Originally Posted by Crusoe (Post 2467283)

An open letter to the CEO from an Atlas Captain (not me):

Dear Boss,

I came here with high hopes. I (mostly) believed the rah-rah speech delivered to us in new-hire class: How you were going to start negotiations in good-faith early, how we were going to get an AA “lite” contract or better, how the company was going to greatly expand – 2,000 pilots in 2 years, etc. I used to be the first one on the crew bus and used to fix my hotel and transportation problems when the ball routinely got dropped. I was a highly self-motivated employee and had an innate desire to “accomplish the mission” that was trained into me from my military service. I also brought over 25 years of world-wide flying experience with me. I was very glad to get the job and frankly, also thought you were pretty lucky to have me.

A short 3 years later everything has changed. NONE of the things promised have come to pass. Rather than a collaborative environment, we work in a hostile one. Rather than make a deal with us, you sue us. You don't appear to be negotiating in good faith. The CBA is routinely violated. We don't have an adequate support staff, which in and of itself is crippling the operation. Our pilot turnover is atrocious. I can only imagine the $millions we are wasting on training because most people leave here as soon as they get the chance. Our new-hire experience level is plummeting because people with real experience don’t bother applying here anymore. Why should they? Other companies compensate their pilots fairly and they don’t try and blame all the company’s woes on them.

My motivation has turned to disillusionment. I’m a Captain here now and even as old as I am, I’m considering leaving. I wonder if you’ve really thought through your current strategy to its logical conclusion. Even if you “win” and end up shoving a crappy amalgamated contract down our throats, you’re going to lose. You won’t have the pilots left to man the operation. While you may see us as little more than cannon fodder, that is not the case. WE are what generates the revenue. WE are the ones that enabled you to become $66 million dollar men. WE are not the ones burning this place down. I implore you to put the matches down and rethink your position. If you will but make a reasonable deal with our union negotiators, we can work together to make this an industry leading company that we ALL can profit from. Otherwise, we will burn into an ignominious pile of ash. And that will be a sad day for all.

Sincerely,

One of your Captains

(Previously posted on Twitter & FB)

Originally Posted by Boss Hoggin (Post 2467737)

I currently fly for a Part 121 carrier that opted out of the FFDO program. To rephrase my question: Are there any pilots at Atlas that are currently FFDO Officers?


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Originally Posted by captainv (Post 2467766)

There are a few. You could only realistically participate on the 767 side, on domestic cargo runs.

Originally Posted by Flyfish83 (Post 2466898)

That's what I am afraid of. If they take away the gateway and home basing it would make an already tough commute almost impossible. Looking from the outside in, I want to be optimistic that management would to agree on a good contract and keep the backbone of their operation happy. Unfortunately, everything I read seems to say otherwise. Good luck to all you guys that are in the thick of it. If it looks as though it will change for the better, I may just have to put in my app.

Originally Posted by Crazy Canuck (Post 2467706)

Yes, Atlas has often works with me to get me alternate travel to wherever I am in the world. It’s one of the few perks we have, for now at least. Many times I have enjoyed alternate travel intra Europe to go from a personal travel trip to work.

Keep in mind they are not obligated to and your success will depend upon the mood of whatever travel/scheduling agent you get on the phone. BKK would be an easy one because we have a freighter to HKG every day as well. With things going south between the union and company don’t be surprised if they axe this completely, as alternate travel is completely at their discretion.

Originally Posted by 83bimmer (Post 2469166)

Was told by Agnes that I might be getting a one off interview in late December. If this is true then the spotlight is going to be on. Any tech gouge for the interview?