Originally Posted by
John Pennekamp
I got the lowdown directly from the source today (an ASA ALPA PBS negotiator).
You all are going to like this. We got most of what we asked for. It will not be anything like what SkyWest has... more like what DAL has. We also got some "problems" with the current contract fixed. Most importantly, ASA has agreed that there will be no need for additional furloughs. The "source" says ASA management thinks this is going to cause us to grow like crazy.
I beg you all (ASA pilots) to wait for the details to become public before deciding. Don't listen to the pundits at other airlines telling you PBS sucks. We are completely reinventing it. Those tho know me know I'm one of ALPA's biggest critics, but after hearing the details, I have to admit I'm impressed. We got a good PBS system, yet DID NOT overreach.
The process is going to be slow. Don't expect implementation for at least six months. Stay tuned as info becomes public.
I agree 100%... wait till details are out. But....... what does this mean for the 136 guys that got kicked to the curb? Is ASA really going to attempt next summers flying 56 pilots short of 2009's summer staffing plus attrition? Granted attrition is slow.. but we are still losing around 10-15 pilots every 6 months. I have already gone up almost 50+/- since ASA STOPPED hiring/about 25+/- since the 1st round of furloughs. How lean does ASA want to run staffing at? It's GREAT that no more pilots will get furloughed but hey... all that's left is the ones on the no furlough clause that SEEMS to be holding right now. So that really isn't a gain, more like a draw. These are just concerns and opinions, not conclusions. Like I said... I agree wait till details are out.