Originally Posted by satchip (Post 703800)

Simple answer. If FO wages are two low for you, go do something else. Go earn a better living. Stop whining and asking the Government to make your life better.

Wages are based on the marketplace. Entry level regional FOs are paid crap because THEY CAN! They can make 'em like potato chips. Crunch all you want, we'll make more! Maybe, just maybe, the new law requiring an ATP and 1500 hours will change the marketplace. There is your government action.

Originally Posted by satchip (Post 703856)

The fact is the RLA does exactly what it it supposed to do. It keeps labor unrest to the transportation system at a minimum thus ensuring a reliable efficient system. Remember it's all about commerce, not your wages.

Now the loony left wants to tinker with the RLA with respect to ramp and service workers. We may all decry the RLA but imagine a country without it. It's easy if you try, just look at France and Italy. Every other day there is a transport worker strike. Does anybody want that here? Sometimes it's not about you. Like it or not the RLA benefits the nation as a whole. Doesn't do us much good, but it is bigger than us.

Originally Posted by FlyJSH (Post 703861)

let's see, 100 pax times 400 kts = 40,000 pax miles per hour

34 pax times 250 kts = 8500 pax miles per hour

19 pax times 250 kts = 4750 pax miles per hour

You must really hate prop guys.

Originally Posted by captjns (Post 703883)

Hey... here's one.... the airlines and unions agree on a pay and benefits package, as well as scheduling guidelines. Then management can reduce pay, terminate retirement benefits and violate scheduling guidelines, of course subject to the endorsement of the unions.

Oh wait... that one is already out there.... oops.

Originally Posted by RemoveB4flght (Post 703765)

No, I didn't say that with a minimum wage there wouldn't be bailouts, I made the argument that if the government is permitted to step in and mandate an "airline pilot" minimum wage, it sets a precedent for them to set a cap on pilot wages as well.

As was stated by another poster... they already have enough influence through the RLA.

What was being discussed wasn't pilots making the already existing federal minimum wage, but establishing some new arbitrary HIGHER amount because of the notion that pilots are more special than everyone else, and shouldn't have to hold a second job or live at home with their parents, as Oberon stated.

If you were "duped into this profession" by the promise of big money, and are now upset that it didn't materialize.. then it's up to you to take ownership of the decision you made.

My post was intended to highlight the increased reliance people have on the government to remedy the bad situations or decisions people find themselves in.. and my desire to keep it as far away from my finances as possible.

Originally Posted by Flyby1206 (Post 703747)

Maybe airlines can get approved to become Non-profit organizations. I know there are some serious tax breaks to be had with that, and we for damn sure arent making any money!

Originally Posted by beeker (Post 703942)

The RLA has nothing to do with the pay problems. It is the seniority and longevity systems. If either of those two could be transferred from company to company you would see people bail from the low payers faster then they could raise the pay. Even if payscales differ people aren't willing to give up seniority. Also if you have 7 or 8 years of longevity there would have to be a very big pay scale difference to go back to 1 year.