Originally Posted by
Boomer
I have two instances where SKW's rates didn't "help" Comair's bargaining power...
I seem to recall Comair management and the Bankruptcy Judge throwing out Comair's negotiated pay rates in 2006. They replaced them with a rate they determined by averaging the ASA, CHQ, SKW, and MAG rates for each equipment type.
The SKW and MAG numbers sure flushed the pay rate for the 70-seat guys. A 5-year 70-seat FO (yes, Comair's 5-year guys are still FOs) went from $46.99 to $36.50. Big ouch.
In addition, the next year SKW won Delta's RFP and were awarded half of Comair's 70 seat jets.
Every time you see a SKW CRJ700 numbered NxxxCA you're witnessing the benefits of a "non-negotiated, below-industry-average pay scale"
The Comair guys mostly blame Atlanta and not the SKW pilot group, but it sure gets frustrating year after year hearing:
"If you won't fly for cheaper, we'll give your planes to (fill in the blank) because their pilots will..."
Let me know if my memory is off.
I understand your point but understand that at the time of Comair's concessions our 5th year 50 seat FO rate was almost $39/hr and our 2006 CR7/9 rate with the override (BS override) was near $41/hr. So yes Comair had the highest rates but to say that SKW was on the low side of the bell is horse......................
Actually it was MAG and RAH that hurt you guys the most while ASA and SKW were somewhat comparable to each other although they were and are still much lower than Comair's pre-concession rate.
5th Yr FO rate:
RAH - $37/hr (current rate which I believe was less in 06)
MAG - $35/hr
SKW - $39/hr (50); 41/hr (66+)
I mean no offense so don't take any, just correcting your posting with the facts.