Atlas Air Hiring
09-09-2017 | 07:53 AM
Line Holder
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,292
Likes: 2
From: 747
I agree with this 100% and I believe that the attrition numbers, or "not filing classes" argument was always weak and a losing strategy. They don't care what quality of applicant they are getting as long as they get them, and they are. -Wait for the economy to tank, cancel a 747 contract, buy another airline, whatever their strategy is and will be, it's better than ours of: "they can't fill classes! people are leaving! Dumpster fire!" Zero evidence of this working right now.
I have been flying DHL planes for over 20 years now and I know for a fact that if even one DHL plane fails to fly, the Germans will be talking to Purchase about it.
One other thing to consider is that, due to the chaos at Atlas while they move crew scheduling and maintenance control to CVG, the number of contractual violations continue to rise. Atlas has been on the verge of a "major status quo violation" for the past year and edge closer every day.
The Teamsters are more than ready to pull the trigger on a status quo violation strike which would ground a majority of (hopefully ALL of) the DHL and Amazon flights out of CVG.
THAT will get some movement.
What do you suppose the alternative is to 1224's plans?
Hope? Lanyards? Bag stickers? Give up?
8
09-09-2017 | 08:52 AM
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,100
Likes: 0
From: C47 PIC/747-400 SIC
This is exactly the problem that I am talking about.
RJ guy gets to fly the Big Jet to exotic places, which is totally b*tchin' cool, until their dream career job comes along.
Then they're off to greener pastures and they hope we get a good contract.
Except "hope" won't do anything.
Following a strategy will.
The union has a strategy where ONE of their plans of attack is to see planes grounded because of lack of pilots. Atlas has significant growth plans. 5 more 747's this year alone. This month, as of today the 9th day of the month, there have been 40 trips listed in open time. That will equate to more than 120 open time trips for the month. This planned growth coupled with the attrition puts a real and measurable squeeze on Atlas operations. And THAT helps bring the company to the negotiation table.
What doesn't help bring them to the table is "hope" and RJ guys encouraging their buds to get their 747 type rating for the cool experience of flying the whale as a mid-career amusement.
8
RJ guy gets to fly the Big Jet to exotic places, which is totally b*tchin' cool, until their dream career job comes along.
Then they're off to greener pastures and they hope we get a good contract.
Except "hope" won't do anything.
Following a strategy will.
The union has a strategy where ONE of their plans of attack is to see planes grounded because of lack of pilots. Atlas has significant growth plans. 5 more 747's this year alone. This month, as of today the 9th day of the month, there have been 40 trips listed in open time. That will equate to more than 120 open time trips for the month. This planned growth coupled with the attrition puts a real and measurable squeeze on Atlas operations. And THAT helps bring the company to the negotiation table.
What doesn't help bring them to the table is "hope" and RJ guys encouraging their buds to get their 747 type rating for the cool experience of flying the whale as a mid-career amusement.
8
09-09-2017 | 12:36 PM
Line Holder
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,292
Likes: 2
From: 747
Most here are onboard with the union. Unfortunately, some of the transient pilots seem to not really care to help pull in the same direction as us "lifers" because of their temporary career stop intentions.
I suppose I could live with that if it weren't for their recruiting efforts that run in the opposite direction of our strategy.
8
09-09-2017 | 12:50 PM
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 427
Likes: 0
From: LAMA/P180/747
As mentioned earlier-somewhere, as long as planes are moving, then that means longer negotiating. Years to go.
New hires in class, some wanting to stay, some knowing they can move on, and Upgrades, help keep these planes moving. And of course those choosing to VX (a minority). When someone asks me when I plan to upgrade to the 76 or stay on the 74, I say "I'll upgrade when I get to vote on a contract".
I'm trying to do my part. 😉
New hires in class, some wanting to stay, some knowing they can move on, and Upgrades, help keep these planes moving. And of course those choosing to VX (a minority). When someone asks me when I plan to upgrade to the 76 or stay on the 74, I say "I'll upgrade when I get to vote on a contract".
I'm trying to do my part. 😉
09-09-2017 | 12:54 PM
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,100
Likes: 0
From: C47 PIC/747-400 SIC
Well it's also not going to stop when the "drive by" pilots keep crowing about how cool it to stop by Atlas for a year of fun.
Most here are onboard with the union. Unfortunately, some of the transient pilots seem to not really care to help pull in the same direction as us "lifers" because of their temporary career stop intentions.
I suppose I could live with that if it weren't for their recruiting efforts that run in the opposite direction of our strategy.
8
Most here are onboard with the union. Unfortunately, some of the transient pilots seem to not really care to help pull in the same direction as us "lifers" because of their temporary career stop intentions.
I suppose I could live with that if it weren't for their recruiting efforts that run in the opposite direction of our strategy.
8
09-09-2017 | 02:13 PM
Line Holder
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: 747 FO
As mentioned earlier-somewhere, as long as planes are moving, then that means longer negotiating. Years to go.
New hires in class, some wanting to stay, some knowing they can move on, and Upgrades, help keep these planes moving. And of course those choosing to VX (a minority). When someone asks me when I plan to upgrade to the 76 or stay on the 74, I say "I'll upgrade when I get to vote on a contract".
I'm trying to do my part.
New hires in class, some wanting to stay, some knowing they can move on, and Upgrades, help keep these planes moving. And of course those choosing to VX (a minority). When someone asks me when I plan to upgrade to the 76 or stay on the 74, I say "I'll upgrade when I get to vote on a contract".
I'm trying to do my part.
Waiting to upgrade won't do much, it'll just drive upgrades more junior. If everyone delayed, upgrades would be awarded in reverse seniority order.
That being said, if you're senior to me, I support your plan 100%.
09-09-2017 | 07:43 PM
Line Holder
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 493
Likes: 0
DC8, my god. You can't honestly expect people to stop making a POSITIVE career move (to Atlas from 135/regional) for themselves because the old guard at Atlas perceives themselves "stuck" and that it will hinder their negotiating potential. I haven't seen anyone here encouraging anyone to do anything, just honest assessment of this place. As hard as this is for you to stomach, it is infinitely better than a regional, and for a young guy, it can even be fun. I didn't get the memo that part of the "Union's strategy " as you put it, is to lie to people when they ask about life here.
09-09-2017 | 07:50 PM
Line Holder
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 493
Likes: 0
09-09-2017 | 11:03 PM
On Reserve
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
At the end of the day there are a lot of happy people at Atlas, myself included. It isn't for everyone though. Do your homework. This job fits some people's life like a glove and others like a hangman's noose. You're gone a lot more than you're home. If you, and more importantly your family, are ok with that....you'll likely consider this an awesome job.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
