Originally Posted by
JetJock16
Stickwiggler, you sound like a very intelligent pilot. You speak a lot of truth but don’t put Jerry in the same category as Lorenzo. Lorenzo destroyed airlines, Jerry saved ours. I’m not a management pilot; I support my fellow pilots both at SW and at other airlines. Jerry knows how to play the game and as long as the game is working out for us then why change. Other airlines are stuck with unions and it only betters our position against management when we threaten unions. If you look at our Total Pay Package then you will see that we are among the highest paid in the regional industry. Yes, there are a few things that could get better but we are in a better position that you are at ASA. Don’t think for a second that I don’t know what it’s like at ASA. My BEST FRIEND is a 9 year CA at ASA. Don’t get me wrong, if a union could get the changes we want then we would already have representation. There have been 3 votes here and every time the margin against stays the same, NO UNION. We will just us the threat to get what we want and if we are able to correct just a few problems then we are still in a better position that every other regional out there.
Jerry is very intelligent and he knows the game. He plays it and we get paid, we expand, we hire, we buy, and we take our competitors contracts. My pay and job security continues to improve. At least as secure as it can be. I do want more but ALPA can’t get it.
I understand that here at SkyWest we are a bit spoiled. It is Management vs. pilot but management treats us very well. You talk to 99 out of 100 SW pilots and they will say “You only leave SW for your DREAM JOB. Make sure your DAMN curtains its wants right for you because you’re giving up a seniority number at a DAMN good airline.” Can anyone say that about another regional? Take seniority of out it and just look at the company, can you say that? If you can then I’m glad you’re at a company you believe in.
The bottom line: It’s always going to be US vs. THEM
The question is: Who’s them. SW or Mesa
Too many young pilots will fly for food and because of that this is the industry we’re stuck with. Good luck to all who are smart enough to flight the good flight, I just hope that it is the right fight for you and us. I applaud everyone who has an opinion, whether it’s ignorant or intelligent, because it means that they care. Even the ignorant will learn, just give them time.
I appreciate your position, but it is a matter of perspective. You say Jerry doesn't tear down airlines he builds them. Well you are right, and wrong. He is definetly building yours and he is definetly tearing down ours.
our hiring is frozen, we are losing aircraft and future aircraft, and trying to cram pay cuts down our throats. If you had to pick between building and tearing down, what would you call what is happening on our side of the fence?
We didn't unionize "on Jerry" he bought us as is. We are just a bunch of pilots just like the SW guys, and all of a sudden one day our lifes where dramatically changed.
You're right, you are probably the highest paid out there. So why are we being force to take pay cuts and reducing our airlines while Jerry takes the profits and pumps them into SW?
The "threat of a union" thing has been addressed here before. It is true that it works, but it is also true that other people (unionized pilots) are fighting the fight for you. You and your pilot group are reaping the benefits of our time, money, and effort.
You too sound like a reasonable guy.... I bet if you where in our shoes, you would feel quite different. I do thank you for your civility in expressing your opinion