Take the time to look at our pilot contract. On an hourly basis, we now make about 10% less than narrow body pilots at Delta, JetBlue, United (contract ratified soon) and American (contract ratified soon). That does not include our shortfall in Premium Pay (flying that is picked up on days off). Delta pays 200%. Alaska 150%. Then there is the Profit Sharing. Alaska will probably be at or near the top in Net Profit Margin this year but our Profit Sharing will be paltry compared to Delta and some of the others. These are just a few of the many discrepancies that I am noticing in our Contract as new Pilot Contracts are being ratified throughout the industry. I anticipate Southwest will achieve a contract with compensation in line with Delta/United/American narrow body pilots. At Alaska, we are currently operating on a 3 year contract so our pay increases end after Sept 2024. At which time, it is anticipated that management will drag things out resulting in falling behind the rest of the industry even further. The rest of our peers are implementing longer contracts that will keep the pay increases coming. As much as it pains me to say this, Alaska has now become the bottom feeder of the industry. It really is mind boggling how Alaska ALPA mismanaged one of the greatest negotiating opportunities. Unless you have a compelling reason to come to Alaska, you might be better served looking at the other options as you will be losing Hundreds of Thousands, even Millions of Dollars in potential compensation. Maybe look at going somewhere that you are valued and compensated in line with the rest of the industry.

 

This analysis is spot on. The union needs to take accountability for the state of our contract. They missed the mark by a mile, and once again, the pilot group was sold a lemon.

 

Any particular reason you think someone who’s qualified enough to apply to the major airlines wouldn’t already know the state of the industry and what other pilot pay and contracts look like?

Oh wait, that’s not what this thread was really about.

 

I just left SWA for Alaska because of the PDX base. Hopefully I didn’t make a mistake.

 

Don’t forget all new hires are going to SFO or LAX

 

Lookin at you Shy….Only endless conversations with new hire FO’s..Subject matter the same…”I had no idea, no one told me, my senior friend said, the base chief pilots told us” etc etc etc ..
There are a number of reasons why Alaska could be a great fit for a new hire. The “ talent acquisition team”
outright tells untruths and spins fabrications related to comparison of other airlines. Our own elected ALPA reps spin fabrications related to comparisons with other airlines. Human nature brother. Making our house as good as the next house.
For you and me, we are here and staying here. For better of worse. A prospective pilot should have the whole picture. Which they wont get here but it may drive them to ask questions. If they dont bother and they end up here and are unhappy that is on them.

 

I went to every coffee sit engaged with all my reps and directly spoke with CG WM and this other clown I can’t remember and told them everything that you all are saying on here and I was laughed at and told I was unreasonable and it’s not what the pilot group wants… sounds like those who voted yes shoulda thought a lot harder about what they expected vs just taking the first offer. Glad I didn’t leave vacation early to waste my time at the 4/1 rally because clearly that was a waste of so called unity.

 

And what’s your point exactly by posting this? You spend all that time to write that up, when instead you could have spent the time filling out an application elsewhere. Again why? If you are that upset, so yourself a favor and bail out. Lots of options and fast seniority movement right now, so again….why?

 

Shy, I am seeing a lot of new folks that appear to have not done their Due Diligence and are a little bit surprised at the shortcomings of our Contract when they get here. As it stands, working for Alaska will cost you Hundreds of Thousands, if not Millions of Dollars, when compared to a career at Delta, United, American or even Southwest (when they get their new contract). I really don’t understand why folks defend our subpar Contract. More $ for the same work and better work rules mean more time at home and earlier retirement. Prospective Pilots deserve the facts…not Company/Union spin.

 

The good old “go elsewhere” line. Clearly they’re looking for others to realize that there’s a problem at this airline. The Alaska discount is still alive and well. Some people can’t leave but are hopeful that Alaska pilots should, and could be at the top of the industry in every aspect. Everyone is in a different position, and telling someone to go elsewhere after speaking facts just shows the disconnect here.