PITbull said:
I agree with this thinking.
Whatever ALPA ends up agreeing to will ultimately effect every group and their negotiations.
For example: If ALPA gives relief to the company on the a/c number for mainline, or on their Define contribution, wages and workrules, and even a new amendable date, all labor groups would be hard pressed to have the ability to negotiate otherwise or something more reasonable to fit their members ability earn a livable wage to support their families.
Sorry charlies, I agree with the RC4.
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Not only at U. Whatever we do is being watched very carefully by the rest of the industry. If we let the express carriers fly 106 seaters for dirtbag wages, the rest of the industry will follow, or at least try. The same goes for all the rest. If IAM is expressed.......ALL IAM will be hit with the same treatment. CWA, AFA etc.. This is not something that can be allowed to begin.
This problem actually goes back to the early 70's when Allegheny and Eastern started the whole "Commuter" industry. You see where we are today. Pilots, Mechanics, F/A's CWA all slitting each others throats to undercut and undermine the entire aviation profession.
No longer is it airline A against airline B. Now we have 10 different factions of airline A destroying the livelyhood of each other.
As a pilot, I have turned down 3 different Captain spots at the J4J carriers. Why? Because I make alot more money flying a micro-jet around with 2 guys on board, and I have more time off than I know what to do with. However even I am feeling the effects of what is happening on the 121 side. As the airline profession is eroded past what a cabbie in New York, or a bus driver in Charlotte makes it is getting harder to keep the Corporate pay rates up as well.
To ALPA pilots......How low are you going to go? Is your training and education worth so little? IAM mechanics....Same question, 20 bucks an hour to ensure the safe operation of a 30 million dollar airplane with 10 years experience? Is that why you stress over making sure the repair is right and safe? Most car mechanics get paid better. CWA..13 bucks an hour? I guarantee that a good Agent with people skills can do double or more at a nice auto dealership on commission. AFA..Same deal. It takes enormous amounts of people skills to deal with the public, If you can F/A well, you can sure transfer that to other areas.
My point as I see it is this, There comes a time when the job is just not worth it. And its time to say enough.
If U is to die, then let it. But don't kill the entire career field off in the process.
Just an insider now outside and seeing clearly for the first time in years!