Liam
Sorry, but I don't subsribe to your defeatist attitude.
I'm not a starry-eyed 'idealist', just someone who recognises that we are on the cusp of an unprecedented and hopefully sustained expansion in this airline which requires pilots like you and I and many more. I assume this is why the company feels compelled to extend 400 of our most highly paid colleagues for another 10 years.
It would be hard to refute that the outlook for the industry is much rosier now than it was in 2001. We even seem to be in the throes of a long awaited pilot shortage which has driven retirement ages up worldwide. The company NEEDS concessions from US sooner rather than later which gives us some leverage around the negotiating table for a change.
I for one remain optimistic that our GC can capitalise on this unique opportunity and secure a good deal for the membership which contains something for ALL.
Same seat, Same pay!