This is the single issue and concern I have with ALPA, or any other collective bargaining body, at Skywest.

ACA, Comair, and AWAC pilot groups each raised the proverbial "bar" on the previous one's contract in 2001 due to pattern bargaining. Sept. 11th happens damaging the industry, spawning concessionary bargaining and contract extensions while MAG (facing Freedom) and Chautauqua (facing Republic) sign new contracts nowhere near the previous benchmarks, although improving on their previous CBAs. Mesaba and XJT each sign good contracts in 2004, only for Mesaba to get boned in bankruptcy. Each time another carrier raised the level of work rules and compensation, Skywest management did its best to match it to keep its pilot group satisfied while their growth increased exponentially.

Fast forward to 2007. Legacy airlines are making money again despite $70/bbl+ oil, loads are the highest in history, and management compensation has skyrocketed while labor wages (OURS) haven't even kept up with inflation. Skywest pilots recently accepted a pay package that provided an override for 70/90 seat jets and gave a small first year payraise, but only a 1% raise to jet pilots while selling out your Brasilla pilots.

Despite that, Skywest has a very content pilot group. With the rapid growth leading to upgrades, a positive work atmosphere, good compensation and work rules leading to good W2s, who wouldn't be content? That said, why would anybody be CONTENT with one of the lowest probationary hourly rates in the small jet industry? Why would anybody be CONTENT with riding the coat tails of other pilot groups who have taken the risk of collective bargaining to improve things for everyone? I know why - because its easy and its low risk to those looking to upgrade, get their 1000 TPIC, and get out!

Even last year's much-lauded Zoltar proposal (that never happened) would have only brought Skywest pilots to the average of the top few regional carriers in terms of pay and work rules. A rising tide raises all ships...but without unified collective bargaining, Skywest and its pilots will never be the cause of that change, only the beneficiaries of it.

That is something that all regional pilots, including those at Skywest, need to be aware of as we progress head-first into the current round of bargaining. I think ALPA representing Skywest pilots would be good for them, and I know it would be good for the entire small jet industry. Think of your 1.95% as an insurance policy, and when you consider the impact a medical or flying event might have on your career, that's pretty damn cheap insurance. However, without a unified pilot group ALPA is doomed to mediocrity if not failure...and in my opinion Skywest does NOT have a unified pilot group at this time.