Originally Posted by
CX ex
While you're certainly correct that airlines can indeed thrive while paying livable wages, it needs to be said why. Delta, United, American, Southwest etc.. do not pay what they pay because they WANT to, they pay that because they HAVE to.
Why do they HAVE to? Because the pilots (and other employee groups) are extremely organized and maintain their leverage. Something that has taken many years and in some cases some hard lessons. They have hard fought contracts that protect agains management threats and strategies as well as potential management threats.
Never forget why management and "leadership" is there. To make money. Only two ways to do it. Make more, or spend less. Strong labor unions ensure one of those options is more or less off the table.
Wot he said.
Add in the fact that the company does not care about you while money is being made from your efforts and you will have the starting point for any negotiations.