Quote:
Originally Posted by hvydriver
It means over 1000 good flying jobs are about to evaporate.
This is not good news,
even for UPS pilots. ASTAR and ABEX pilots both have relatively high value contracts, and their pay rates are some of the few that are comparable UPS on the cargo side (not to mention passenger ops).
This represents the potential loss of an airline with a pension, and, if ABEX and ASTAR ultimately fail (inefficient aircraft, loss of primary customer, slowing US and global economy), will further highlight the disparity between the few airlines that have, and the majority that do not. It will become increasingly difficult for pilot groups to get back to past levels in contract talks as the industry average descends.
The hardships of ASTAR and ABEX will directly impact all of us, even those of us who's companies will see growth from this deal.
I know pilots just 'fly the planes', but the compensation and benefits we receive for our efforts and performance become harder to justify as more of our brethren perform similarly for less. With 1000's of highly qualified aviators on the street now and the potential for many more due to these recent events, the requirement to put food on the table will make it increasingly difficult for those without steady employment to hold out, helping those of us who still are employed. For this job to remain a professional career, we need to make efforts to protect it, even if we're close to pulling the ejection handle ourselves (Have you seen how many of us are second generation professional aviators? What are the odds one of YOUR children or a child you mentor might be inspired to become a pilot b/c of you?)
There are 1000's of us out of jobs. Even if your company doesn't have pilots out on furlough, know that there are many of your fellow brothers who are in need. Do what you can to help their cause, our cause.