Originally Posted by
TonyWilliams
Ya, we skipped the middleman, and went straight to the wholesaler.
As to crappy wages at SkyWest, I think most of us here know that's not the case when we look at our W2's at the end of the year, compared to other regionals.
I would argue, however, that the industry as a whole is woefully underpaid, and whether union A, B, or C, or no union at all, it still is sad. Don't see that changing any time soon.
The "middleman" is also the one that gives you real leverage and forces your management into real "good faith bargaining." Without that middleman, you will not be able to get away with getting pay rates that brings you just under ASA pay rates. Especially considering the three quarters of a BILLION DOLLARS in the bank and making almost $150 MILLION last year.
By the way, I wouldn't bet that pilot's wages and conditions of employment is more than the total worth of some other regional contracts. Especially when you consider productivity.
The industry as a whole is underpaid and this vote to bring you just under ASA rates does NOT help considering the IMMENSE success of Skywest. It is sad that this will not see this fact change it any time soon.
Originally Posted by
TonyWilliams
Even amongst the various unions that represent air carrier pilots, there's not unity; e.g., APA was vehemently against age 65, ALPA (after flip flopping) for it.
ALPA would have had a much better chance at SkyWest if they had their own house in order. And I do think that an in house union has a better chance than ALPA did, but I don't see that unifying pilots any more than APA, SWAPA, Teamsters, and ALPA are unified.
But, doesn't it get old belaboring union BS ? The vote is over, but they'll be another in 4 or 5 years, I GUARANTEE that. There'll be too many future 1.95% to pass up that attempt again, even if it does take a $5.3 million in the recruitment effort.
Why not save your sales pitch for then?
ALPA would have had much better chance at Skywest if they had less people with your mentality there.
It doesnt get old to me "belaboring union BS." Organizing is an ongoing venture. And you are wrong about the money that dues bring in. Most regional MECs are subsidized by the major MECs. Its not the cash cow you say it is. It actually costs the association money to run many MECs. The few that do run positive put that money in the SMER account. But you already knew that.
Originally Posted by
TonyWilliams
Well, we're not exactly sitting back, but that's something I doubt we'll agree on.
I do agree, however, as I've said many, many times. If SkyWest is the biggest, and arguably one of the best, we should be paid the best, bar none.
Clearly my argument didn't win the day
You should be paid the best but without the leverage that the RLA gives a real union, you will NEVER get there. I don't know what argument you are talking about since you didn't vote for ALPA anyways. That is the only argument that would work.
Originally Posted by
Slaphappy
Alpa won't try at skywest for many many more years. Even the alpa supporters at skywest have let go, so should the rest of you. Worry about your own airlines and leave us alone, we are happy and arn't bothering any of you.
By the way, if you airline sucks so bad why are our newhire classes made up of 90% former 121 alpa pilots?
Organizing is an ongoing process. Its not going to stop anytime soon. We worry about our own airlines and that is why we continue organizing. To many people, you do bother them.