"run prudently and managed efficiently."
Excuse me, while I go throw up, but I think Stoic responded correctly.
The public (whether they fully realize it, or not) NEEDS appropriately
compensated cockpit crews. The public NEEDS the best and the brightest
competing for the major airline pilot jobs. Those NEEDS, are based on
getting from point A to point B safely.
If the airline pilots (and pilot groups) of the world continue "racing to the
bottom" for their wages and work rules (T&Cs), the public need of safety
WILL be compromised. The best and brightest will look at other professions
for their careers. Alternative careers WILL pull them away from aviation.
Once we get to "anyone can be a pilot", there will be less safety, period.
Automation is good, but sometimes not available during emergencies. Pilots
HAVE to be ready and able, to handle "surprises". This is not a truck or bus
or car- we're talking about. Skill, experience and judgment (ie..intelligence)
will ALWAYS be required. AND, a high level of all of these traits, to ensure
the safest movement of aircraft.
Yes, you want an appropriately compensated, HIGHLY SKILLED lawyer to represent you.
Yes, you want an appropriately compensated, HIGHLY SKILLED surgeon to operate on you.
Yes, you want an appropriately compensated, HIGHLY SKILLED pilot to safely fly you from point A to point B.
"appropriately compensated" vs. "managed efficiently"?
I GUARANTEE that pilots have the public's safety as their #1 priority while
doing their job. (their life is ALWAYS on the line-every day they go to work)
I GUARANTEE that management, while sitting behind the safety of their desk
and/or boardroom doors, weighs the "costs of safety" in their attempts at
"managing efficiently". This process GUARANTEES compromises. Pilots are
rightly disgusted when safety gets compromised.
Thus the fight to protect what was, continues.