People seem to focus on that 12 yr. Capt. pay point as the reference base line. What they are forgetting is that the years 1 through 11 are still below par. When you add up how much was not paid to the pilot during those 11 years, as compared to someone on similiar equipment at SWA, DL, AA, NWA, it adds up to be quite a hefty sum.
These are the gaps that must be closed in the new contract currently stalled in negotiations. AirTran just posted an $11.4 million quarterly profit. Last quarter management gave themselves $8 million in bonuses while still having the audacity to ask the pilots for concessions.
This is going to be a major overhaul to the current contract. Those on this board that whimper that we shouldn't expect much and we won't get this or that are the same people that have no backbone, haven't stood up for anything, only worry about themselves, are possibly nearing retirement and therefore don't want to rock the boat, and probably waive the contract when it benefits them personally.
The pilots are the group that holds this place together despite the incompetence of other departments. Therefore it is the pilots that deserve the most credit. If management thinks futher savings are needed, they can lead by example by returning their unwarranted bonuses and stock options and then reducing their pay as well.
