Ludicrous Speed

I think that you're taking his statement a bit out of context and omitting a key part of that statement. He stated that Atlas was a good 2nd choice from a union solidarity perspective, because of established contracted 767 pay rates. Not that the rates are anything to be brag about, but at least they're not "race to the bottom" rates. I don't think that point can be ignored.

wetpish

I just heard that DHL is going to announce they are taking bids for CMI operator on 13 767s. Anyone want to guess where those are coming from?

+1 on on the comments that the 1224 leadership has taken advantage of the situation to put Atlas and Atlas pilots in a position of advantage. The statement issued by Wells seems very cynical and self serving.

As for the preferential hiring, it doesn't seem to be working so far. I know a few people who got interviewed but many more who tried and did not. I hope they will make more of an effort to, at least provide feedback.

We need some better communication from the ABX EXCO at this time.

wetpish

Maybe a good second choice from a union solidarity perspective but also from an Atlas pilot perspective.

I think Wells is concerned about 1224 but looks out for the Atlas pilot group first.

Of course, ABX pilot group put all this in motion several years ago when they made the decision to give away leadership of the local.

Brokenwind

Preferential interviews!

You still have to pass muster in front of the panel. There are no secret handshakes, nudges or winks. Many of those thought it was a meet and greet followed by a shoe-in.

This unfolding of events should come as no surprise to the ABX pilots given the less-than-favorable impression JH have shown DHL management. Putting performance aside JH has not has the best long term interest of ATSG in mind when he was dealing with DHL. He has managed to make himself and ABX a clear last choice in the same way he comes across to the pilot group.

There will be opportunities for the ABX pilots at Atlas and they will be welcomed with open arms like family. Those who are frustrated and pointing fingers will hopefully be muted when the EXCO's reveal their efforts to ensure a method to retain ABX pilots at Atlas.

Atlas is not interested in poaching other people's business but the DHL work was ABX's to lose, it was put out for bid and ABX lost the bid.

blogwth

ATSG probably wanted to keep the CMI contract on those 4 planes. JH went to the pilot group and told them they would have to make some small adjustments if ABX wanted to be able to submit a competitive bid.

At that time, 1224 president Wells released his statement that said ABX would not be allowed to make any adjustments. That strategy assured that Atlas would be able to submit a more favorable bid and secure the work.

Of course, you can't blame Hete, or Wells or DHL managers. There were all just doing what they are supposed to do.

Look at the actions of the ABX EXCO. They are responsible for allowing this situation to happen. What is their motive? They are controlled by a small junta of guys who are close to retirement and want to preserve everything they have in spite of the overwhelming evidence that maintaining status quo places the long-term prospects at great risk. But they don't care about the long-term. And what about the more junior sector? They seem to blindly follow while participating in their own demise.

Don't blame Wells, JH or DHL. Their job is NOT looking out for the well being of ABX pilots. Blame the ABX pilots. We've done this to ourselves. We continue to do this to ourselves. We are not making adjustments. There are parallels to what happened at Astar. Did Astar pilots change the landscape? Are ABX pilots really making changes?

HercDriver130

Listen.. business in this end of the industry comes and goes... we all know that..... those who say we are taking CA Well's statements out of context .. we can just disagree on that.... as for the pay.. for K4s part of it.... they have a history of paying the same rate to all aircraft on the certificate... word was the company had agreed to pay no less than our existing rates.... while not setting the world on fire... not a race to the bottom as has been suggested. Further, this preferential hiring BS...... sounds good unless you are the 15+ year seniority guy who is losing his job at ABX for what bottom of a 1000 plus pilot list.... certainly its a job and shouldn't be dismissed... but to toss out preferential hiring as away to make the ABX guys feels better is just cruel.

NightIP

Sorry guys, none of us feel good about Atlas picking up work that will result in job losses at ABX. Trust me, we aren't partying over here.

The reality is, the Local doesn't have the power to create a conspiracy to bring those jets over to Atlas. There's no grand scheme. We all realize that the president of the Local being an Atlas pilot is a lightning rod for blame, but it's simply a coincidence.

Brokenwind

"Further, this preferential hiring BS...... sounds good unless you are the 15+ year seniority guy who is losing his job at ABX for what bottom of a 1000 plus pilot list.... certainly its a job and shouldn't be dismissed... but to toss out preferential hiring as away to make the ABX guys feels better is just cruel".

I wish I had that option when I got curbed from ABX in '09. Where was 1224 then? There was no amnesty for us. At least you'd be betting on a winning horse vs. crying over spilt milk...

You have my sympathy!

EXPAT1

[QUOTE=wetpish;1714338]I just heard that DHL is going to announce they are taking bids for CMI operator on 13 767s. Anyone want to guess where those are coming from? (Quote)

I don't think ABX will be able to keep any of the remaining 767s unless the pilot group considers concessions at this point. DHL has ABX right where they want them and Atlas standing ready and willing to gain the remaining aircraft next year. The 1224 EXCO is not to blame here, they want the company to continue so their pensions are secure. The blame here lies solely with JH and his inability to play well with others (DHL). ATSG shareholders should question his failed leadership and loss of shareholder value as the business withers away.

Brand X

Since it seems that most of the parties involved in the DHL induced fiasco are 1224 members who are fighting amongst each other for the scraps that DHL decides to toss their way, what we need is a way to end the in-fighting amongst the 1224 pilot groups. What is needed is a 1224-wide seniority list with DOH being used to determine seniority.

That way when Atlas takes ABX flying, ABX pilots can go to Atlas with their ABX DOH intact for pay, bidding and benefit purposes. Now, to satisfy the Atlas crowd, who would probably be junior to most of the most junior ABX pilots, we can fence in the left seat for a few years so that the ABX guys would have to start out in the right seat and then once the fence expires, can use their original ABX/1224 DOH to bid left seat. The same would apply to any 1224 pilot impacted by another 1224 pilot group taking their flying.
It's fair for all parties.