Originally Posted by OpenClimb

An “Industry Standard” contract boils down to 2 main things: How much Work is performed multiplied by Pay. It’s almost like a physics problem: Force x Mass = Energy. Work x Pay = Industry Standard.

[Please forgive me the simplistic analogy physics majors--I’m a Finance guy]

In the world of a pilot, Work is defined by the sum total of our work rules. For example, Trip Rigs, Day Rigs, Min Days Off, Vacation Rules, Reserve call-out Rules, etc. Pay consists of an hourly rate and associated benefits--sick time, vacation time, health insurance, retirement, etc.

What I’ve seen (and yes, I’ve been on a negotiating committee for a 121 carrier) is that management frequently pulls its favorite work rules from a variety of different contracts and calls this “Industry Standard” when in reality, it’s the worst parts from 5 different contracts. Now, each of these contracts might wind up being truly being industry standard, but that’s because they each have the benefit of other provisions which compensate for one small variable that’s below industry standard. A particular carrier might have Pay (in the universal sense of the term) that’s slightly higher to compensate for slightly lower than standard Work provisions. 83%Work x 120%Pay = Industry Average.

It’s my belief that with Spirit and other other airlines similarly situated (Frontier), we have maybe 80% of Industry Average on the Work variable and about 60% on the Pay variable. Do the math and the result is underwhelming.

When you suggest that if we want Industry Standard, we should expect to give up something in terms of Work rules, you’re not acknowledging the whole picture. To be blunt, you’re ignorant or you think we’re ignorant. 70% Industry Average on the Work variable multiplied by 90% on the Pay variable does NOT equate to Industry Average.

I don’t believe management folks such as yourself are really ignorant. Unfortunately, that leaves me with the conclusion that you think you’re smarter than your workforce and our representatives. I find your attitude and presumptions offensive and antagonistic.