Harvard “expert” opines strikes shouldn’t be allowed.
Moderators: North Shore, sky's the limit, sepia, Sulako
- rookiepilot
- Top Poster
- Posts: 5069
- Joined: Sat Apr 01, 2017 3:50 pm
Harvard “expert” opines strikes shouldn’t be allowed.
The single most overrated people on the planet, always given unlimited media attention —. University “experts” of all kinds. Not worth 100K. Worth zero.
What qualifies one as an “expert” anyway? Your toilet paper degree in DEI and advanced antisemitism? Lets ask the degree fanatics around here.
Just STFU, Harvard, and its not even your country, either, lady.
Pasted some of this drivel, article behind a paywall.
Striking WestJet mechanics make only $109,000 on average. Oh, the humanity.
Ashley Nunes is a senior research associate at Harvard Law School and teaches economic policy at Harvard College.
Inspecting, maintaining and repairing aircraft is admittedly no walk in the park. The work can be grueling, requires focus and must be performed regardless of whether mother nature co-operates. I wouldn’t be particularly keen on inspecting jet engines in the bone-chilling blistering Canadian winter or performing safety checks in the scorching summer heat. If WestJet safety technicians say they need a pay hike, my default response is to agree.
But I do wonder why these engineers (who earn an average of $109,000, according to WestJet) believe they should earn far more than most Canadians. Nearly 700 of these workers walked off the job Friday, demanding perks beyond the offered 23-per-cent wage increase over the five-and-a half-year term of their collective agreement.
WestJet said on Sunday it reached a deal with the workers to end the strike, but that more than 800 flights had already been cancelled and there would still be flight disruptions in the week ahead as planes are brought back on line.
Is there some obscure aircraft maintenance tool the engineers must pay for out of pocket? An pneumatic palm drill that gives them the upper hand when battling the foes of aluminum and steel?
I’m a firm believer in the idea that when it comes to setting wages, companies have little power. It’s the market that decides how much (or how little) a worker gets paid. If a company pays a worker less than what that worker is willing to (and should) accept, that worker will go elsewhere. Do that a few times and a company will quickly learn it needs to sweeten the pot to recruit and retain the best workers.
Put simply, if WestJet technicians think their labour is worth more (and I’m not entirely convinced that it is), and WestJet is unwilling to pay them more, these workers should quit. It happens all the time. Professionals, young and old, dissatisfied with their wages choose to find another job. In fact, dissatisfaction over wages is the No. 1 reason workers give for searching for another job.
Why should WestJet technicians be treated any differently? The answer is they shouldn’t. What they should do is what the rest of us do when we are unhappy at our jobs – pad their résumés, hit the interview circuit and keep working until they find something better. Or if working conditions are that dire, just quit altogether.
Instead, these “professionals” have chosen to quit working under the guise of being treated unfairly, while simultaneously asking for “job security” for a job they refuse to perform. And these workers are not being held accountable for disrupting the travel plans of tens of thousands of Canadians. Mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters who booked their trips months in advance are being held hostage by a select few.
That a deal was reached was inevitable given Ottawa’s involvement in the dispute and the essential role air travel plays in driving the Canadian economy. But in the long run, I think we need more tough love when shenanigans like this arise. And when it comes to tough love, no one did it better than former U.S. president Ronald Reagan.
In 1981, American air traffic controllers threatened to strike because their demands – a hefty pay hike and a better pension – weren’t being met (sound familiar?). The U.S. government, which is responsible for air traffic control, made some concessions but in the eyes of the controllers, not enough. A strike subsequently ensued, which disrupted air travel nationwide. Mr. Reagan repeatedly warned picketing controllers to return to work, albeit no avail. Finally, he invoked the nuclear option. He fired the controllers who went on strike; all 11,345 of them.
I’m not saying Mr. Reagan’s move should be repeated here. Doing that in Canada isn’t just more difficult: It’s impossible. Workers cannot be terminated (or even penalized) for striking. Nor should they. And the strike has already ended.
But the fact that the union has gone on strike once means that it can do so again. In the ensuing talks, WestJet should not let the union hold the spectre of strikes over its head and let itself be bullied into further concessions.
Where pay and benefits are concerned, a company is under no obligation to acquiesce to a worker’s demands regardless of how reasonable (or unreasonable) those demands may be. The market does that. If WestJet stands its ground, it’s only a matter of time before the 700 workers at WestJet realize this.
What qualifies one as an “expert” anyway? Your toilet paper degree in DEI and advanced antisemitism? Lets ask the degree fanatics around here.
Just STFU, Harvard, and its not even your country, either, lady.
Pasted some of this drivel, article behind a paywall.
Striking WestJet mechanics make only $109,000 on average. Oh, the humanity.
Ashley Nunes is a senior research associate at Harvard Law School and teaches economic policy at Harvard College.
Inspecting, maintaining and repairing aircraft is admittedly no walk in the park. The work can be grueling, requires focus and must be performed regardless of whether mother nature co-operates. I wouldn’t be particularly keen on inspecting jet engines in the bone-chilling blistering Canadian winter or performing safety checks in the scorching summer heat. If WestJet safety technicians say they need a pay hike, my default response is to agree.
But I do wonder why these engineers (who earn an average of $109,000, according to WestJet) believe they should earn far more than most Canadians. Nearly 700 of these workers walked off the job Friday, demanding perks beyond the offered 23-per-cent wage increase over the five-and-a half-year term of their collective agreement.
WestJet said on Sunday it reached a deal with the workers to end the strike, but that more than 800 flights had already been cancelled and there would still be flight disruptions in the week ahead as planes are brought back on line.
Is there some obscure aircraft maintenance tool the engineers must pay for out of pocket? An pneumatic palm drill that gives them the upper hand when battling the foes of aluminum and steel?
I’m a firm believer in the idea that when it comes to setting wages, companies have little power. It’s the market that decides how much (or how little) a worker gets paid. If a company pays a worker less than what that worker is willing to (and should) accept, that worker will go elsewhere. Do that a few times and a company will quickly learn it needs to sweeten the pot to recruit and retain the best workers.
Put simply, if WestJet technicians think their labour is worth more (and I’m not entirely convinced that it is), and WestJet is unwilling to pay them more, these workers should quit. It happens all the time. Professionals, young and old, dissatisfied with their wages choose to find another job. In fact, dissatisfaction over wages is the No. 1 reason workers give for searching for another job.
Why should WestJet technicians be treated any differently? The answer is they shouldn’t. What they should do is what the rest of us do when we are unhappy at our jobs – pad their résumés, hit the interview circuit and keep working until they find something better. Or if working conditions are that dire, just quit altogether.
Instead, these “professionals” have chosen to quit working under the guise of being treated unfairly, while simultaneously asking for “job security” for a job they refuse to perform. And these workers are not being held accountable for disrupting the travel plans of tens of thousands of Canadians. Mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters who booked their trips months in advance are being held hostage by a select few.
That a deal was reached was inevitable given Ottawa’s involvement in the dispute and the essential role air travel plays in driving the Canadian economy. But in the long run, I think we need more tough love when shenanigans like this arise. And when it comes to tough love, no one did it better than former U.S. president Ronald Reagan.
In 1981, American air traffic controllers threatened to strike because their demands – a hefty pay hike and a better pension – weren’t being met (sound familiar?). The U.S. government, which is responsible for air traffic control, made some concessions but in the eyes of the controllers, not enough. A strike subsequently ensued, which disrupted air travel nationwide. Mr. Reagan repeatedly warned picketing controllers to return to work, albeit no avail. Finally, he invoked the nuclear option. He fired the controllers who went on strike; all 11,345 of them.
I’m not saying Mr. Reagan’s move should be repeated here. Doing that in Canada isn’t just more difficult: It’s impossible. Workers cannot be terminated (or even penalized) for striking. Nor should they. And the strike has already ended.
But the fact that the union has gone on strike once means that it can do so again. In the ensuing talks, WestJet should not let the union hold the spectre of strikes over its head and let itself be bullied into further concessions.
Where pay and benefits are concerned, a company is under no obligation to acquiesce to a worker’s demands regardless of how reasonable (or unreasonable) those demands may be. The market does that. If WestJet stands its ground, it’s only a matter of time before the 700 workers at WestJet realize this.
Re: Harvard “expert” opines strikes shouldn’t be allowed.
We can conclude from this article that Ashley Nunes makes less than 109 000 dollars (currency to be determined).
As an AvCanada discussion grows longer:
-the probability of 'entitlement' being mentioned, approaches 1
-one will be accused of using bad airmanship
-the probability of 'entitlement' being mentioned, approaches 1
-one will be accused of using bad airmanship
Re: Harvard “expert” opines strikes shouldn’t be allowed.
Those who can’t do, teach.
-
- Rank 3
- Posts: 163
- Joined: Tue Aug 08, 2023 1:31 pm
Re: Harvard “expert” opines strikes shouldn’t be allowed.
Unfortunately flying is now out of reach for Ashley Nunes because AME’s make too much. I wonder why this expert isn’t asking more important questions like why does Canadian government take half of the wages from these AME’s in taxes.
-
- Rank (9)
- Posts: 1161
- Joined: Sun Dec 21, 2008 12:25 pm
- Location: in the bush
Re: Harvard “expert” opines strikes shouldn’t be allowed.
Read the same article earlier yesterday in the G&M. was wondering how long it would take till it migrated to Avcanada…
TPC
That’s a wee bit of an exaggeration. (re: 50%.) I get it though. Your pissed off at the government to the point of convincing yourself of facts that aren’t so.JustaCanadian wrote: ↑Mon Jul 01, 2024 5:16 pm I wonder why this expert isn’t asking more important questions like why does Canadian government take half of the wages from these AME’s in taxes.
TPC
Re: Harvard “expert” opines strikes shouldn’t be allowed.
It is not at all an exaggeration. Add up income tax, property tax, HST, capital gains, carbon tax etc and you will certainly be at 50% OR MORE!
Re: Harvard “expert” opines strikes shouldn’t be allowed.
haha I agree.
Funny, Glassdoor says Harvard Asst Professors make around $400k USD, so either Mr. Nunes makes significantly less than his peers or he's a hypocrite.
His e-mail is publicly available on the Harvard website - I suppose we could ask...

Last edited by JBI on Tue Jul 02, 2024 9:28 am, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Harvard “expert” opines strikes shouldn’t be allowed.
Doxing people online is very uncool
Last edited by Aotearoa on Thu Jul 04, 2024 12:57 am, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Harvard “expert” opines strikes shouldn’t be allowed.
"Ashley Nunes is a senior research associate at Harvard Law School"
40-57K/Yr according to Glassdoor, but it sounds like he does other things like TV interviews, and teach some classes.
Interesting that he didn't mention anything about the wage disparity between the US and Canada for all airline employees (except executives).
40-57K/Yr according to Glassdoor, but it sounds like he does other things like TV interviews, and teach some classes.
Interesting that he didn't mention anything about the wage disparity between the US and Canada for all airline employees (except executives).
-
- Rank 3
- Posts: 163
- Joined: Tue Aug 08, 2023 1:31 pm
Re: Harvard “expert” opines strikes shouldn’t be allowed.
Don't forget inflation "tax". When governments run out of tax revenue or the ability to borrow they print money, which is just another form of tax.
Re: Harvard “expert” opines strikes shouldn’t be allowed.
How is this doxxing? He's writing an article under his real name and uses his job title to give it more legitimacy.Aotearoa wrote: ↑Tue Jul 02, 2024 8:32 amDoxing people online is very uncool
Last edited by digits_ on Tue Jul 02, 2024 9:37 am, edited 1 time in total.
As an AvCanada discussion grows longer:
-the probability of 'entitlement' being mentioned, approaches 1
-one will be accused of using bad airmanship
-the probability of 'entitlement' being mentioned, approaches 1
-one will be accused of using bad airmanship
Re: Harvard “expert” opines strikes shouldn’t be allowed.
I don’t necessarily think it’s doxing as this person has a publicly online profile and freely notes his professional status when writing an article, I have removed the email nonetheless. You can do so in your post as well that quotes my original post.
As someone who has written articles for various publications under my own name, I have received follow up emails from the public to my email address, even though it wasn’t included in the article. That is to be expected. It would be different if I posted his address or name of kids or something similar. That goes well beyond professional contact information.
-
- Rank 10
- Posts: 2493
- Joined: Mon Jan 29, 2007 7:04 am
- Location: I'm retired. I don't want to'I don't have to and you can't make me.
Re: Harvard “expert” opines strikes shouldn’t be allowed.
Ahhhh….. the Ivy League facility in Cambridge Massachusetts is the subject of apparent scorn from illustrious avcanada “ common-taters”. Well then, what does one say outside of a tad bit of Google search:
“Harvard's affiliates include eight U.S. presidents, 188 living billionaires, 162 Nobel laureates (official count 48 active faculty at the time of the award), 7 Fields Medal winners, 9 Turing Award laureates, 369 Rhodes Scholars, 252 Marshall Scholars, and 13 Mitchell Scholars. Harvard students and alumni have won 10 Academy Awards, 48 Pulitzer Prizes, and 108 Olympic medals (including 46 gold medals), and they have founded many notable companies worldwide” .
Cool names like Oppenheimer, Bush, Kennedy,Roosevelt, Gates, Obama…. even a Trudeau has a mention(that will rile up some exploding heads) show up there.
However, I digress.
“Harvard's affiliates include eight U.S. presidents, 188 living billionaires, 162 Nobel laureates (official count 48 active faculty at the time of the award), 7 Fields Medal winners, 9 Turing Award laureates, 369 Rhodes Scholars, 252 Marshall Scholars, and 13 Mitchell Scholars. Harvard students and alumni have won 10 Academy Awards, 48 Pulitzer Prizes, and 108 Olympic medals (including 46 gold medals), and they have founded many notable companies worldwide” .
Cool names like Oppenheimer, Bush, Kennedy,Roosevelt, Gates, Obama…. even a Trudeau has a mention(that will rile up some exploding heads) show up there.
However, I digress.
Re: Harvard “expert” opines strikes shouldn’t be allowed.
None of that changes the fact that this is merely a Harvard associate, who wrote a bafflingly intellectually stunted article which purveys the concept that any group of people with education, skills, and exceptional responsibility shouldn't make more than "the average Canadian."
It really is an absolutely priceless and blatant example of paid advertising, and as with anyone who sells out their opinions, I sincerely hope it'll bite him whenever his ethics or credibility come under scrutiny.
It really is an absolutely priceless and blatant example of paid advertising, and as with anyone who sells out their opinions, I sincerely hope it'll bite him whenever his ethics or credibility come under scrutiny.
Re: Harvard “expert” opines strikes shouldn’t be allowed.
He probably lost money in a stock investment into ONEX with a stop-loss triggered, making him lose money and being a bitter loser.
I can also confirm that a family member as a assistant professor at Boston College makes 140k, so a "senior researcher at Harvard Law" definitely makes above 200k.
I can also confirm that a family member as a assistant professor at Boston College makes 140k, so a "senior researcher at Harvard Law" definitely makes above 200k.
Re: Harvard “expert” opines strikes shouldn’t be allowed.
I highly doubt it. A "senior researcher" is not a tenure track position - most likely equivalent to a research associate. They'd likely earn less than an assistant professor. I'd put it at under $100k. The fact that it's Harvard is irrelevant. The most prestigious schools often pay the least because academics come there for the prestige.
Us pilots greatly overestimate how much other professions earn. I used to be in academia years ago. I compared T4's with my supervisor (full professor, used to be a Harvard professor). As a part time WestJet FO, I made $500 more than he did. (Around $145k or so).
Last edited by Bede on Fri Jul 05, 2024 8:01 am, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Harvard “expert” opines strikes shouldn’t be allowed.
Nunes is a hack cunt.
All his articles are full of ignorance, he has zero insight.
All his articles are full of ignorance, he has zero insight.
Re: Harvard “expert” opines strikes shouldn’t be allowed.
I had originally thought he was a Professor of some sort, but his website CV is somewhat unclear. On the Harvard website it says "Ashley Nunes is an Associate and Researcher in the Department of Economics at Harvard University, for the 2023-24 academic year" - so not sure what Associate means in this sense.Bede wrote: ↑Wed Jul 03, 2024 7:25 pmI highly doubt it. A "senior research" is not a tenure track position - most likely equivalent to a research associate. They'd likely earn less than an assistant professor. I'd put it at under $100k. The fact that it's Harvard is irrelevant. The most prestigious schools often pay the least because academics come there for the prestige.
Us pilots greatly overestimate how much other professions earn. I used to be in academia years ago. I compared T4's with my supervisor (full professor, used to be a Harvard professor). As a part time WestJet FO, I made $500 more than he did. (Around $145k or so).
Not that it really matters too much, his article is crap
