Originally Posted by
lukeh99
I'm a new hire starting training in a few weeks. I've heard nothing but good things about AW (very excited to get started) and didn't even know there were contract negotiations until this thread.
Can anyone here give a rundown of the current state of things? How long have negotiations been taking place? What are the main points of contention? From the limited info I have seen (rigs, block or better, vacation, etc.) I thought the current contract was pretty solid. Obviously hourly pay is a major issue at every regional, but are there big issues with the contract besides hourly pay?
Also, what's the deal with upgrades? I gather there haven't been upgrades in a while but it doesn't seem possible to put upgrades off forever. Is the company short captains? Do you think the predicted 18-24 month upgrade is not realistic? Just trying to get a feel for what to expect moving forward.
Thank you
1. The current contract is a concessionary one that is about, oh ... 15 years old. The company is not even faking an attempt at good faith negotiation. The company is tighter than a frog's @55 and expects further concessions for more money and reasonable work rules. Yes, even in this market. The current contract reads more like a handshake deal and the company has exploited the naivete of the pilots who negotiated to the fullest, to the detriment of the current work force. Good on 'em, but it's time to tighten up the language.
2. There haven't been upgrades in 2 years because we don't have the FO's to upgrade. We don't have the FO's to fly the bid flying without using all of the reserves and then some. It's arguable that we don't even have the contract minimum number of captains, but I don't have a dog in that fight. I don't think 18 month upgrades are realistic, maybe 24 for the new guys? Who knows?
3. Operationally, AWA is great. I fly with a lot of different folks and I enjoy going to work every trip. The constant reroutes, extensions, junior-manning are a real drag. Line holders here are flying for a completely different airline than reserves (reference the contract above). It's a great place to learn and get experience and there are some great folks who work here, but once you can move up and out, do it.
Study. Work hard. Don't take anything for granted and have a positive attitude and you'll be on the line before you know it.
Cheers.