Originally Posted by
Grumpyaviator
Upgrade is 8-9 years and not coming down unless Skywest gives us growth, which doesn't seem to be their plan.
Believe it or not, DTW is a much better commute from FL, and reserve may not be too long since we are so short on FOs. Other airlines have faster upgrade and bonuses. But we start at $40/hour and have by far the best work rules in the industry, including the majors when it comes to reserve rules and 117 compliance.
Why would Inc give SW more flying and open a base where you guys already have a base? Because you guys have work rules that they must follow and they can force 90+ hours on us and intimidate our pilots into flying those hours forced on us. We can have bases that month after month have 0 reserves and CS can ignore our PPM when it serves them best (company need trumps all).
Our pilots have bought into the mindset that we don't need the protections you guys are afforded. I think it's a crappy deal but unfortunately we have many lifers at SW that are happy to help the new hires fill up their cups with that yummy kool-aid we serve. Once CC was put over that side of the house, I'm feel your fate was sealed. He doesn't see pilots as anything but a line item on the expense report.