Inflation and salary expectations
Once again we find ourselves coming out of a contractual period that has had mediocre pay raises. Now, there is firm evidence that inflation is starting to rear its ugly head. The Fed fund rate is nearing 1%, and the real cost of daily goods (food/energy/rent/transportation) is much higher than it was three years ago. Question: not only does the 13th month equate to approximately 8% of ones annual salary, but the current low wages and benefits of the average pilot in CX is now being inexorably eroded each day with increasing inflation. Any pay deal that doesn't meet at least 4% per annum is actually a pay cut. Don't let CX's 'expectation management' cloud your understanding of just how far behind we are falling. Once you lose ground in a given year, you NEVER make it back in this company. Insist on a fair and advancing pay deal. Insist that your close colleagues keep their CC commitment firm and unwavering.