Originally Posted by FltTest

I've read a bit on other threads about what would happen to a new-hire in the case of a strike, but nothing very well pulled together...

Originally Posted by wolf

As mentioned previously, ALPA Pinnacle MEC has clearly stated that in the event of legal self help (a strike) probationary members who are taken hostage (threatened with or terminated) will be reinstated before we return to work. If a strike should be necessary, we will not return to work until all probationary members who have been taken hostage are reinstated.

As for training during a possible strike, continue your training and do your check ride. There is absolutely no reason to not complete the training you have worked so hard for. However that's where it stops. As soon as you operate a 121 revenue flight during a strike you cross the line. In other words, should you fly IOE during a strike you are crossing the line. In all reality, you probably wouldn't have a choice since I seriously doubt that there are many scab orientated check airmen at 9E.

To those in training and still on probation, please remember that should you cross the line, you are making a huge and irreversible decision that WILL affect your LONG TERM career goals. That is not a threat but a simple statement of fact. Many of us came to 9E after the contract became amendable. I for one made the decision even before I interviewed as to what my actions would be in the event of a strike. Simply stated, it is not worth putting your entire career in jeopardy by crossing the line to achieve short sighted objectives.

Originally Posted by wolf

I'm not quite sure what you are asking. There is no requirement to take part in picketing or any other ALPA organized activity whilst on probation (or even after probation for that matter). In fact while you are on probation you are strongly discouraged from picketing although you could assist in a less conspicuous manner behind the scenes if you wish. Probation is your first 365 days from the first day you attended ground school. During your probationary period, there is very little ALPA can do to protect you should the company decide to terminate your employment. However as I mentioned in my earlier post, the union has indicated that if the company wrongly terminates probationary pilots during a strike, we will remain on strike until their employment is reinstated.

If you are asking about crossing a picket line to provide your services to the company during a strike then the unequivocal answer is yes, that makes you a scab. Probationary pilot or not, going to work while your fellow pilots are on strike would make you a scab. As other posters have mentioned, the RLA makes it very difficult for pilots to strike. Undermining the efforts of your fellow pilots to achieve a fair contract would not be looked upon kindly.

If you are harboring any doubts at all as to what choice you would make if confronted by a strike while still on probation, please do not even consider coming to 9E until this matter is resolved.

Originally Posted by wolf

Don't worry about it. There's not much you can do about it anyway. This was something that also concerned me when I was a probie so I feel your pain.

Although it's painfully obvious that management is negotiating in bad faith and that things are probably going to turn down right hostile around here very soon, I think it will unfortunately be a while before we are allowed to strike. When the time comes, you will have built up a fair amount of 121 turbine time (if you didn't already have it before coming here) and will have proven that you can pass a 121 training program. You should be in a good position to get hired by another company if needed. Being terminated for taking part in a legal strike should not be of concern. No future employer that you would want to work for should hold this against you knowing the life long consequences associated with the only other option during a strike - being a scab.

Remember that the union has said that if any probationary pilots are taken hostage/terminated during a strike, the union will remain out on strike until those pilots are reinstated.

I know it's disconcerting to have all this going on while you are on probation but keep your nose clean, remain professional and try not to worry about it too much. Take care.