HVYMETALDRVR
Well-Known Member
In all fairness how many foreign countries forsake they're own pilots to hire Americans? How many poor slum-dog millionaire kids around the world look up at 747s flying over they're shanties just dreaming of a better life? But they are skipped over for more experienced Americans making twice as much?
OTOH imagine if DL decided that instead of hiring Americans they could be more profitable by cycling in Indian and Filipino pilots? Starting pay is 25K for FO and tops out at 95K for a 20yr 747 CA with full benefits but no retirement. The company would be far more profitable and even though experts say no one will ever fly DL now, Americans buy in because they are the cheapest tickets they can find. Meanwhile, the foreign pilots make enough money to live and after a few years can begin sending money home to help they're families due to the advantageous exchange rate. ALPA %^&** itself and files a lawsuit and immediately threatens strike, DL appeals and the legal red tape begins. Meanwhile DL tells any pilots that won't cross the picket line they'll be fired and begins to bring in EVEN more foreign pilots. DL's profitability jumps and becomes the top airline stock, Jim Cramer hits the bell and the industry reaches a new low.
For the record, DL is certainly one of the top, if not the top American companies I just used them as an example. Remember as bad as things are they could always be worse!
OTOH imagine if DL decided that instead of hiring Americans they could be more profitable by cycling in Indian and Filipino pilots? Starting pay is 25K for FO and tops out at 95K for a 20yr 747 CA with full benefits but no retirement. The company would be far more profitable and even though experts say no one will ever fly DL now, Americans buy in because they are the cheapest tickets they can find. Meanwhile, the foreign pilots make enough money to live and after a few years can begin sending money home to help they're families due to the advantageous exchange rate. ALPA %^&** itself and files a lawsuit and immediately threatens strike, DL appeals and the legal red tape begins. Meanwhile DL tells any pilots that won't cross the picket line they'll be fired and begins to bring in EVEN more foreign pilots. DL's profitability jumps and becomes the top airline stock, Jim Cramer hits the bell and the industry reaches a new low.
For the record, DL is certainly one of the top, if not the top American companies I just used them as an example. Remember as bad as things are they could always be worse!