Lowdon & AnimalClub
Surely the employer pays only what is necessary to attract and retain the employees it needs.
As always it seems that the supply exceeds the demand - so a pilot's years of training, years of experience, years of being constantly checked carry little weight in the employer's mind when setting pay levels.
Factors that do carry weight are the costs associated with induction of new employees, re-training and maintaining the published schedules and productivity.
Who can argue with an employer who is having to sell for $39 a product which he sold ten years ago for over $250? A $750 Million profit is nice figure - but what is the % return on capital invested?
I think we'll see Airlines paying just enough to retain the Pilots they already have for quite some time in the future. I'd be looking for job security.
Times is tough!
Cheers
Bulolobob