411A,
I'm with you on this one, that higher negotiated salaries are the reason that during a economic downturn the airlines find themselves in financial dire. US Airways. UAL, Delta and American all have this problem. $24'000 US a month to fly a jet IS inflated and we have priced ourselves out of a job. I would rather get paid half that and have a heathly company which will secure my future and pension, than make 24G for a few years and find myself out without a job.
Having said that, a dependency on the business traveller also leaves the airlines open for the financial crunch.
A change of attitude from both management and personnel is required in the airline business. This and a change of financial strategy willensure a fair and healthy future for everyone.