Training costs are not our problem. They are an inherent part of doing business. If single pay rate works so great, why aren't they in effect at American, Delta, United, Continental, US Airways, etc.? But if that's what you believe then fine, make all payrates starting at $200/hr. at Year 2 and then going up from there at 6% per year. That should protect you fairly well if we get widebodies.
27 Driver - you are selling yourself and the pilot group short if you think that widebodies are 3 contracts down the road. You have no crystal ball. They could start arriving next month so to speak if the opportunity presented itself. I hope you are not one of the few pilots around here that just want to be "average" with an "average contract". It is thinking like that that will keep you, well...average. Management loves that kind of attitude. Do you think that Management's pay, and especially bonuses, at this airline are "average"? No. Then why should your pay, work rules, QOL, and benefits be "average"?