So paranoid. You think the executives actually care really concerned with forums? I'm not asking what you're willing to settle for, but for many some this is the first legit contract major airline negotiation with upwardly changing times in the industry. I don't see the harm in discussing expectations.

 

During the NW/Delta merge print outs of their Internal BB were slid across the table from management. If you don't think that the consulting companies don't monitor these boards you are very naive. Do us all a favor and tell your LEC reps in an email or in person what you want. NOT ON A PUBLIC FORUM.

 

Then tell them you want 300 an hour. Then they know what you expect. They are only gonna give you what the mediation board thinks is a fair increase. They have all the control.

 

I hope we get a "reckless" contract.

 

We all want a contract that's competitive with the other legacy carriers: pay-rates, soft-time, 401K contributions, vacation pay, training pay, SCOPE, etc. In this environment, where the pilots finally have some leverage, there's no reason we should settle.

As a VX pilot, there's one perk to the way things are done here that I would like to see put into writing in our new contract: pilot input on building pairings. For years, we've had a pilot work with scheduling to build more efficient and humane pairings. Even without a contract, VX management, realized it is essential that our pairings are productive. I'd guess that 75% of VX pilots commute and productive pairings make their lives easier and prevent sick calls. IMO, our schedules at VX are pretty awesome and I'd hate to see that get messed up. I bid about 60% on the captain side (60% from the top, 40% from the bottom) and I typically get 16 days off a month with around 82 hours. Even a bottom line holder gets at least 15 days off a month. In my eight years at VX, I don't think I ever did worse than 15 days off a month. Do you get that at Alaska? If you do, then disregard this post. However, the scuttlebutt on the line is that Alaska schedules are significantly less productive than VX schedules. I'm hoping that's just an ugly rumor.

We can argue all day about the merits of Pref-Bid vs line bidding, but efficient pairings are a no-brainer. High credit trips equal more days at home no matter the bidding system.

And, I don't care how we ensure high credit trips, pilot input to the scheduling department or via punitive duty-rigs, I just don't want to lose my 23 hour four day trips.

 

As I have heard that from other dudes (that y'all have more efficient pairings), I have thought about why it seems that way. I don't know if it is true or not--we will need to get ALPA scheduling to investigate the details. But, I have come to believe that it is the nature of VX flying vice AS flying that is the primary cause.

By that, I mean, it seems y'all do a lot of transcons, whereas that is only a percentage of our flying (I don't know how much). To further put it in perspective, how many 45 minute legs does VX fly? We have many, ranging from SEA-GEG, ANC-FAI, many in the Arctic, etc. Or how about a day flying one of our southeast flights (southeast Alaska), which is 4 or 5 legs, a 10-11 hour day, 5 hours of credit (contract minimum) but only 4:30 or so block? That is some of the most fun and rewarding flying we do, but it is not as productive as sitting on your backside for 6:30 to go ANC-ORD.

I think the reality is that once the companies, fleets, markets, and schedules are merged, the average time per day will be closer to what we have now than what y'all have.

However, having said all that, putting a pilot in scheduling is an absolute must ask!

 

SCOPE SCOPE SCOPE SCOPE & SCOPE. NO CONTRACT WITHOUT IT!!!! Any consulting company reading this you can send that direct to the Brad & Ben show......

And don't let ALPA give any bu!!**** about having to "trade" for anything, or "You better take this or else" $hit... If ALPA ****s us on this I want them off property.

Remember, this company just made 25% profit margin!! Time to pay us our worth Brad & Ben.....

 

LOLOL... what he said!! Look forward to joining forces with you!

 

Look at what Allegiant just got. And that's Allegiant. I really wonder if mgt wants the JCBA done ASAP before the two big ones: SWA and DAL. Both will only help drive the going rate of a 737/320 way up. One would think on their end, they would prefer to get it done before SW/DL drive up the industry average benchmark.

 

Agree - industry leading contract (pay, retirement, scope, and scheduling as 4 corner stones). In regards to pay, we must get a "me too" clause when the big 3 and SWA pay goes up. Absolutely no exceptions! Oh btw, I'm willing to give up nothing. Double digit record profits every quarter for how many years now?!