It's interesting that pilots are probably the highest paid workers who are represented by Unions. I think that in part is the real issue. Certain elements HATE Unions, all the more reason to keep them. Without Unions pilots would be paid like bus drivers and treated the same.
In any case like any big capitalist exercise, market forces are in operation.
Let's just try and set up an airline and pay the pilots 'realistic' wages.
I think the saying is; 'Pay peanuts and you get monkeys'.
Also being America, there are always alternatives, if you don't pay pilots competive salaries they'll walk out of aviation if need be. You can get paid the same money in your own business or working for a big player and get to fly your own aircraft on your days off, much more fun and very common even now.
As for John McCain, just because you're an ex pilot and war hero doesn't stop you being a shmuck!
[This message has been edited by Steepclimb (edited 07 May 2001).]