Originally Posted by
hokiefan
Looking for info on CAL -- and I apologize in advance for the broad/crystal ball questions. I am a new hire looking for info . . .
EWR is the first place new hires go but what is the timeline to get to IAH? What about CLE?
How quickly will CAL be in a position to hire again? Is the airline posturing for contract negotiations or is CAL really that strapped that furloughs will become a reality?
What is required to commute (i.e. how should a guy plan to commute . . . 1 back-up, 2, 3?). What if there is a double commute (i.e. a connection in CLE is required to make it to EWR)? Does the pilot need to plan for multiple back-ups for each leg?
If DAL/NWA occurs, how far behind will the CAL/UAL merger follow? Will that affect the bases (i.e. would they close CLE and go solely out of ORD)?
Finally, what does an average month of reserve look like? In other words, is it 4 days on, three days off or is it more unpredictable? What times during the day do the reserve slots begin (i.e. can a pilot commute in the same day as the reserve begins)?
Again, apologize for the broad-based/crystal ball type questions but this will help with some upcoming decisions.
Asking a bunch of us pilots to predict the business at this point is futile but here is my take.
Seems you will see something in the coming weeks with regard to this rumored reduction bid. At that point I think it totally depends on how COLA's are offered, early outs, etc. It doesn't seem to be posturing. What is there to posture at this point? I think the combo of no retirements (vs planned 200 ish next year) and now the price of oil have made CAL scale back some flying for next fall (my guess). Sound business decision it seems but bad for us new pilots hired with the expectation of some senority movement. You'll know more when something is announced.
Where do you commute to/from? Going to reserve in EWR from most places will usually require you coming in the day prior. As a reserve at CAL you will have very little control over your life as there are few reserve rules to protect you. When it comes to duty time and rest all you have are the FAR's. You will get 12 days off, 8 of which you can count on. The other 4 can and will be shuffled the day prior. Being junior anywhere is no fun but with the CAL contract it is quite bad for a commuter. Living in base would make it much much nicer as you just wouldn't care about the shuffling of your rest and schedule. Hope for the best amigos.