Originally Posted by
Cujo665
Does the new LOA force FO upgrades?
The advent of these types of "deals" coming back to the industry tells me there isn't the huge shortage of FO's there once was.... I'll stick with my prediction that the "pilot shortage" has about 5 years left in total, and the shortage currently will be at the regional captain level, not new FO level.
as it comes to an end, we can expect more of this type of thing, and a clawing back of pay and work rules to..... "remain competitive." You've heard it all before, you'll hear it again. Get out before the music stops and the hurt begins.
No, the union fought to keep it from what I understand. The contract they are making new hires sign on the other hand may have some stipulation of a financial penalty if you don't. Which still technically is not a forced upgrade because you can still refuse it, but you lose your bonus and there may be some other financial penalties. Teamsters should be taking the company to court over this if they already haven't.
In my opinion the Regionals will be hurting for Captains and as a side effect be fat on FOs until we get over this retirement wave, which will be near the end of the decade. Those people thinking things will get better later this year or next year for FO hiring have their heads in the sand. The current hiring environment for 1500 hour pilots (or any pilot who needs over 500 hours at the company before they are eligible for upgrade) is going to be the new reality for a while.