Originally Posted by
DC8DRIVER
Well, one reason that people express their displeasure here at Atlas is that the company consistently violates the contract. I have found errors on both of my last two paychecks. Very few new hires seem to check for problems with their pay, their schedule, or other contractual violations. Part of that is because the contract was so poorly written that it is very, very difficult to interpret the many sections that are frequently abused. It happens often and it is a cultural attitude within Atlas mid-level management to cheat the pilots out of their benefits.
Another reason that people express their displeasure here at Atlas is that the job we do is much more challenging than similar jobs at the "big five". I have a friend at Delta who was on the 747. He said they fly ONE type of 747 to 9 different cities. We fly 5 very different types of the 747 to 432 different cities. The profit per employee at Atlas is more than enough to compensate us at a wage that far surpasses the major airlines, yet some new pilots here have bought into the company propaganda that Atlas, because we aren't a household name, simply HAS to pay less than United, and the rest.
A final reason that pilots seem to bad mouth Atlas is that the more difficult it is for the company to hire enough pilots, the sooner they will come to the negotiating table and offer progress. It's that simple. The more people who arrive and convince their buddies that Atlas is just sooo cool that they should come here because you get to taxi a 747 around Hong Kong while you wait for your call from FedEx or American, the more time Atlas management will have to drag out negotiations. This saves Atlas millions and doesn't seem to matter to those pilots who use Atlas as a stepping stone in their career climb. The only people this enthusiasm seems to impact are the pilots who can't or won't move on to a better job.
I am not miserable at this job and I insist on having a pleasant time in the cockpit. But I would NEVER encourage another pilot to join the Atlas ranks until we get a new contract. It is a strategy that many people do not seem to understand.
8
Nah, I totally get that and actually agree. We do a job far more difficult than most anyone else out there, and are paid a good deal less and our work rules only "average." We need better. Everyone agrees. I also fully believe we will get better, much better. I still get to fly a -8, see some cool places, and since I can drive to base an legit home 13-15 days a month. I can't complain too much. Do I deserve better for what I do? Of course? Be nice to find a balance of pleasant work environment, pride in the company who signs our paycheck, and optimistic outlook of the future. Like I have said.. abide by the contract, if you don't know it or don't bother to read it then it's on you. It is poorly written, but it's also relatively short...read it...hold the company to it, but keep your head up. Let's keep the outlook positive and remember it's not always wise to bite the hand that feeds you.