Originally Posted by ultradrvr (Post 2093064)

No hostility from me until you ask what is opt, max and recommended mean in the fms......after you have been through initial and oe! I'm guessing you don't fall in that category. Welcome, we need people who aren't impressed by big shiny airplanes. I would go back to my old DC-9 if I could have a fair contract and good quality of life.

Originally Posted by Major Kong (Post 2092830)

Okay guys, I've read pretty much all of the thread and have a couple of questions regarding the current company issues. I'm an all military-time heavy driver who's currently in the application process. I took and passed the online test recently and am hoping for an interview call.

My question is primarily around the management vs pilots issues right now and come from the perspective of someone who has never been in a union or dealt with a CBA, so please bear with me. From looking at BayBum's post above it appears that there is potential for a hostile attitude towards people who are hired in the near term. Is this going to be an issue? I want to fly at Atlas, I don't have to. I like the equipment and I love the international flying, it's been my favorite part of my Air Force career. I fully stand with the position of the pilot force and will fight for the better contract everyone deserves. I just don't want to potentially come into a new job with a target on my back. Am I being too paranoid, not paranoid enough? Thanks in advance for any feedback.

Originally Posted by zerozero (Post 2093099)

It should be noted that the chief pilot is known for questioning reserve and guard duty and therefore some military pilots are feeling harassed at work due to MIL duty (in direct violation of the law).

Now the chief pilot is urging reserve and guard pilots to perform MIL duty on their days off.

Just the facts.

Originally Posted by iPilot (Post 2092715)

Union negotiations have nothing to do with "market rate for labor." In fact the fundamental reason for unions is to protect labor against it. Any schmuck can be a longshoreman but those guys have such a strong union they can charge a massive premium for their services despite the fact the company could find an army of people willing to do it for less.

Atlas will not have trouble finding warm bodies to fill classes. They could hire pilots that even the regionals would think twice at if they wanted. They may see their pass rate suffer and get an even closer look at by the FAA (who's already quite interested in the way things are being done around there). They might even have an accident or two (much like the 2 hard landings in the 747 lately). However they won't ever not be able to fill classes.

The union on the other hand doesn't have to play that game. Informational picketing at job fairs will help by keeping Atlas from hiring the pilots they want and resort to lower qualified guys willing to take the risk. However to bring the company to the negotiating table it will take slowing the operation down by following the CBA exactly, liberally writing up airplanes for mechanical issues, and most of all not pushing to get an airplane out on time.

Saying there are plenty of pilots out there to accept the current contract (or even a worse one after amalgamation) is a strawman argument to a contract negotiation. Union pilots should have no concern of who a company could hire but solely on how to make life better for those who are currently on property.

Originally Posted by 1Wingnut (Post 2093271)

I have been invited to the upcoming round of interviews, but the recent turn this thread has taken has me worried. I have read the entire thread, and it seems like the recent acquisition of Southern Air really has current Atlas pilots concerned about the future of contract negotiations.

Atlas has been my goal for some time now. I have traveled internationally extensively, and international cargo is my ideal job. Long rotations away from home are not a problem for me, and frequent overnights in HK, Japan, Korea, etc., are something I would enjoy. I am currently a captain on a super-mid jet. I have a schedule and make about $100k/year including salary, 401k, tips, etc. I work with good people, and I like my job. But I have always wanted to get back to mostly international flying, CASS benefits are good, and I would not miss loading mountains of suitcases. I am not really a major airline kind of guy - spending time in a passenger terminal everyday does not appeal to me.

Three months ago, going to Atlas would have been a foregone conclusion, a no-brainer. But with what I am reading here lately, I'm starting to wonder. What I would like to ask of current Atlas pilots - what would you do in my position? Can I have a good future at Atlas, or will I be kicking myself a year from now if I go there? Again, I have read this entire thread. I understand things are tense. In the worst case scenario, I would consider time in a heavy type and increased international experience a step in the right direction. Thanks for any insight you can provide.

Originally Posted by Sailfish234 (Post 2093288)

Let me just say this, Atlas is like a bad slot machine that will never pay out. Morale is at an all time low. Unless management steps up and comes to the table, like they said, and bargain in good faith, I would say stay put. It is a constant battle with scheduling, mtx, management to make sure they are living by our contract. Their motto is throw whatever out and see who accepts it...

Originally Posted by 1Wingnut (Post 2093293)

Thanks for your input. I certainly understand why you say that. The thing that makes me still consider going forward with Atlas is that I am not young, and if I decline Atlas at this time after passing the test and attending an interview, I will be closing that door forever. If a year from now, a new, reasonable contract is worked out, in that case I would be regretting not going. My magic 8 ball is not helping much.