Originally Posted by
belliott
I think "soft pay" is important and should be important to MG. I disagree that it would make predicting future costs difficult/impossible. For example: a min day pay of say 5 hours would force the schedules to be built with more efficiency. More efficiency equals more flight time and thus more days off for pilots. If there were a min day pay credit it would help in the prediction of costs down the line +/- 10% (which is a total spitball guess.)
As for pilot numbers we don't currently have the same amount of aircraft utilization that other carriers do. We don't do red eyes and I'm confident that our aircraft block hours don't match those of mainline carriers so I can see why we don't have 14 pilots per air frame. I do agree we need more pilots and with additional aircraft hiring should continue.
I'd definitely like to see a better bidding process that allows for folks to have some control over their schedule. I'd rather have the flexibility to bid for 70 hours of flying and not be forced to have 6 random days of reserve in the middle of what could be 3-4 day off sets. I think as the additional pilots come out of the schoolhouse and onto the line this is both reasonable and practical.
I am eager to see what our negotiating committee presents for us to vote on in the (hopefully near) future. Be safe and have fun!
Sure, although by actual soft pay I was also referring to more time off. I have friends at places like Delta and Spirit that are rocking 18 days off a month or more, these "inefficiencies" are exactly what MG is trying avoid. It would require hiring more pilots and remember its not just about salaries, hiring 10 more pilots means 10 more chances for someone to be diagnosed with cancer or 10 more chances for someone to go on FMLA, and 10 more training events every year.
And for people potentially coming here, just know that senior people are still getting RSV days stuck into they're schedules and min days of 11-12 OFF. It's not an angry bitter exaggeration, on slow months you can get more off, but busy months? (think February to May) Don't make any plans.
That said I came here from a dying regional, so I don't regret the switch at all. I'm not bitter about anything or any individual that comes here you have to do what you have to do. But again this thread is NOT an exaggeration.
I've also noticed recently that most of the new hires are being forced into the VBD. This means that if your thinking, "well hey I live in SFB or PIE and can drive to work every day!" Be cautioned, there's a good chance you'll end up getting involuntarily sent to PGD, IWA, LAX, or MYR for the busy season with not more than 2 days off consecutive.
For those that can accept this and still want to come here, the rhetoric from the training dept is that there won't be any new hire classes again until May, they even cancelled the upgrade class this month. Subject to change of course, but don't hold your breath.
That said +1 for yes on the strike vote.