First let me say, I completely respect the opinions above who don't like the pay proposal.
However, I think I am going to vote in favor of taking it.
1) The economy is in meltdown, thousands of pilots on furlough and we (Skywest) are hiring and getting offered a pay raise that is in line with the CPI.
2) While the majority of Skywest pilots (EMB FO's not withstanding) may not be the highest paid pilot group, we are near the top - and MOST IMPORTANTLY - we don't have to pay ALPO 3% or whatever it is to support their legacy airline pilot labor organization in negotiating our regional pilot pay.
3) Management has no contract with us, but also, we have no contract with management. If for some reason the economy completely turns around and Skywest starts printing money, we the pilots can absolutely go ask for more money. We may not get it, but at least management cannot say "we have a contract" how dare you ask, we will talk in another 5 years.
4) Because we are a competitively priced sub-contract carrier, we have grown amazingly well over the last 10 years. We are acquiring other airlines, ASA and XJET to be specific - and who knows who else in the near future. (Mesa? Comair?) Other airlines are NOT acquiring us because of our business model or cost structure.
My two cents. Flame away.
