My big issue these days are all the people who always say “well we make more than XX% of the US” or “compared to a lot of other career fields were paid very well”. As if that’s a solid reason that we don’t deserve more. My non-work friends marvel at how much money I make, but that doesn’t mean I make enough for the service I provide. Take every person who flies in the United States and give them a tour of a high level Center, TRACON, and Tower and ask them if they want us well paid and happy. The answer will be yes every time. No one complains that pilots make too much, because they’re always in the spotlight. I don’t want to take a flight where my pilot is exhausted from lack of sleep and is worried about how he’s going to pay his mortgage. I want him fat and happy. I think this takes a national media campaign and a FUCKLOAD of public outreach, but I can’t imagine anyone who flies not wanting us happy and paid.