Originally Posted by longhauler

Atlas pilot applicants beware of bait and switch!
The pilot recruiting effort at Atlas has become so desperate that Atlas managers are apparently attempting to lure new hires who have not done their homework into accepting a position with Southern Air. Atlas Air managers are enticing pilot applicants with the false promise of a new contract with improved terms and pay by later this year. But the CEO Bill Flynn is already on ...record with investors during the February 23, 2017 earnings call explaining that pilot costs will not change this year (i.e. no new contract).
As Atlas and Southern struggle to staff airframes, managers are also promising a complete seniority integration between the two carriers as well as a new and improved contract. Both Atlas and Southern contracts (CBAs) are posted on this website under the "Pilots" tab, but here are the important FACTS about accepting a position at Southern in lieu of a position at Atlas. Your success at this organization depends on you performing your own due diligence in order to navigate the misleading and often false information coming from headquarters.
Southern guarantee 60 hours.
Pay $61.20 - Year 1.
$69.95 - Year 2.
$73.03 - Year 3.
$2,000 per month/first four months.
Per Diem $2.50.
20 days on / per month.
Rig 3.5 / per day.
Atlas FOs make 92% of a Southern captain. Southern FOs make 67% of what an Atlas B-747 FO makes.
Southern pilots work 20 days a month. Normally, that consists of flying two laps around the planet, adding up to 70+ hours over the course of 14 to 17 days, which is typically followed by sitting reserve at no extra pay until reaching 20 days since you likely will have already broke the 70-hour mark.
As a junior pilot, the odds of working back-to-back months (40 days out) are pretty good.
Upgrade is currently 10 years on the 777. If you are planning to build PIC time, chances of that happening are not likely.
Junior assignment happens often and cannot be refused. If crew scheduling talks to you, you cannot say no.
Medical is pricey and, at best, the plan is poor.
If you do commercial, you will get coach and the odds are good that you will get to enjoy a center seat.
Vacation, you get two vacation periods a year. A vacation line includes 15 work days, instead of 20.
Vacation periods cannot be taken in the same month. Many vacation lines have you flying two quick laps around the planet and then home for 15 days.