Bird,
You're not being consistent. If you think a 319 captain and a 767 captain are equal in pay then why would a former captain who is now an FO not be equal? And for the record I am not pissed, not an elitist, do plenty of walkarounds on many flights (hint, hint) and don't feel "entitled" to anything. I give up 12.5% and so do you. What is it about that that is unfair? And if you say its not fair because I make more money than you then I refer you back to my gallon of milk argument. You sound like a pissed off socialist to me. You are arguing on emotion.
The "perk" you speak of is the fact that I was hired before you were. That doesn't make me any more or less skilled than you. Only more senior. What you can't quite grasp is the issue of seniority. Everything we have done before has been based on it. Everything we do from here on in will be based on it. Your anger is directed at me (rather my seniority) and you expect me to give up something so your life is less painful. Simply because I was hired before you. Not gonna happen. You and I knew the rules going in and now you want to change them because it fits YOUR need and not mine.
But at least be consistent in your argument. We all have the same skills. So at least argue that we should all be paid the same regardless of seat. Try to keep emotion out of it. When you cannot argue factually you have no argument. Facts, not emotion, is what wins debate. Liberals have yet to figure that out.
Seniority is sacrosanct. Along with the percieved benefits or detriments that go along with it. Or would you prefer we started awarding Captain jobs and pay based on merit and job performance in the simulator and on the line? It cannot be both ways. Either you have a seniority system or you do not. Should we all fly 25 hours a month and bring back all the furloughees? Where would your charity end? After you got yours? What about the 3000 guys on the street? Is a 319 Captain and a EMB 170 Captain worth the same. Because if the 767 and 319 are then so is the 170. Do you see what I'm getting at? When and if we start growing again do we dock the 319 guys and start paying the 767 guys more? Next step: An Airbus 380 Captain will be paid the same as a CL-600 Captain. Sounds silly doesn't it? I say again America West pay started like that. We did not. Your argument is flawed. But I enjoy the debate.
Lakefield and the boys love it when we are at each others throats. But I'll tell you one thing. I voted against LOA 91. And I'll vote against a 12.5% pay cut. I will not fly jets around making the same amount of money that Lexus salesmen make. Regardless of how "financially troubled" this company is. My limit is very close to being reached. When that happens, you will gain a number. Thats the system. And it's not going to change.
mr
