Its not argued that way is it? It goes without saying that the pilot adds value but what is very clear is that industry wide the business operates on wafer thin margins and has employees who time and time again come out to protest about pay and conditions.
It seems that as a group they feel that their pay is only going to go one way, up, regardless of the prevailing economic conditions.
Even if you take a selfish view and suggest pilots only out to maximise their pay – which is a fair argument. How the heck can someone earning $100K, $200k, $250K throw their toys out and stand behind a union that threatens strike action and in the process materially damages the company they work for?
Its insulting to suggest that those claiming pilots are not behind some of the trouble with airlines as I could dig out 100’s of example. This from just last week in Europe:- Sept. 30 (Bloomberg) -- Five unions representing pilots and crew at International Consolidated Airlines Group SA’s Iberia may call a strike if the airline creates a lower-cost unit for short- and medium-haul flights, Cinco Dias reported, citing the unions.
Then reflect on the fact that whilst doing such noble and skilled work this is the current pay scale in the RAF:-
Pilot Officer
£24,130
Flying Officer
£29,000 – £32,060
Flight Lieutenant
£37,170 – £44,205
Squadron Leader
£48,824 – £56,075