So, what are we really worth?
Seems that pilots, like school teachers, and bus drivers as well as other career types, all believe they are worth more than they are being paid - difference is, the other industry workers seem to have all their shyte in one sock and can negotiate with their particular industry leaders and achieve a gross increase in pay that seems to be above CPI or inflation - even if it appears that they hold their industry hostage on occasion to the detrement of the end consumers ie hospital patients, bus passangers, etc.
So, the question is - who has a solution to propose changes to the body representing (and being paid 1% of wages) to do something about the state of play? See the way I see it is that the consumer / customer in MOST instances governs the final price, and if they dont, the consumer goes elsewhere. Unfortunatly, there aint elswhere to go unless another organisation is set up (heaven forbid - the divide and conquer rule at work again!).
I am sure that if the members of this organisation (or any other) feel that they are not being paid what they think they should be paid, its simple, members should come up with an agreed "wage", propose this to their representing organisations, and then if there is nothing done about it - stop payment on their annual fees! - it wont take long until that organisation feels the financial pinch, and then decides to act on behalf of its members as a UNITED FRONT!
Further question:
those that do winge about pay and conditions - what do you think we are worth?
Single engine UTBNI 5700 kg?
Multi engine UTBNI 3300kg?
Multi engine > 3300kg, UTBNI 5700 kg? (Command / F/O)
Multi engine > 5700 kg, UTBNI 100 seats? (Command / F/O)
Multi engine > 100 seats UTBNI 200 seats? (Command / F/O)
Multi engine > 200 seats UTBNI 300 seats? (Command / F/O)
Multi engine > 300 seats? (Command / F/O)
additional allowances:
IFR pilot
Instructor pilot
Turbo-prop pilot
Jet pilot
Other aviation industry employees:
F/E - if there are any left?
Trolly Dollies?
Ginger Beers?
Bag chuckas?
Catering?
Check-in staff?
anyone else you can think of?
THEN add these costs together and ask yourself "if the airline or operator that I fly for has the above fixed costs, plus the rise in fuel surcharge (if not passed on to the passengers), and needs around $XX on the aircraft I fly, to achieve this, a YY% sector load factor is required, is this going to see me out of a job if I ask for this OBSURD pay rise because the company has gone into liquidation, or am I better off asking for a smaller realistic pay rise and having a job over the longer term that I will be happier in?
BTW, I am not a bean counter, so I am sure there are other costs I have overlooked!
Additionally, have the LCC's set the industry up with a false economy, and it is on the brink of collapse? (I personally think not)
Also, are we seeing the long term ramifications of the GST in our industry whereby it is almost cost prohibitive to those except the gifted with daddy's silver spoon in their mouths (perhaps it is those in this position that are not happy with the fortnightly yeald that these newfound skills deliver to their back pocket?) to learn the skills of the trade, thereby creating a shortage in the "experienced pilot" area and what negotiating power does this give the piloting fraternaty in asking for mure $$'s in their fortnightly bank account both now and in the future? - Perhaps the representing bodies should be lobbying the Government for tax relief to operators as well, but then pilots wont be happier with that if the Government reduces the GST on aviation because then it would be more affordable for students to learn how to fly, and there will be more competition in the job market, and then it becomes an employers market again and so the wheel goes around again!!
Now I am all confused, hot and bothered, and put in my two cents worth for what its worth, its just some food for thought, what do other industry employees think?
Has anyone got a spare bex and a couch for me to lie in??
Cheers, Keep smiling sunshiners!!
Ace