I'll add a few items.
Upgrade minimums are 2500tt, 1000 multi turbine in a crew environment (it doesn't have to be at SkyWest). When seniority allows you can bid any position. We've even had a few pilots go from EMB FO to RJ CA, skipping RJ FO and EMB CA. I'd say the majority of initial upgrades now are actually in the RJ. There is a one year seatlock in most cases. We occasionally even see people downgrade from EMB CA to RJ FO, or RJ CA to EMB CA. Initial upgrade is up or out -- pass or you're out of a job. You can stay an FO as long as you want, there probaly over a 100 with 5+ years.
Most of the newhires will be going into the jet over the next several months with ORD and SLC being the most likely domiciles out of training. With previous 121 time you'd probably have an excellant chance of getting the jet as a newhire. However, there are advantages to the EMB the first year - less time on reserve, a chance to fly the aircraft you'll have the first opportunity to upgrade in, etc.
For someone wanting to work/fly alot there are usually plenty of opportunites to fly extra, especially in the larger domiciles. We have the ability to place trips, or even just parts of trips onto an electronic swap board which other pilots can pick up on thier days off. Uncoverd trips that the company doesn't have reserve coverage for can be picked up for time and a half, with some restrictions. You can also swap trips on your schedule with those in open time -- again with a few more restrictions.
100% pay for deadheads and cancellations, however reserves will only get the cancellation pay if it is for a flight they have already checked in for that day.
Current ALPA drive going on.
Management has stated we will not be discussing a pay increase until they feel like it. We have not had a positive change to our work rules in years. PBS was a paycut as well.
We are seriously short staffed right now on pilots. The flight attendant situation is even worse.