Why Probation?
 

Hello all

Just wondering if someone can shed some light on why the airlines actually have a probation period. Obviously, if gives them a reason to pay less for a year and saves them a little money but why do probies not have all the contractual protections that other pilots have during that time? If the concern is that you might jump ship after they've already spent the time and money to train you then why is it easier to get fired for something someone else might get away with?

They aren't worried about you jumping ship.....they want the ability to throw you over the side with fewer problems....

It has nothing to do with you jumping ship. Despite the extensive screening, occasionally, someone gets hired who can talk a good game, but just doesn't get it, or can't fit in. During probation, you (i.e. Flt Mgt) can simply say "goodby." No system board or arbitration. Simply, "you're a real screwup, or we really don't like you, or whatever, go home."

From the street, that may seem like it sucks, but from the other side, it allows weeding out people who never should have been hired in the first place. Two examples come to mind. One guy, an internal hire, could not pass a checkride to save his life (or in this case, his career.) After 3 failed 727 FE rides, he was let go. Another guy was surgically attached to his cell phone. He would answer it and talk on it during ground school class, going out in the hall to continue the conversation, when the instructor called him on it. When told to report to the 727 SO ACP to discuss his attitude, and fiuture at the company, he did not show up. Obviously, the guy was a twit, but without probation, he would probably still be here, while the whole ponderous disciplinary process took it's course. With probation, it was as simple as "you obviously are too stupid to work here. Take your phone, and don't let the door hit you in the rear on the way out."

A probationary period is not a way to pay a guy less, but as stated above, a way to weed out someone who shouldn't have made it there to begin with, without the major expense (for both the union and) a corporation would have to otherwise spend in attorney fees, to get rid of someone who doesn't fit in. Probationary pilots do have the vast majority of negotiated rights, under whatever labor agreement they work, however, for the first year they are still an at-will employee, meaning they can be let go for no cause whatsoever.

You still work under the same contract on probation, the way I see it, but they can fire you for any reason. My experience is they really don't want to fire anyone, as they have a great investment in you. But if you end up being the type who is more trouble than it's worth, they can show you the door with little or no recourse.

I'd like to see the statistics on how many folks are actually fired while on probation. I bet it isn't many. I think we make a bigger deal out of this than it really is.

I'd bet it depends on the company you work for.

not many at UPS.

None of this really explains the low pay. You'll have to ask our negotiators I guess.

"None of this really explains the low pay. You'll have to ask our negotiators I guess."

I'll bet Bono would know! (vbseg)

TH1

Maybe Bono will throw them a benefit concert?