They certainly don't act like a union. Most real unions work in solidarity with other trades/professions. However, ALPA couldn't care less.

 

Salty,

In my experience it is not a majority at all. Of my graduating class of 20 from college only two are still flying. Of my flight instructing buddies none are still flying. Of the regional friends who I have who are still employed as pilots most are only barely holding it together with the hope that something better will come along in the future.

I was laid off and could not find another flying job. I think theses posts show the raw hardship that is aviation for most.

Skyhigh

 

Sounds like someone has some pretty smart friends

 

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.

 

.......................

 

Now that I think about it, Thank god for the "English Proficient" endorsement on the pilot licence, Because with out that, we would all be hurting for work.

 

Porque? No te gusta sus amigos del sur?

 

100% right, Emilio! You'vre cracked the code.

 

I agree with that as well, the one big short coming is that some unions representing airline pilots, lack the solidarity within our profession as a whole.
Ramp Agents at our airline are represented quite well by their union. The make pretty good salaries, have excellent representation, and have a great contract. Although the work is different than being an airline pilot, I can tell you this, they make more money than what most pilots at regionals will make annually. The benefits for medical, dental, 401K, profit sharing are far better than what most airlines offer their employees. QOL is not bad either.

I don't want to compare ramp agents to pilots, but merely point out that with a good union you can get really good terms in your workforce. Some Airline Pilot unions have dropped the ball on things that have a strong effect on our profession. The Airline Pilots Unions have played a HUGE part in improving safety, and other significant areas, but they have been quite weak for improving pay, benefits and labor contract negotiations over the years.

 

Sooo, any info on vision airlines as far as jobs/hiring? a 1000 hour guy told me vision contacted him for Dorniers out of ATL.