Airline Pilot Central Forums - The future of work

Airline Pilot Central Forums (https://www.airlinepilotforums.com/)

- Regional (https://www.airlinepilotforums.com/regional/)

- - The future of work (https://www.airlinepilotforums.com/regional/10024-future-work.html)

Quote:

Originally Posted by CE750 (Post 124217)

if his motive is as a "hater" and someone trying to rain on our parade then I agree, he's indeed a tool... but some of what he said in this thread is true.. FDX CA is not indicative of the wage/work rule situation at 95% of pilot jobs today.. FDX should be at the top of the food chain, as the company is making hand over fist, but there are far too many people flying cargo, pax and such at 1/2 to 1/3 FDX wages.. why? I don't have the full answer.. but we need to come together and find a way to change it.

i agree with you 100%...as i said we all know what the deal is...now each airline has to do their part to fix things..as UAL is doing as we and UPS have done(good contracts)...he is bitching about the rules and he is not even in the game....take care

Quote:

Originally Posted by sflpilot (Post 124036)

It's very sad, but most pilots really don't care what they get paid. They just want to fly. I would bet that even if some of them were homeless they would not complain as long as they could keep flying.

I wouldnt go that far sfl, this isnt a Great Lakes recruiting session is it? ;)

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkyHigh (Post 124020)

As the years pass certified plumbers, electricians and telecommunications workers will earn more than airline pilots and lower rung business executives. Hey wait a minute, they already do earn more.

SkyHigh

Hmmm, I dunno about that.

Job Posting in Hampton Roads VA for Electrician w/ 8-10 years Experience - $14-$18/hr. Even working your butt off you're talking <$35k/yr.

Working blue collar labor is tough, I've flown with several ex-truckdrivers and construction workers. Every single one of them was happy they made the switch.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Airsupport (Post 124083)

. most ups drivers are part time so they aren't entitled to benifits such as health care, 401k, and all the other stuff that workers should be entitled to.

Wrong. I drove for 10 years(FT for 6); didn't pay a dime for health. I was entitled to 401k as a PTer. BTW my last year I made 78 large, including grievances :). But it's a miserable, bust ass job.

My best friend in college actually quit a regional airline to become a UPS driver. Made a lot more money in the short run. Now he can't drive anymore because of back injuries.

I think Skyhigh frequently fails to mention the downsides of these other jobs.

Construction for example: If there's one business that makes the airlines look stable, it's the construction business. Who cares how much you make if you're out of work at every housing downturn? My construction friends are struggling for work right now.

Maybe contracting would be cool??? Oh yeah, one of my best buds is a 777 FO AND a contractor.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkyHigh (Post 124020)

Since being out of aviation I have been shocked to discover what the outside world earns for seemingly low rung jobs. Police, fire and UPS delivery men earn a regional captains wage after only a few years. My wife's uncle retired from delivering for UPS for 20 years and is very well off because of it. Last week a family friend accepted a position with a local auto dealership to be a finance specialist. His base is 80K and has the ability to hit 120k through commissions.

In America today we are blessed with a robust and generous university system. More than at any other time it is easy for anyone to get a college degree. Universities, community colleges and technical schools compete for students. All are interested in securing better pay and working conditions, but are they?

When one takes a look at the world of word the results seem puzzling. How is it that a ten year regional airline captain barely bests a UPS delivery guy? Why does a meth addicted construction worker net 43K per year in my area?

The reason is that increasingly people will trade pay and benefits for an interesting sounding job. Currently those with a little ambition and focus look to college for what they think will lead them to a better life and job. Occupations that require some skill and dedication in the blue collar sector are being passed up by people who think the rainbow lies with a higher education.

As the years pass certified plumbers, electricians and telecommunications workers will earn more than airline pilots and lower rung business executives. Hey wait a minute, they already do earn more.

SkyHigh

Please define a low rung job? I am a police officer and I think I earn every dime with what I deal with daily. In fact I think I deserve more

i agree that police officers deserve more, teachers deserve more, and pilots even deserve more. One problem that pilots will have is public support for high wages, as the majority of the public things we all make six figures anyway, and they also say that airplanes are easy to fly now....we've got "computers and such, and what do we actually do? take off, and land?" pretty common thought from the people in the back, akwardly enough, they're often right.

But we all know that there are days when we earn every dime and then some for the job we do.

Quote:

Originally Posted by HSLD (Post 124228)

Instead of attacking the messenger, what about the message?

Thanks... at least someone got my point!

Quote:

Originally Posted by N6724G (Post 124377)

Please define a low rung job? I am a police officer and I think I earn every dime with what I deal with daily. In fact I think I deserve more

Police in the SF Bay Area make anywhere from (after probation) $65,000 to $110,000/yr for regular uniformed police.. The same "Regional" Jet pilot living in the bay area makes the same $60-75K/yr working more hours, longer days, and having invested a good bit more into his training. No offense to any Policemen out there, as I know a few.. it's a job that has it's ups and downs, like many dealing with the public, but in the end, you're home most every day, and you're off 2 days a week or more (if you work long shifts).

There are a few ex-pilot cops out there.. I know one well.

You know what? All you guys/gals that think it's so much better being a fireman, policeman, nurse, blah blah blah - please go do it.

If flying is so bad and awful, why don't you just get out? Go be a fireman, policeman, nurse, blah blah blah. You can be home every night, make all the huge cash you claim these jobs make and be a much happier person.