Originally Posted by
ObadiahDogberry
I never pulled myself out of the pool, and now I have received a few offers of class dates. I have always liked the idea of Omni and even though I do have a pretty good job, I am still intrigued and am considering accepting the offer of a January class date. So yes, I do have a vested interest in what is going on there, which is why I have the fixation.
I know this is not a done deal, I know it has to be negotiated, I know this is a process of offers and counter offers. My point is that ATSG has brought in a law firm that specializes in long and nasty fights with employees. I have dealt with F&H before, so I do have first hand experience. The thought of starting off my career at Omni with a nasty 3 to 5 year battle with F&H is not exactly enticing. Starting off a new career at Omni knowing the opening salvo in the battle is pulling one of the most attractive aspects of the contract (for me personally) is another reason to stop and think about it again. Perhaps to you saying maybe I should pause and think twice sounds exactly like saying the sky is falling, but the two seem quite different to me.
Home Basing is not going away. The company is contractually obligated. This is a good place to be, either as a resume builder or career destination. Home basing has a lot to do with that. We are losing a lot of pilots, specifically First Officers. Captains stay because they make a good salary and quality of life is vastly improved with home basing. Take away home basing and those guys, especially the younger ones (under 55) would most certainly bale for a better retirement (Omni's is non-existent), quality of life, and in the long run more pay. The home basing is also attractive to most potential candidates, like yourself. I would never vote to give it up and neither would anybody I've spoken to.
I would also remind you that ATSG spent nearly $850,000,000 to buy Omni less than 4 years ago. I'm not sure they'd be interested in having the majority of the pilot group leave. My opinion. If you have a good attitude, like flying, and you're a tolerable human I recommend you accept the class date. This is a good place to be.