Originally Posted by
SkyWestPilot1
What's fishy? Why would they not want us to be able to work directly with crew support to fix pay issues etc.? I know exactly what your talking about though because I was at an employer previously who literally it seemed was out to screw us. There are very few companies out there who still treat their employees right. Guys I fly with at skywest as a rule are trying to do a good job, trying to get out on time, trying to watch spending (except on the last leg of a 4 day) Gotta get home you know. If you treat your employees right they will treat you right, thats how it is at skywest, I thought you used to work here, didn't you? Maybe I'm thinking of somone else. These are the very reason we don't have a union yet.
As far as why don't they want a union, well, thats simple it throws a big ol bunch of red tape into the works and slows everything down. Want to pick up some more work,,,, gotta ask the union etc. etc. Not having a union makes it easier for us to get new work, its not everything but just one more feather in our cap when potential new relationships are built. Just one more small reason to maybe lean our way.
First, why would you need to speak to your union to resolve a pay issue if unionized? Isn't it more likely that you would keep the ability to speak directly to the appropriate people, but with the option to file a grievance if their resolution doesn't meet the terms of your CBA? That's how it works at my unionized airline.
Second, the only reason a union would make it more difficult to pick up more flying is if management is trying to screw the pilots over (pay cut, 90 seat airplane for 50 seat pay, etc.). If management wants to maintain the conditions of you CBA while adding flying, the union wouldn't really have a reason to slow it down.
I've said it before and I'll say it again: The relationship between SkyWest management and pilots does not have to deteriorate if ALPA is elected. If the pilots elect good people to the MEC and management puts forth a good faith effort, things can be like they are now except with a legally binding contract.