I tend to think that any affiliation with a
pilot union would automatically put us in
second place, and also that they would not
want us. I think much of the problem with
maintenance representation at carriers is due
to contracts that are providing coverage for
too many diverse occupations (eg: baggage
handlers far outnumber technicians at most
airlines)Air Canada technicians are lumped in
with ramp, baggage, *pastry chefs*, and I
forget what all else. I am not being superior or judgemental to these people, but
I don't see how an AMT, AME,A&P can ever
achieve the status due when hugely outnumbered by groups with vastly different
interests and goals. Regarding the malaise
Jango mentioned, I read an excellent article
a few years ago about the difference between
pilots and maintenance technicians. The
upshot of it was that most technicians are
self-rewarding (take pleasure in a job well
done, and don't need outside approval) where
pilots are generally desirous of outside
approval. Apparently we also like to take
care of things ourselves, and don't like to
admit we can't do something. Pilots have no
problem being a squeaky wheel if it gets them
what they want. My point is, I don't think
it is necessarily a malaise on our part (I'm a Canadian AME, Jango, same thing here!) but
more of a personality type that chooses this
line of work, and we may be our own worst
enemies when it comes to asking for the
compensation we are due. I'm hopeful the
technician shortage will give us a big boost
in negotiating power, but also think power
through shortage isn't the full answer to
attaining the degree of respect most of us
would like to have, but don't like to ask for. (or DEMAND!)