Pilot, I somewhat disagree. To me it is a job. The 57% are simply the over 55 gang (Geralization, I know there are exceptions)who throw everyone else under the bus to stay in the left seat that they have been in for 20 years. They are big time scared of change, have very little self confidence or their EGO requires the left seat and they would do anything and I mean anything, to stay there. I still see them, even today whith all we know and all that has happened to us, they still operate in the least safe manner. They would, today, take another paycut. I am sure they would take another 50% as long as they could stay in the left seat. They are easily identifiable if you look around. They still wear certain items that are no longer required by the company, but their ego requires they wear them. It is my personal opinion that the company knows this, that is why we have had very little real progress on the combined contract. Sorry I am so harsh, but it is time to get tough with our own. In times past, ball bats would have been used to ensure the rank and file were in line. Now all we can do is attempt to humiliate them.
You got everything correct except for your second sentence.
It is not just a "job". That is what managment wants you to believe. You know what it took to get there. You know what it takes to stay there. You know the responsibility you hold and what happens if you make a mistake.
The education, training, physicals, checkrides, and respsonsibilities etc..... make it much more than a job. Do not sell the profession short my friend. A job is what they (both management and the GAG) are trying to turn it into. It is up to us to try to stop that agenda.
Your words, nor mine, are not harsh. They are the truth. Sometimes the truth is harsh.
pilot