this post was submitted on 14 Sep 2024
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They're not complaining that a panda Express employee is making too much, they're complaining that an aircraft mechanic is making too little.
If an aircraft mechanic, who needs long term training and a high level of skill, can walk off the job and get paid the same working fast food, then that's a problem.
If a fast food worker doesn't get paid a living wage, that's also a problem, but a different one, and has nothing to do with their argument.
I understand the logic on how an aircraft mechanic should be paid more. It has nothing to do with panda express. That part of the argument can go. "I'm not being paid enough for my specialty, we should bargain for better rates" is enough.
That's not entirely true, the idea of specialized jobs being paid more is due to the fact the worker had to invest time or money into the skill. The point being made is that a low skilled job generally shouldn't be paid more than a skilled job, due to education/training costs.
That's the arguement being made, and drawing attention to the fact that Boeing could lose generations of techs to other careers (forever) if they don't act now. Because once someone moves away from the field, it's hard (time and money) to bring them back.
That's the long form of "I'm not paid enough for my specialty."
Usually people study a subject because they're at least interested in it. What you're saying is like asking a surgeon to work in IT, for instance, just because they're paying more. That's not a fair game, we're humans with our skills, perks, defects... you can't pretend everyone moves like a pawn just for money.
Boeing, like many other companies is playing the game of "maximise the short term profit" and as usual the easiest way is to cut labour costs. That's why they're in this position (poorly built planes, killed HUNDREDS of people etc.)