Full-Hiring at big three kicks in. Check
No longer bound by arbitration. Double check.


I know it's a ways off, but, in all seriousness and sincerity, at that time, how are you guys actually going to get those things; scope, scheduling changes, better pay?

Between now and then, I'd be curious to see if a problem attracting/retaining eventually materializes. The new higher FO pay, years 1-5, a 5-yr upgrade, and 15-15.5% DC might be enough to keep 'em coming/applying. I don't honestly know. As far as attrition, you said it yourself, IYO, you think people are better of staying. Leaving is easier said than done.

In any case, if a pilot attraction/retention problem eventually arises, it will take time to materialize and even more time to be reacted to by the same management that brought you the perfect storm Horizon pilot shortage.


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When I was researching pay rates during my job search, JBLU rates were substantially lower than ALK. If I remember correctly, it wasn't too long ago that top of scale captain's rate at JBLU were in the $180s for quite some time. $219 isn't anything to write home about especially when JBLU isn't on most pilot's radar. It's a step above Spirit in most pilot's view. I guess $3 more will buy you a bigger airport burrito. Yesterday's ALK still offered a better overall compensation package than today's JBLU. I'm just stating facts.
I remember meeting a former JBLU pilot during my short time at Alaska. I don't know of anyone who've left ALK to go work for JBLU. In all seriousness, I wish you guys the best outcome but JBLU isn't in the same career league unless ALK acquires JBLU.

 

If you are under four years at AS or VX I think you would be crazy to stay. UAL AMR DAL FEDEX UPS all way better careers from that starting point. However, you still have to get hired and that at times can be harder then it looks. If you are 12 years or more you are not going anywhere especially considering the cost of throwing away the pension.

 

Ha! What a do*che. JetBlue is 17 years old, Alaska is 85 years old. Jetblue is currently 30% larger than Alaska, let's see if that trend continues over the next 70 years so we can draw a valid comparison.

To the intelligent individuals who have written about their disappointment today, I've been where are you are and I feel for you. The only encouragement I can provide is "don't allow the job to define your happiness." I wish you well and will support your fight in 2020.

 

With all due respect, I have many friends at JetBlue and wish you all the best. As far as JetBlue paying more than ALK... on a topped out hourly rate by pennies and honestly in the grand scheme of things for days. Overall compensation is really not close. Your medical cost alone are mind boggling.

April 18
SWA 258.30
ALK 258.53

With your own reasoning have you ever made close to SWA wages...com-on man

Check back your contract will be done hopefully late spring early summer 245$. I bet you will have scope though

 

Good question JA...

But no. AS will have no trouble hiring or retaining pilots. This could change in 2021 -2022 time frame. Spirit Frontier and JetBlue are also filling classes each month with significantly lower rates.

This will happen because supply and demand will be on our side and the backstop would be a strike... It won’t be easy though, nothing worth having ever is.

The only people better off staying are 5 years or more but for sure 12 year captains, 100% in the pension plan

 

great take more. I could use the jump in seniority.

 

If you read my post, I'm no longer with ALK. You are in dire need of reading comprehension skills. I have left for greener pastures. Even though I'm no longer part of ALK, I have respect for the people there and quite frankly, they have a great business model. The numbers speak for themselves. I still have friends there and I wish them the best.
You are obviously the emotional type and like to shoot from the hip. True, JBLU is younger and bigger but their spread sheet is far from stellar. Without getting into details, JBLU is another stepping stone airline and is not structured to withstand another economic down turn/major terrorist attack. ALK management chose to turn their airline somewhat into a stepping stone airline for the time being but it will turnaround for them. Stats and numbers don't lie. JBLU is just another inflated LCC. Again, look at the numbers and you'll see. If you still think that your dick is bigger, you may want to take off those bifocals.

 

Says the man who enters this ****ing contest- The fact that a "legacy" like Alaska and jetblew are even in the same sentence is a sad commentary on the latest arbitration.
B6 is way behind and so is Alaska. The only contest should be between pilots and their respective management.

 

I do think is important to write... No matter if you decide to stay or go, I am confident Alaska will be a great career. Maybe not the best but a great career. If you are lucky enough to get hired at DAL or whoever ends up being the best you will always be able to find someone who did better. Whether it be computer science, business, or Hollywood. Be happy for them but appreciate the fact, you did pretty well, probably better then most... don’t forget where you came from and give something back!