RUBICON 3 — Shockwaves rippled across the galactic gig economy today as dozens of mercenaries came together to form the first pilot union.
“For too long the greedy corporations have taken us for granted,” declared independent mercenary Kaiser Crow. “They throw us into suicidal gauntlets for pittance. Play loose and fast with our lives. And when we inevitably come up after putting down a strike or crisping an orphanage, who gets stuck with the bill for the gatling gun?”
“We’ve had enough,” continued Crow. “These greedy fucks don’t even cover the repair costs for our ACs. Most missions, I can’t even cover the cost to boost home. So we’re making a stand. We’re done colonizing, we’re done committing war crimes, and we’re done dying for corporate scum. Unless they pay us union rates.”
However, this news has not been universally praised. Many corporate entities operating on Rubicon called for a temporary ceasefire, in order to “stamp out” this new union.
“Arquebus Corporation prides itself in offering prosperous opportunities to those less fortunate,” said V.VIII Pater, speaking on behalf of the company and the Vespers combat unit. “From offering work to displaced civilians in our Factories, to providing low interest loans for those who fall behind on their AC payments. However, this stunt by disgruntled pilots is little more than a strong-arming tactic.”
“The truth is, as much as we’d love to give every pilot a VE-40A body and a Schneider FLUEGEL/21Z booster, it’s not economically viable. Making pilots pay for repairs and ammunition is a means of weeding out ineffective pilots. Highly-skilled individuals will take less damage, miss fewer shots, and take home a higher paycheck.”
Corporate pushback isn’t the only issue the pilot union faces. Pilots who refuse to join the union have already been branded as scabs.
“I reiterate my regret for any offense caused,” said independent Mercenary Kate Markson. “My intention was only to feed my two point six children. I look forward to learning from the example set by my fellow pilots.”
At press time, intercepted communications suggested the union had suffered heavy casualties at the hands of a “mute menace”.
