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A little help please...(Mesa stuff)

Old 07-27-2013, 11:50 PM
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Exclamation A little help please...(Mesa stuff)

Ok, so, this will take a little background before we get to the question:

I was a ramp agent for Mesa out of Prescott, AZ from June 2001 thru July 2002.
In November of 2004 I moved to Chandler, AZ.
In March of 2008 I applied to Mesa airlines for an F/O position.
In May 2008 I was hired as a DHC-8-202 F/O and went to class.
In October of 2008 I was furloughed from Mesa Airlines.
In May of 2013 I left Chandler, AZ for Gig Harbor, WA.

Ok, now we have the time line. It was important to establish this so that my story and questions at the end make sense.

The story:

The last communication from Mesa was from CrewQuals & MAGMEC in January 2013 with an email questioner of how many hours I had and would I be interested in coming back. I replied with my TT: 1618 and a yes. Then I gave my full name, employee number, current address, phone number, and current email address. This was the last I heard about it. I will admit, it fell off my plate as in April, my son was born; so, I kinda lost track of time. Now here we are, late July 2013. I found out (through looking at posts here and elsewhere) that Mesa has recalled all furloughed pilots and is now street hiring. I found this surprising because... I never received a recall letter.

A little over a week ago I sent an email to HR and MAG. This is the email (I have removed info for privacy):

07/19/2013

To: Mesa Airlines INC. - Human Resources Department
410 N. 44th Street, Ste. 700
Phoenix, AZ 85008

From: XXXXX
My address here XXXXXX

To whom it may concern,

I was a former pilot for Mesa Airlines from May 3, 2008 through October 19, 2008 when I was furloughed. My employee number was: XXXXX and my global seniority number, at that time, was: XXX. My position was: F/O on the DHC-8-202. I was based out of: KPHX.

Earlier this year I received an email form the MEC regarding my flight time and desire to return. I responded with my flight time (1,600+hrs.) which does meet the FAA August minimums. I indicated that yes, I would return if recalled. I have heard nothing since.

It has come to my attention that Mesa Airlines has since called back all furloughed pilots and is now street hiring for future positions. I have moved recently, which may have been the reason that I did not receive the re-call information by mail. As I am on furlough currently, I would appreciate some information in regards to this re-call and the steps necessary to return to work as soon as practical. The following is my current contact information:

Name Xxxxx Emp#: XXXXXX DOH: 05/03/2008 Position: F/O DHC-8-202 KPHX
Domicile
Current address here XXXXX
Current phone here XXXXX
Current email here XXXXX

Thank you,
Xxxxx

I have heard nothing from HR. With MAGMEC I did get a hold of someone there. After a few emails back and forth this is where the communication stopped. This is what the last email said:


The recall notice went to a Prescott address on 2/18/13. Fed ex attempted to deliver a few times and when the notice came back the stand bid folks called the phone number they had on file (Prescott phone number here)and no answer at that number.
The pilot contract is pretty specific it puts the burden on the pilot to make sure the contact information is updated. If you have emails or something in writing that show an address change with HR then we may have something. If not then not much I can do. I would recommend reapplying.

I responded with this:

Xxxxxx,

A more detailed explanation of events may help shed some light on this problem.

I applied to Mesa in 03/08 for an F/O position with the airline. At that time I was living at: (Chandler address here) This was the address used through the application process including the "airlineapps.com" submission. It is important to note here that my address didn't change until 5/11/13. This was the address that, if the 10 year background check was actually done, I resided at from 11/01/2005 through 5/11/2013. The Prescott address (3161 Willow Creek Rd.) was not, in any way, associated with my application as a pilot with Mesa. I resided at the "Willow Creek" address from 06/01/2001 thru 07/28/2002. During this time I worked as a ramp agent. This was long before I applied to Mesa as a pilot.

I know that Mesa had to have my Chandler address because when I was hired, I was sent some of the training documentation through the mail to my Chandler address. The reason this is important, I had no reason to assume that Mesa did not have my correct address on file.

Now, on to the phone number issue. This is the same type of problem. When completing the application for the F/O position, I listed my phone number as: 1-480-xxx-xxxx. I have had this number since 09/12/2006, two years before applying with Mesa through "airlineapps.com" This number is still my current phone number. Again, I know that CT had to have this number as it was how I was contacted multiple times for trips.

Now, on to the logic argument. How was my address on file from a residence that, not only have I not lived at for over six years at the time of hire, and was NOT listed on my application as my current address, nor any other paperwork submitted to Mesa's HR department that has any association with this old address, get used as a primary address for an employee? How was I to, therefore, assume that an in-correct address and phone number was on file with the "Director of Operations"?

So, to recap; I don't understand how Mesa could have an address that is not associated with my original application, all of the paperwork associated with accepting the F/O position, and a background check completed for employment with the airline. I hope you can see my dilemma here. Any further suggestions would be helpful.

Thank you,


Xxxxx



It has been a week now with no response from anyone.

If you've read the above, then I have a supposition:

I think when my airlineapps F/O file was sent to HR right after I was hired, an HR person started to input my information, found an old file with my name on it, and thought: "ah, this person already has a file". Then "copy & pasted" the information from the old file without ever looking at the new information from the F/O application or subsequent paperwork.

The following are my questions:

1. Do you think I do have a case to get my job back? If so, what route should be taken from here?
2. Does anybody have DIRECT contact information with anybody in Operations, CrewQuals or HR that I could use?
3. Current information about upcoming class dates?
4. Any other suggestions?

Much appreciation goes to all of you that have read this far...

B {8-)3
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Old 07-28-2013, 07:26 AM
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Count it as a blessing and apply at Skywest or somewhere else
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Old 07-28-2013, 08:03 AM
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when you you were furloughed what address was the notice sent to? where did they send W2's?
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Old 07-28-2013, 09:48 AM
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You should go back to MAG ALPA and work with them. They will be the ones who will get your seniority number and job back if possible.
Plastering your case on a forum will do you no good, and most likely result in more cheap shots like the one above.
Good luck!
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Old 07-28-2013, 04:27 PM
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My responses to those who have replied:

01WJ: Count it as a blessing and apply at Skywest or somewhere else

I understand the sentiment here. However, my research indicates that Mesa has had four classes since my recall. Also, using my acquaintances at Mesa, if no classes had moved through, I would be around 60 or so up from the bottom of the senority list. When I was in class at Mesa our Dash class was 26 and the CRJ class next door was about 32. If we low-ball-it and say that each class averaged 25, then we are now talking about me being 160 or so from the bottom of the list at an airline that has roughly 900 pilots. This is the difference between sitting on reserve and holding a line out of class. Also, all things being equal, take a year off the eventual upgrade time. Again, assuming things move along for the industry as a whole. This is why I think it's worth fighting for. To quote a commonly used euphemism, "Seniority is EVERYTHING."

Xbrit: when you you were furloughed what address was the notice sent to? where did they send W2's?
When I was furloughed, the pink slip was in my "cubbie" in the pilot's lounge at KPHX. As for the W2's, the only one I received went to my house in Chandler. I think this further proves my case that this was an HR mistake, not mine.

West Coast Kid: You should go back to MAG ALPA and work with them. They will be the ones who will get your seniority number and job back if possible. Plastering your case on a forum will do you no good, and most likely result in more cheap shots like the one above.
Good luck!

I intend to continue working with MAG on moving forward. As for the cheap shots, I knew this would happen, but I figured it was worth it for that "diamond in the rough" piece of information that I might get nowhere else. Someone might know the rep to contact and their personal info, PM me, just maybe. Figured it was worth a try. Sucker punches don't bother me. Besides, not like I'm doing a whole lot else right now...

Last edited by cat22planes; 07-28-2013 at 04:41 PM.
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Old 07-28-2013, 04:51 PM
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I wouldn't go back to mesa if you're hoping for west coast or even Chicago.

PHX I know is Super senior with ever shrinking flying out west...over 20 F/Os on RSV in PHX this month and around 40 or so lines from what I hear.

BTW if anyone goes now and tries to reclaim seniority no matter what the circumstance...it will be grieved. The last chance for recall was 4/13 if I'm correct?

There are many new hires/re hires with old seniority numbers back at the bottom of the list at mesa. It Suckksss but its the truth..."

at mesa you are on an island, you must get what you need to survive by doing all the work yourself. You will receive no assistance. You will cont. to do this, All the while trying to get the "F" off of of the island."

The burden is all on the pilot at mesa.

Last edited by FerrisBluer; 07-28-2013 at 05:08 PM.
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Old 07-28-2013, 04:58 PM
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Cat 22,

I sent you a PM. Congrats on the birth of your son!

Last edited by sulkair; 07-28-2013 at 05:12 PM. Reason: spelling
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Old 07-28-2013, 05:05 PM
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Mesa contract section 17 A 3-Furloughed pilots will file their proper addresses with the Director of Operations or his designee at the time of the furlough and will notify the Company of any address changes promtly.

I don't see that you contacted the Director of Operations in your emails. I do see that contacted HR. Being a furloughed pilot myself I can tell you HR doesnt keep any records of being a "current" employee. They list you as a former employee(so you can file and get unemployment benifits) so they wouldn't have "record" to put your current address in (I know it sounds strange but when I went back we had to do a full application with 10 year background check as a newhire) I would contact Mesa ALPA it does say in the contract that you can contact the "Company" and HR is part of the company. If you have records showing that you called or wrote HR or anyone as soon as your address changed then maybe Mesa ALPA will help you (they love a fight with management)
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Old 07-28-2013, 05:52 PM
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FerrisBluer: I wouldn't go back to mesa if you're hoping for west coast or even Chicago. PHX I know is Super senior with ever shrinking flying out west...over 20 F/Os on RSV in PHX this month and around 40 or so lines from what I hear. BTW if anyone goes now and tries to reclaim seniority no matter what the circumstance...it will be grieved. The last chance for recall was 4/13 if I'm correct? There are many new hires/re hires with old seniority numbers back at the bottom of the list at mesa. It Suckksss but its the truth..." at mesa you are on an island, you must get what you need to survive by doing all the work yourself. You will receive no assistance. You will cont. to do this, All the while trying to get the "F" off of the island." The burden is all on the pilot at mesa.

I know about the seniority at PHX and would likely get CLT, IAD, or ORD as my base.

As for getting bumped back down to the bottom of the list. This would be a problem. If this is to be the case after my work with MAG is complete, I would seek employment elsewhere, as holding a line would be necessary for QOL with me living in SEA.

SkyWest would be the obvious choice as they do have a SEA base (I know it's senior as well but it might be something to look forward too). Also most of my family lives in FAT so, a Bro driver out of FAT would be great! Horizon has a few direct flights a day from SEA to FAT and it usually has a few seats on it. Not a bad commute.

As for the hardship at Mesa, all I can say is I BUMP T'AT!!

sulkair: Cat 22,

I sent you a PM. Congrats on the birth of your son!


Thank you, PM returned.

GearMover: Mesa contract section 17 A 3-Furloughed pilots will file their proper addresses with the Director of Operations or his designee at the time of the furlough and will notify the Company of any address changes promptly.

I don't see that you contacted the Director of Operations in your emails. I do see that contacted HR. Being a furloughed pilot myself I can tell you HR doesn't keep any records of being a "current" employee. They list you as a former employee(so you can file and get unemployment benefits) so they wouldn't have "record" to put your current address in (I know it sounds strange but when I went back we had to do a full application with 10 year background check as a newhire) I would contact Mesa ALPA it does say in the contract that you can contact the "Company" and HR is part of the company. If you have records showing that you called or wrote HR or anyone as soon as your address changed then maybe Mesa ALPA will help you (they love a fight with management)


You are correct, I didn't update the DOP. How do I do this? When I was furloughed my access to the employee login was removed. This was the only place I was aware of that had a departmental list and said departments contact info. I didn't (and still don't) know how I could have updated the DOP. HR was the only email address that I was able to find on the public side of the website. Also, the emails that I received from Mesa specifically said to update HR with address changes.

As for the record part, this is what confuses me. If the above is true, then why did they use contact information that was 12 years old, and not currently on any of my information to them for the pilot position?

I'm hoping they do want a bit of a fight, as the only reason to go back is accrued seniority. If I can't get this back, then this argument with them will be moot. But, I am willing to try.
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Old 07-28-2013, 09:02 PM
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This is a lesson for all of us (absolutely no disrespect to the op).

If one ever faces fourlough, shotgun a letter every month to the CP, DO, HR, and anyone else you can think of with your address.

To the OP, I wish you luck.
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