more raises will be dangled in front of your eyes. Keep an eye on what's going on at JetBlue right now......