Originally Posted by
Nevets
Like I've said before on this thread, a pilot union is so much more than just a contract. I would love one list. But without everyone being union, that will not happen. You guys were not invited to the UAL open house. I don't think something bigger than that, such as an effort towards one list or something to that effect will include anyone that isn't union.
Man you are definitely consistent with the union talk, I'll give you that. I do not think consolidating the regional seniority list has to be a
union action. In fact I think as soon as you mention union and consolidation in the same sentence, the next thing that comes out of people's mouths is
Railway Labor Act. The unions cannot, by law, play a functional role in the consolidation. But if WE, as an industry, were to petition for it then perhaps it could happen. Obviously, thousands of variables (and personalities) involved but I think it could happen. It
cannot happen with a union.
Originally Posted by
Squallrider
I understand Expressjet wanting ons list but what does that bring to the slywest people? Expressjet is a sinking ship with mostly 50 seater aircraft with continuous shrinking and an apparent toxic corporate culture. One list would just mean a worse upgrade and probably QOL over what we have now
We're not talking about one list for just ExpressJet and Skywest. We are talking about one list across the entire regional pilot group. The benefits to having one list far outweigh the detractors. Here are a few reasons why:
1) If you leave your current regional airline to fly for another regional airline
you start at the bottom of the list and at the
bottom of the pay-scale.
2) If you're a commuter your non-rev benefits are also greatly diminished.
You are at the bottom of the turd bowl again.
3) The
individual list at various companies strongly skews the balance of power to the side of management. For example, what incentive does AAG have to keep Envoy pilots happy? They are one of the more senior pilot groups (more expensive). Why would AAG award them contracts to fly when there are cheaper pilot groups?
One list, with a flat pay-scale and flat benefits package, would make contracts more about performance and less about compensation. It eliminates the whipsaw that we are all currently witnessing. If the contracts were about performance rather than undercutting the bid, I think most pilots could get behind that.
You concern about the upgrade times is understandable, but one list would not put someone with a higher seniority number in front of you for upgrade. The seniority number (call it an experience number) is for pay and benefits. For example, let's say Nevets decides he's fed up with ExpressJet. He leaves for Compass. Nevets is an experienced Captain with 15 years of seniority (hypothetical). The pay-scale for a 15 year Captain at ExpressJet is $99 (APC). The pay-scale for a 15 year FO at Compass is $44. Nevets would be at the top of the FO pay-scale. His seniority number (experience) is for pay and benefits only. His date of hire at Compass would be his number for upgrade. He still took a massive pay cut but he's not forced to start at $25 and he keeps his benefits. This type of seniority system would even out the playing field between companies.
The
current seniority system does nothing but encourage the ruthless tactics employed by our individual management groups.
Now cue all the naysayers
!