Originally Posted by
Jeti1214
ABX is a wonderful place to work, with a small pilot pool, huge airplanes, and small company atmosphere. But with the pay being as low as it is, why would anyone come to work here, much less stay for as a career. The company seems content to hire and train pilots for the majors. Obviously, they find it cheaper to train and release rather than train and retain. Companies such as Envoy, PSA, even Ameriflight pay more than a 2nd year FO now. Senior Captains who are topped out get a 3% raise per year. When talking with any member of the Union, the response is the same, the company is not interested in raising pilot pay rates. Yet due to a no strike clause, pilots cannot do nothing about it. Scheduling absolutely abuses pilots with new trips that would not be tolerated by any other pilot group with even a moderate union. Displacements for pilot training eat up a line so much so, that it really isn't worth bidding a line. While the unions sends out emails asking for proof they know full well is happening.
So either move on or shut up.
Pay is a popular topic right now, but there has to be balance in a contract. What is pay if you’re not off to enjoy it and what is time off if you’re stressed about finances? Simply looking at pay at ABX, I think most pilots will find it provides enough to enjoy a comfortable life.
Retention is an industry wide issue. The industry has decided to be satisfied with the constant cycle of hiring/training. Just as pilots will find a balance that makes us content, so will the industry. Right now many regionals are throwing money at the issue. We’ll see in time how much effect that has on retention.
YMMV with scheduling. Many of the schedulers are new just as the pilots. Sometimes just a, “Hey, is there someone else we could run this by?” might resolve it. If not, instead of fighting it out, say thank you. And start reading the contract. If it’s time/safety sensitive, call a steward or anyone you can reach.
My experience… I have found Crew Planning to be extremely flexible and willing to move days around / swap trips, etc. While on reserve I diligently looked at open-time and began requesting assignments at the earliest possible. Often I would fill up my week. As a line holder, I have been displaced plenty. Usually during SAP you can tell if you’re with a check airman and decide if you want to swap out of the trip or stick it out. I have made plenty of mistakes/run into confusion, but with a few emails/calls I have learned from it. As you pointed out about ABX being a small company, everyone here I have dealt with (even some of the most despised) are more than willing to discuss concerns / help. I have not always been right, nor have they.