Originally Posted by
Lewbronski
Where does it say they have to recall everyone from ExTO prior to furloughing anyone? ExTO isn’t in the CBA. I don’t think SWAPA and SWA ever signed an ExTO MOU. I think all we have are the ExTO FAQ’s, which aren’t binding. I don’t remember if something like that is in the FAQ’s. I might be forgetting about or missing something. The only thing I’m aware of hearing along those lines is that if someone is on ExTO and is going to get furloughed, they’d recall them for like a day in order to furlough them.
That's my understanding. But remember, if they recall from ExTO many will not be in line for a furlough. Many senior pilots took the ExTO. Those will have to re-qualify.
I'm on ExTO at the moment and took the longest option because I have world travel plans. Based on current border issues I may not get to do much of that but by the time I can because of opening borders I expect to be called back anyway. I doubt I'm out for five years, but if so, I'm OK with that. I've been working at big airports since 1996 and I was ready for a break. Actually, I doubt we're out more than 18 months. Tops. But maybe I'm wrong.
One of the things about ExTO is that pilots who took it remain active pilots, on the seniority list. Just not flying. Furloughs happen according to seniority, if they happen. So yeah, we might only be called back for a day to be furloughed, but many out on ExTO won't be furloughed, they'll re-qualify to fly again.
We'll see what happens. But a furlough will generate a lot of training events. Both downgrades and re-qualification as people are recalled from ExTO and furlough. That's not inexpensive.
ExTO is not a SWAPA thing, I get that, but the company can't furlough out of seniority without a big headache.