Friends Don't Let Friends Fly American
10-10-2012, 11:00 PM
#12
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jul 2009
Posts: 581
Josh
Pilots do care what you think. First let me start by saying that I am not an American pilot so I cannot say one way or another what happened on your flight. I would, however, like to address what you perceive as unreasonable behavior on the part of pilots. Pilots from all airlines have tried everything that they know to negotiate fairly and in good faith with airline management. Management at some airlines seem more interested in the morale of the employees, while others view the employee as nothing more than red ink. Historically these managements have pushed concessions further and further and there is no reason to trust that they believe that there should be a limit to how far they can go. Negotiating with this type of airline management is somewhat like negotiating with a drug addict. After they get what they want, the desire fades. But, the “fix” is temporary and the craving quickly returns. Additionally, pilot contracts are governed by an antiquated (as you can tell by the name) procedure called the Railway Labor Act. A concessionary contract NEVER expires- it merely becomes amendable and the lengthy process that must ensue in order for pilots to be allowed “self-help” i.e. strike, almost never happens. If it does happen, after literally, years of pilots’ misery, the US government can actually intervene and demand the pilots return to work. (And you thought the industry was deregulated when in fact it was merely re-regulated) At some point pilots must take a stand. This is for your good as well as the good of the pilot. Ticket prices have been artificially low for years. So stop being a nice person/customer. Write that letter. Demand both a safe and efficient airline.
Pilots do care what you think. First let me start by saying that I am not an American pilot so I cannot say one way or another what happened on your flight. I would, however, like to address what you perceive as unreasonable behavior on the part of pilots. Pilots from all airlines have tried everything that they know to negotiate fairly and in good faith with airline management. Management at some airlines seem more interested in the morale of the employees, while others view the employee as nothing more than red ink. Historically these managements have pushed concessions further and further and there is no reason to trust that they believe that there should be a limit to how far they can go. Negotiating with this type of airline management is somewhat like negotiating with a drug addict. After they get what they want, the desire fades. But, the “fix” is temporary and the craving quickly returns. Additionally, pilot contracts are governed by an antiquated (as you can tell by the name) procedure called the Railway Labor Act. A concessionary contract NEVER expires- it merely becomes amendable and the lengthy process that must ensue in order for pilots to be allowed “self-help” i.e. strike, almost never happens. If it does happen, after literally, years of pilots’ misery, the US government can actually intervene and demand the pilots return to work. (And you thought the industry was deregulated when in fact it was merely re-regulated) At some point pilots must take a stand. This is for your good as well as the good of the pilot. Ticket prices have been artificially low for years. So stop being a nice person/customer. Write that letter. Demand both a safe and efficient airline.
Last edited by justjack; 10-10-2012 at 11:30 PM.
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