I don´t understand all this fuss that US pilots (Raas767 and TowerDog) seem to have over what happens to LX. It´s nice that you´re so concerned and interested, but to be so extremely opinionated is beyond me.
Out of most of your replies I can gather that there is an obvious lack of understanding. When you compare the US social system with that of Europe you are bound to see some big differences. It might be worth it to invest in an ID90 ticket and take a trip to Europe in order to see things for yourself.
I have lived and worked 2 years in the US (sunny Florida) as a CFI(I) and a lot of my American friends are now flying for a number of airlines/regionals and 135 outfits. When I hear their stories, I can understand Raas767´s and TowerPup´s cries for a union, because people get shafted left and right. Now, I´m talking about the 99 % of pilots that do NOT fly for a major. I´m talking about pilots flying without or with bad medical coverage, being forced to fly on off days, being forced to fly unairworthy airplanes, 2 weeks vacation per year, no per diem pay and last but not least bad pay. TowerPup, I really feel sorry for you that you only make rougly $ 25.000,- per year flying an AA 767. I´m sure the girls at the Diamond Dolls in Pompano Beach are also seriously disappointed.
It is a crime, but I find it very strange that you put so much effort into encouraging the pilots of a regional European airline to insist on more pay. As a first year F/O on a small turbo prop I make more then you do ! Besides that, the cost of living in Switzerland is quite comparable to Florida. Improve the world, but start with yourself !
On a European scale the pay and working conditions right now at Crossair is not as bad as some Aeropers people want you to believe either. Of course there is room for improvement, and if Crossair starts flying bigger equipment then it will be a new ball game, but all in all things are not bad. I know pilots flying for Gulfstream (a Florida based regional) that can NOT afford to live on their own, are driving old cars, making $ 19,-/FLIGHThour…
Then I know some people flying for DAT, flying in Sabena colours under SN call sign, who´s gross (!) pay is rougly the same as mine. Mind you, they still have to pay Belgian taxes (much higher) and live near Brussels (= expen$ive !). Now that SN has gonne belly up, DAT pilots are talking about taking a 35 % paycut and everybody is speaking words encouragment !
I don´t know why everybody seems to be against LX, while the same goes on EVERYWHERE, sometimes on a much worse scale !
As far as unions are concerned I tend to disagree with Hold at Saffa/Yak Yak.
Unions are a necesary evil in order to get an equilibrium between company intrests and employers intrests. The whole business with Sabena has clearly shown that there has to be a level of modesty, but from a negotiating/strategic point of view a union is needed, especially now in the ´new´Crossair. A union can also be of bennifit to a company, as they have one, clearly designated, partner to negotiate with.
It´s just the demands that have to be reasonable. Then I hope that Swiss intelligence will prevail over Belgian stupidity !