WIDN-
Glad you like flying for a living. It's good to make a profession out of something you like. But, that being said, if you don't forcefully stand up for yourself, you're going to be exploited by management. As in any leadership endeavor, it you're expectations are low, that's exactly what you'll get. If so that's fine for you, but what about the guy sitting beside you that expects to be paid industry standard?? It really is all about MONEY. Money in terms of pay scale, time off, schedules, etc. In the aviation industry, if you're not unionized, you're crazy. That is, assuming that you have a good union - and evidently, from what I've read on PPRUNE, BALPA senior leadership seems to be in bed with management. And even then, the world's "standard" airline, BA, can't seem to make a profit, even in these good economic times. BALPA need to get some power and clout and make BA management compete successfully. Right now with Atlas Air, it's common knowledge that the company is on the road towards it's self-destruction and maybe it's only hope is that the union will force management to stop squandering money down ratholes, get efficient, and earn loyalty from its employees. Indeed, as funny as it may sound, it will probably be the union that saves Atlas Air. What the heck is going on over there? Wake-up guys!
[This message has been edited by Roadtrip (edited 26 March 2001).]