I genuinely feel for the pilots at Pinnacle, I really do. I understand that you were in a difficult position. With that being said, I guess my feelings about this industry are vastly different than the majority of the pilot group there. I work under a contract and pay rates that are embarrassingly some of the best out there for a regional airline. I sit back and look at the big picture sometimes and I can't believe what we are paid. I'm closing in on 6 years here now and it will still be a while before I see a left seat. I am responsible for hundreds of passengers each day, and I am away from my family for at least half of each and every month. I miss holidays, birthdays, and other special events. At some point when the company comes asking for a handout you are forced to take a step back and ask yourself "Is this really worth it?" For me, and again I can only speak for myself, that answer is a resounding no. I would not accept even a penny less than what I currently make. I was one of those newbies with blinders on back in '07 that thought I would move on to a major within 5 years. I couldn't have been more wrong. As much as I enjoy flying, it is definitely at the breaking point for me. It's already not worth it, but to think of accepting something less would leave no doubt in my mind about leaving this industry. It would be a bitter pill to swallow. It would be hard to start all over in another career field, but it would be the only logical choice for me.
Again, I'm not trying to make negative remarks about the Pinnacle guys and gals that voted in favor of this. Everyone had to make the decision that best suited themselves. My point is only to share my view, which just so happens to be different than the majority it seems.