There is no question that beyond second year pay, Kalita and Atlas offer superior wages. Large increases on jumbo and light aircraft, which we do not operate and do not seem to be in our model, have no impact on the pilot group. A "average 41% increase in wages over the current wage scale" is meaningless if the majority of raises apply to non-existent aircraft and pilots with junior seniority status. Pilots are smart enough to see through the 41% average smoke and mirrors. They will not sacrifice their future years for industry leading first or second year pay. A simple spreadsheet illustrates to any pilot considering a move to one of Omni's competitors they will be left with a larger balance in the bank after a short time. Kalita, Atlas, ABX, and ATI are all adding contracts, flying, and airplanes while Omni has stagnated. How can Omni attract or retain employees when there is no growth locally within an expanding industry?
Mr. Rose's most recent letter states, "Omni’s non-scheduled business coupled with pilot home basing is different than other business models". Yet, it sure seems identical to that of Atlas. Unquestionably there are other carriers that operate a non-scheduled business coupled with pilot home basing. For pilots considering employment opportunities with Omni, Atlas, or Kalita Omni's compensation and benefits pale in comparison. When all other similar carriers are offering their pilots business class travel , superior health insurance at significantly lower cost, better pay, and reasonable retirement plans why would anyone choose to begin or continue a career at Omni?
An additional pay of $500 on deadhead days exceeding 16 hours is hardly sufficient to compensate for the atrocious and worsening conditions in economy class. If the extra pay is meant for us to be able to upgrade tickets, it is useless. Frequently, the class of ticket Omni purchases is sub standard class of ticket and cannot be upgraded regardless of how much money one offers to pay. Additionally, Omni continues to purchase tickets so close to departure time that those with status and point have already consumed the available business class seats. Frequent travel in economy class on flights often exceeding 12 hours is intolerable. There is no other company that subjects its pilots to to this travel and is another reason pilots continue to choose employment with carriers other than Omni.
$1,000,000 may seem like a massive amount of money. However, if equally divided amongst the approximately 280 pilots it is a signing bonus of just about $3500 per pilot. Pre tax! That is equal to a few days of extra work and is hardly a carrot sweet enough to entice a pilot group to sign a substandard contract. Like the offer of $500 on days over 16 hours, this money would be better spent on appropriate and industry standard travel accommodations, retirement, and other compensation.
A lack of a competitive contract in the new year has prompted many current Omni pilots to begin ardently seeking new employment opportunities. Combined with the difficulty in recruiting qualified pilot candidates I don't see how Omni can continue to operate. Doubling, or more, Omni's labor costs may be what is necessary to continue to operate the business in today's environment. Times change and so do business models.
I question Omni's motives with their letters to the pilot group. Several years ago the pilots decided to have the representation of the Teamsters. As such, approaching the pilots with letters and pleas can accomplish nothing. If any progress is to be made to secure the future of Omni it must be done through the negotiating committee.