Airline unions have been pushing for higher pay for their members, and this has resulted in United pilots planning to picket. The issue of airline pay has been a contentious one for years, with many pilots and other airline workers feeling that they are not being compensated fairly for their work.
One of the main reasons for the push for higher pay is the fact that airline profits have been soaring in recent years, while wages for pilots and other workers have remained stagnant. According to a report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers was $147,220 in May 2019. This may seem like a high salary, but it is important to remember that pilots are responsible for the safety of hundreds of passengers on each flight, and their job requires a high level of skill and training.
In addition to the issue of stagnant wages, many airline workers are also concerned about job security. The airline industry is notoriously volatile, with airlines going bankrupt or merging with other companies on a regular basis. This can leave workers uncertain about their future employment prospects, and many feel that higher pay would provide some measure of security.
The push for higher pay has been met with resistance from some airlines, who argue that they cannot afford to pay their workers more without raising ticket prices. However, many airline workers and their unions argue that this is not a fair argument, as airlines have been making record profits in recent years. They also point out that airlines have been spending billions of dollars on stock buybacks and executive bonuses, while neglecting to invest in their workers.
The planned picket by United pilots is just one example of the growing unrest among airline workers. In recent years, there have been strikes and protests by airline workers at a number of different airlines, including American Airlines and Delta. These actions have drawn attention to the issue of airline pay and working conditions, and have put pressure on airlines to address these concerns.
In conclusion, the push for higher pay among airline workers is an important issue that is gaining momentum. While some airlines may resist these efforts, it is clear that many workers and their unions are determined to fight for fair compensation and job security. The planned picket by United pilots is just one example of the growing unrest in the industry, and it remains to be seen how airlines will respond to these demands.
