Juat a thought about unions...
Im not trying to stir the pot, but I take it by your comments that you are promoting a non union pilot work force as the reason that JB and the gang are so successful. Am I on the right track???
Well, I think its surely short sidedness on your part to think that all the answers of an airlines success and company/pilot relations can be fixed by using the JB model (non union). You guys have been around for how long, 1-3 years (not sure how long). Yes, things are going great up to now, Most the company is happy that things are turning in their favor, and as far as the pilots, well, I cant speak directly for them since I don’t work there but Im sure most of you are just happy to have a job flying (like me).
Its been proven through the years that the advances in aviation and the successes of most pilot groups have been through collective bargaining by a united work force through their Union reps, were it not for that, we'd all still be in the ice ages, and Im not just talking about pay and bennies, there’s also safety, work, scope, rest issues to name just a few.
Don’t get me wrong, Im not a fanatic Union flag waver, I was Military for a large part of my career, and Unions did not sit very well with me, but I do know that Im card holder now and I understand they are necessary in this business.
Your philosophy of letting management determine your future based on the betterment of the company sounds great, everyone is happy.. FOR NOW... Try allowing a company like UPS, AA, FedEx, DAL, UAL, SWA, we'll any of the carriers that have been around long enough to have a past, determine your future and every pilot would be a reserve line holder with an unlimited call out period, working 22 days a month, flying all night long (or day) for 60 bucks an hour (as a Capt) with no retirement...
You guys act like you've re-invented the wheel, your closest model of success is SWA and even they have union reps on the property. Use the tools you have to move forward. A wheel is a wheel, any way you roll it. The day will come when your pilot group will want more and your company will want to give you less, your position will change, and you'll all be looking for a union to rep you...
For now, enjoy the honeymoon
Fraternally
100% united