Time is right for a pay hike. Hear that pilots are considering forming an alliance for pay negotiations based on the alliances formed by the airlines (eg one world etc). Starting point for negotiations would be highest rate currently paid within the alliance, with raises based upon that. Have stated that if alliances can work in interest of the airline companies they can also work in the interest of the employees also (never forget that the guy at the top of most airlines is also normally an employee and doesnt own the company!!)