Have to say after reading ALL these threads along with my own personal experience ( albeit a short one so far ) there is little wrong with both sides of the present arguement, what is screwing up the industry is the middle/upper management of all these companies who really are shafting staff and seem in MANY cases ( not all ) to be unable to deliver a GOOD product to the public, pay the staff appropriately and return an acceptable profit!!!! Surely a bit of moderation on all sides and some recognition of the hard work supplied by all involved in the industry would see a better/safer environment for all. My thoughts on FR? I used to believe they were sensational, MOL is now pushing the model beyond what is necessary and turning it into a farce. No respect from the public and obviously from a large internal %.
I agree that those who currently have an income and are getting hours should be thankful and I also agree that they should not lose sight of the fact that the job profile is rapidly becoming fairly cr@p! YES some of you have this amazing 5/4 roster ( the BEST in aviation history YAWN!!!) and SOME of you are getting great pay but lets face it, MANY are not and looking at the trends is is certainly not improving. I respect all who work in the airlines, I have worked on the ramp, check-in, boarding and the flight deck and so far all these positions have been poorly paid considering the hard work/hours that are required. A bit more respect and recognition from management in their ivory towers would see an increase in pay and an increase in loyalty which in turn will give more experienced staff and a better product to the public.
In short, quit screwing the staff, deliver a good product, INCREASE air fares to what is a NORMAL price ( not a return to the good old days ) so that the airlines can function and pay staff and lets all get on with it! There MUST be a middle ground out there somewhere which can be aimed for surely????