MINIMAL raises coming to HAA  

Be advised; most of HAA are old-timers and are former military retirees.  They're NOT on this forum, nor do they care about your pay woes trying to survive with a family in current economic times.

They will not "vote with their feet" or do anything on your behalf (most can care less about AMC's union; and yes, your union dues are being wasted every pay period).

All employers are going to increase wages a little due to the supposed "shortage" and to just barely appease you (5-10% raise... yay!).  Trust me, it won't be much. 

For those of you that jumped to another employer and got better wages recently (and probably a sign-on bonus or "stipend") - good for you.  Just know that that "stipend" is typically only for a year... 5 max (or you're at a sucky base and you've settled on commuting and getting that pay long-term, but you've made your choice; good luck with that kind of life).

I recommend you jump ship to ANY better job.  The helicopter world will take you back (even if you're uncurrent in an aircraft) after they've come to their senses.  Unless there's a mass exodus there WILL NOT BE ANY INDUSTRY CHANGE.

Since we have no unity in our community and poor union negotiating capability (which blows my mind), the ONLY option we all have is to stop complaining and vote with our feet.

This industry can EASILY make ends meet by paying OT to fill slots.  Everyone's chomping at the bit for the OT because the pay sucks (or they live close to base and an occasional workover is easy to do)  It's WAY cheaper than giving everyone a raise.  

STOP WAITING.  The world is ripe with opportunities now... grab a good one and come back later when the pay is actually better.