You don't get it, do you?
...
No one is denying the increase in compensation when one advances. But do you think it is fair, let alone moral, to rape the employees continually only to reward the CEO for having ordered the gang rape?
I think you are the one who is not getting my point. I'll try again.
Where did I ever say it was "fair"? Of course it isn't "fair"! But it is reality. For various reasons, many beyond its own control, the labor movement has failed utterly in convincing people that something should be done about the unfairness you speak of. So the only thing left is to deal with it. Pining endlessly about the way things ought to be and getting bitter about it changes nothing.
The companies are crying about losses and the need to cut costs, but when the pain is dished out, management is exempt!
Right. So do you want to be on the side that continually takes the brunt of the pain, or do you want to be on the "exempt" side? I got tired of taking the pain and so went back to school to be on the "exempt" side, as you put it (though it is not really "exempt" except for a very few at the tippy top -- but it is probably futile to try to explan that to someone who sees the world in black and white and thinks anyone in a "management" position is automatically greedy and evil and who uses "Manager" as if it's an insult -- the mindset is just too firmly entrenched to hope that any light can get through to the brain matter). I am joining a field that is widely thought in the public mind to be wayyyyyy overpaid. And it feels good to be on that side of the fence for a change.
By the way, Manager Bear, what are your thoughts on compensation for the lowly aircraft mechanic?
This is the danger in saying someone is "overpaid." Many people can probably make the same claim about you. It is really a subjective, meaningless term. Is someone compensated "too much" or "too little" -- compared to what? When does "more" become "too much," and "less" become "too little"? Who cares what I or anyone else thinks about a certain job paying "too much" or "too little"?
My thoughts on compensation for mechanics, and for every other position, is that the labor market decides what is appropriate compensation. If you are showing up for work for what your employer is offering, you apparently think the pay is fair, or it is the best you can do given your education and skills. If you think you are being paid "too little," walk off the job to that better job you no doubt have been hired for at more appropriate compensation since, of course, you did your homework first and know just what your education and skills are worth in the general labor market.
If you are quickly and easily replaced (a la NW), that means there are lots of qualified people willing to take the job at that rate, and the labor market says you weren't paid "too little" after all. Oops.
If there are not enough qualified people to fill in the hole you left, the employer will adjust compensation upwards accordingly.
It's harsh, it's brilliant in its simplicity and brutal efficiency, it sucks for many airline employees these days, but it's reality.
:down:
