Originally Posted by suddenimpact

Do you work for Fox News on the side also? Might work, but I guess we will see....

...I believe we can pull this new CBA off, but the methods currently used only divides us more.

Originally Posted by rmr1992

Here's a potential fun fact... rumor has it from recent interviewees that they are being told we will have a contract "soon". I wonder what soon means? Can any recent new hires/interviewees confirm/deny?

FWIW, After over a year hiatus, negotiations have been going since last July within a "framework agreement" (aka schedule and rules for negotiations) that has already been extended once due to an inability to complete it within the planned timeline. This framework has three blocks and was supposed to be completed, if I recall correctly, in January 18. As of this date, block 2 is still far from complete (ZERO areas with a TA and 1 still open from Block 1) and ZERO items in Block 3 have been discussed/proposed for discussion. There's 35 areas/articles to be discussed with 14 TAs so far, one TA reached since Sep 17 on a Block 1 item, last month. Six months and only ONE TA. Soon? That sounds like a relative term. At the current pace, no exaggeration, it will be another 2+ years before an agreement is reached. I wouldn't call that "soon". In case you were wondering, while all articles can have some economic impact, block 3 has the predominantly high economic impact areas. Regardless, one side appears to be stalling/delaying/slow-rolling discussion of blocks 2 & 3 while they hope to win an arbitration slated for late summer/early fall that would allow them to force an arbitrated process down the throat of the other side. In the mean time it's a daily grind to defend the limited protections of the current contract while having your awarded schedule "optimized" to reduce an awarded schedule that was built/advertised in the bid to credit well above guarantee to something close to min guarantee when it comes time for execution (because we have no pay/line protection other than the monthly min guarantee). If all of this is appealing to you then I hear they are still taking apps/interviewing for the sole remaining 747 class this year and the 767 classes we hear they will be running every 3 weeks from now until who knows when. But be careful, they may also offer you a "better fit" for a 777 class... Highly recommended if you like circumnavigating the planet 3 times in 20 days under a bankruptcy contract that pays the lowest rates of any operator of that type of equipment and has the worst work rules most pilots can imagine.

Originally Posted by FR8Dog7

Sorry to see that things are status quo there. But you all just keep paying that 2.5% so Bob and his close buddies can keep eating the prime rib and king prawns on your dime! If and when you ever see the light and get some real leadership, maybe things will change.

Originally Posted by suddenimpact

Do you work for Fox News on the side also?

Especially when you consider part of the current ExCo is an ex-Felon.

Originally Posted by Vital Signs

Secondly, is there such a thing as "ex-felon"?

Originally Posted by Globemaster2827

This guy knows what he's talking about... The crazy thing is that they lie about things like the time frame for a new contract when they won't even close out the non economic items in block 1.

The truth is that over 3 years ago we were told by the Director of the Training center that we'd have "An American Airlines Like Contract in 1 year".

I also know that Dietrich told us in a meeting two months ago that "Both Atlas and Southern would receive improvements in pay, WORK RULES, and retirement." When pressed on the matter he was asked to put it in writing that we'd get improvements in WORK RULES and he dodged the question. When pressed to put it in writing again he dodged the question a 2nd time.

It's clear that their intention is to arbitrate poor work rules into the new contract. Expect zero improvements on retirement so you can subtract 16% from what ever the new rate is to fund your own retirement.

The overall intention is a shiny new rate that gets people in the door and who cares who leaves after being abused under poor work rules. As a bonus for hanging your hat at Atlas you'll get to be a Wal Mart Greeter in retirement and star in an ETRADE commercial...

Over 1/3rd of Atlas Captains have no retirement savings... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d56-22bpyh0

Originally Posted by Davetastic

Your totally unsubstantiated and random "over 1/3rd of Atlas Captains" statistic is over the top. To equivocate your position with an E-trade commercial depicting 1/3rd of American's not having a retirement is disingenuous. Your incessant and increasingly militant position will not garner support for your cause because people just generally don't respond well to that sort of delivery method. To your credit, I do remember S.A. a few years ago saying that it was his opinion that we'd have a contract by now but to press a company officer in a check airman meeting to "put it writing" is bad form. It just paints a target on your back. If you want to be that guy go ahead but I'd look for a different way to herd that cat.

Originally Posted by Globemaster2827

The "1/3rd" comment was an obvious play on the video. However, large percentages at Atlas don't contribute to their 401k's meaning they probably have no retirements. The retirement program we do have is one of the worst in aviation. I personally recommend putting back more than the 5% match on 10%. Of course that effectively reduces what you make... Retirement is the most important thing Atlas pilots need in my humble opinion.

SA was probably lied to. Sound familiar?

I'm not talking about a Check Airman meeting. I'm talking about actual negotiations where Dietrich was asked to put it in writing that we'd see across the board advances in work rules. He avoided the question multiple times. This happened in March.

The bottom line is that things aren't going well no matter how you want to paint it. There are reasons to come to Atlas, but most of those involve taking your new type to a job fair. Come here with at least 6 months in living expenses to get you through the first year or you'll be living on a credit card. 2nd year pay isn't a huge leap.

Originally Posted by Davetastic

So, you are on the negotiating committee?! Unless you were there, what is said behind closed doors is nothing more than hearsay. Or did "a buddy" tell you what happened? Regardless, to challenge a corporate officer is NOT a successful negotiating strategy IMO. In my estimation, EVERYTHING that is agreed upon will be put in writing so why do you feel the need to communicate that someone might have employed such an antagonistic approach to negotiating?

As far as 6 months living expenses is concerned, isn't that dependent on the assets and liabilities of the individual? Perhaps that may be your recommendation based on your finances. I see your point but wouldn't it just be better to say what the pay or retirement contribution is and leave it at that instead of saying the reason for coming here is to get typed and bail? People will do that regardless....or stay. Just leave the BS out of it.