ICB,
While you're not going to change my mind on my previous points, you finally make some cogent points to support your side (agree to disagree) of the arguement. After re-reading my last post, I sorta cringed at myself for some of the childish comments I made. I can be a pretty sarcastic dude and can go over the top. Sorry. Anyway, besides my last post, I don't really see how folks perceive anger and bitterness from my earlier posts on this thread. I'm far from being a negative/bitter dude and am merely pointing out some of the flaws that could/should be improved upon to make this a REALLY good job (versus just a good job. REALLY good would be
substantially better). I guess I've always had high expectations/lofty goals in life and this is no different.
I'll provide my counter points and then I'm out since we are likely headed for a 'lufbery'.
- Based on recent paycuts at other carriers (14, 19, 32, etc), I wouldn't consider a 7.8% paycut substantial and still am convinced that it is not substantially higher on the other side of zero. To contradict myself, I sort of agree with you since any cut we take to our already low pay would be substantial.
- Not everyone averages the same daily credit as me. So, a lot of folks have to work more days to plus up their monthly credit by 10-15 hours (juniority effect). Also, for captains, the open time is usually filled with generally crappy trips that I wouldn't/didn't bid for. I suppose some of the folks that are glued to their Treos could do some good work but I choose not to think about work on my days off.
- I disagree with how you computed $162.50/hr. Are you management? I take LOTS of PTO. I also flew a lot of 13:30's. A
substantial amount. It's a slippery slope simplifying hourly rate calculations like you did. I'm on the road and don't have access to how many credit hours I had for the year. I can see Al Spain now incorporating that into his reasoning of how lucky we should be to make what we make. "We have 10000 apps on file you know (making bracket symbols with hands while explaining -190 rates)".
- Making positive comments about our employer is perfectly okay. I also do it when it is justified (like the recent good news about upgrades/320 classes on another thread). Folks with blind faith/trust whom make weak cases for their points and lash out at even the slightest bit of negativity (however warranted) are the ones I would consider Kool-Aid drinkers. We agree on the validity of criticizing our leadership and keeping them in check. While I still generally think that our pilot group has little say in anything (pay/benes/skeds), I'm starting to see a small improvement in the communication chain. FWIW, it appears that some influential folks (CP's, Bushy perhaps) are reading/heeding the rants on BP.com.
- My username is a sarcastic jab at those that have 'blue' in their names. Yes, it does stand for JB Pilots Assn. Personally, I think that when the time comes JBPA should be the title and it should be modeled after SWAPA. Besides that, I don't think I've averred on FI that we need a union. Back to the 'blue' jab. I've run into many folks here that, while nice enough, seem to embrace this 'job' a little too passionately. In other words, it appears that JB defines them and it's their life. That's cool for them I guess, but they got to expect a little criticism (and not constructive). Perhaps a thicker hide of 'blue' skin would suit them.
- I think I've already addressed the anger/venom thing. If you still think I'm angry/bitter (discounting my last over-the-top post) then please see the blue skin comment above. BTW, my glass is not half empty. I just call 'em like I see 'em and it's not always a pleasant view. Ugly truth ring a bell?
If no one mentions them or considers them issues they will never change. I can't stand the 'This place is better than my last place so I don't want to rock the boat' logic. It is ignorant and naive. If I have to be the bad guy or the 'doom and gloom' guy (like so many think - which I'm not) so be it. There are many positive things about this place and since the Kool-Aid Crew cover them so relentlessly I don't see the need to 'beat a dead Smurf'.
- The Jim Jones thing was a little much. But, it does amplify the power of charm and persuasion. I'm exaggerating now, but there are a few folks whom I've run across here that'd probably take a swig of that stuff if a certain Dave or David were holding the ladle.
http://forums.flightinfo.com/images/icons/icon24.gif To answer your question: No, you're not a brainwashed cult member if you are overall positive about this place. But there are some out there.
- I stand corrected on the Acid Test comments. Should've googled it but got sidetracked with porn. Anyway, I still miss the point of how you were using it (no need to explain).
- Again, I apologize for the jerky comments. I'm tired of folks 'putting words in my mouth' on here without any substantive evidence and simply lost my patience. BTW, I should've wrote DB instead of D3, or D^3. I meant Bushy and I do believe he employs knee-jerk leadership. For the record guys, stating facts about our pay/benefit/workrules/etc. does not necessarily imply that the wheels are coming off. It is what it is. Like I said, if no one addresses these issues they will NEVER change.
- If we had a union I wouldn't want to be MEC.
- My reading comprehension comment stands. The spelling/grammar fetish is a pet peeve of mine. Sorry. The internet, emails, and these forums are ruining our abilities to write and speak effectively.
I am grateful to be
sitting where I am considering the state of the industry. However, it doesn't mean I'm going to take everthing that is imposed on us while
sitting down. I agree with your last paragraph (well, except for the spelling part). Thanks for not stooping to my previous level.
imp: 
