JGRod

So what's Commutair going to do when attrition picks up and hiring does not?
Serious question. Downgrades a possibility?

Duke990

I've also heard is the LOA is temporarily dead too. Apparently the union didn't like what the company was offering. (The company wanted all F/O's on captain pay after year 2....regardless if they were a captain or not. The union felt it would be unfair.)

Downgrades are definitely not going to happen. We are short by about 8 captains because we're also short on F/O's. The overall seniority list has 201 people on it and they like to have around 230. If the company is really struggling to get new-hires, I expect they'll start talking about a LOA again, or begin contract negotiations early.

Duke990

I'm with you on this one. I can't tell you how many times there seems to be NO rush to try to get back on schedule when running behind. The thing that really irritates me are some of our I-am-god flight attendants that think they run the show. My previous airline (a Delta Connection carrier) would have them written up and eventually fired if the delay is put on the flight attendant. C5 seems not to care much....I guess because United doesn't really give a crap either. It drives me crazy. Every time I log onto Flying Together, United is toward the bottom of D0 and A14. Oh well. I miss the Delta way.

v1valarob

How long are we gonna be mentally scarred from them? Haha

PICsf340

I can't believe that in this industry, with every pilot group wanting and wishing for better pay, bennies, and lifestyle that ANY union would turn down what your mgmt is offering. C5 has been ahead of every other regional when it comes to pilot compensation and they have done it voluntarily. If I could, I would kick them in the nuts and punch 'em in the face. Be glad to work for a company that is willing to work with your group, now if we can control our union mobs....

v1valarob

It's a useless promise. Upgrade here will be less than 2 years shortly. They just wanted HR to be able to go to fairs and say "you'll be making captain pay by year 2!"

We need QOL adjustments. For example I just finished a split duty this morning. Tomorrow is my day off. Scheduling has me coming back to the airport to sit airport reserve from 2000-0000. It's that kind of crap that needs to be fixed.

PICsf340

I totally agree and hope that you get it. C5 is already leaps and bounds as far as some of the pay and benefits go, but QOL can always be better. Never turn down anything mgmt. is willing to give for free, no matter how insignificant it can seem right now. What happens at C5 could potentially have a positive impact on countless other pilot groups, many of which don't have a 2 year upgrade window. I personally would never bet on that 2 year upgrade, even at C5. It can stop at any time, for numerous reasons. I was fortunate to ride the front side of the bubble when I got to Colgan. I upgraded in 14 months. Life was great. Some of the guys hired 6-8 months after me upgraded in as long as 4-5 years, most of which happened at Pinnacle. I am not trying to stir up a hornets nest, but I never look a gift horse in the mouth. I hope you get EVERYTHING you can!

TallFlyer

I'm no longer at C5, but one thing the MEC Chair isn't is an idiot. JB is a sharp guy and if he's turning down an offer like that I'm positive there's a really good reason. Ditto for the Negotiating chair.

v1valarob

There must have been something the company wanted in return that we werent willing to give.

Also, the dynamic here is much different than what I experienced at 9L and 9E. Everyone cooperates much more. I could text the CP right now and it wouldnt be strange. The company knows its in a tough position right now with hiring, and Im sure JB knows what he wants (hes a reserve captain himself, so he sees the suffering first hand.)

beau172

I'm looking to apply here shortly! Hopefully I can help out with the shortage haha. Do you think they may start giving out signing bonuses to help with recruitment?