A popular argument from our third list pilots is that they are better off supporting separate operations and a quick upgrade than supporting a reform candidate and a quick contract. On the surface a five year upgrade with separate operations sounds like a no-brainer. But when the numbers are crunched, it’s a losing proposition.

Let’s use Delta as our comparison:

In the first eight years of employment, flying an average of 80 hours, a Delta first officer will earn a cumulative base salary of $759,360. This excludes better retirement, work rules, per diem, and other fringe benefits.

The same first officer at US Airways will earn $524,160. That’s $235,200 less base pay than the same position at Delta.

If for some reason the expected upgrade on the east operation is reduced from its current ten year projection to five years, the cumulative base salary over the first eight years with an E190 upgrade at year five equals $571,200.

The Delta first officer will still make over $188,154 more in the same eight years than the US Airways first officer who took an upgrade on the E190 at year five.

As we all cast our votes this election session, it is crucial that we arm ourselves with the facts. If for some reason US Airways does not merge and remains a separate entity, the newly hired pilots will be far better off seeking an industry standard contract than working under bankruptcy level wages.

Whether it's stand-alone or merged, you cannot afford to vote for a date of hire candidate. 

Source: airlinepilotcentral.com

Delta 320 first officer for 8 years

US Airways E190 first officer for year one followed by 320 first officer years 2-8.

US Airways E190 first officer for year one followed by 320 first officer followed by E190 captain at year 5.