A question about the RLA

I agree with all the points you've made, but when airline pilots have no pride in their job, and "don't care" what the public thinks, it goes to show how selfish and immature a majority of the pilot workforce is.

The public = the people who pay your paycheck. Not caring what they think just comes across as ungrateful and mindlessly egotistical.

The inability to see things from the other side absolutely bewilders me sometimes. Management may make a move and pilots will think "OMG WE'RE GETTING SCREWED!1111" when in fact it's a reasonably pragmatic move for the company (and unfortunately the pilots weren't the beneficiary). Also, the general lack of compassion towards the pax always drives me nuts.

Imagine you're going on a vacation to Europe. This is the biggest vacation of your family's life. You have spent $2000+ on plane tickets for your family of four. Then, the day before you're supposed to go to Europe, these selfish pilots all walk off their job illegally. Your $2000 goes to waste, not to mention your hotel expenses and other things you've booked. All because the pilots broke the law in a selfish selfish manner. Vacation of your life is ruined (the hotel was expensive and no refund = can't rebook within the next year) so Joe Pilot can make $110k a year instead of $95k.


Things like that are the reason the RLA exists. Going on these wildcat strikes accomplishes nothing. It's the equivalent of hearing a bunch of teenagers talking about how hardcore anarchists they are. "Oh, I get it. Anarchy means that you litter!"

With airlines using the BK laws to get around the RLA, and judges reinterpriting laws to favor management. NMB refusing to release unions for self help (in some cases 5+ years after said contract became ammendable) and the threat of pesidential order.

Things have begun to greatly shift more pro management in terms of contract negotiations. A strike was labors only means to fight the man and get his attention.

In these days and times, the threat of a strike just doesn't carry that much weight anymore. Just trying to be released to strike is an act of congress in and of itself.

So what really can labor do these days to fight back when management has the keys to the kingdom figuratively?

Love to hear your answers.
 
I really do, but I suppose it doesn't matter what I think.

Hey now, I wouldn't say that Lloyd. I got nothing but love for ya man. I think we just have to agree to disagree on this one.

Now does any of this mean I'm not going to provide the customer service and what not that goes along with my job? No, to do anything less than my best to get the folks from A to B as quickly, courteously, and safely would mean I'm not doing my job. It would also mean (to me) that I didn't care and that's not the case. I take pride in my work and my job and my appearance as much as I can. Is it wrong to desire other people to do the same? When it comes to pilots, we are all paid PROFESSIONALS. We should always look and act the part.

OK, enough thread crep from the RLA here...
 
Hey now, I wouldn't say that Lloyd. I got nothing but love for ya man. I think we just have to agree to disagree on this one.

Whaaaa?

NOOO!

The rules of engagement on the intarweb clearly state that you're supposed to simply disagree and continue replying until the thread reaches 15 pages, at which someone says "You guys all suck!" and "I'm going over to whatever.com where everyone's cool!" or "I'm taking my ball and going home!"

You're wrecking the process here, bub! ;) :sarcasm:
 
Dern it. Didn't mean to wreck a perfectly good cicular thread argument. DOH! I'll try better next time I promise.

Wait, no, I got it.

Lloyd. You're wrong and a poopy-head! :)
 
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