It IS a "Concessionary Contract." Who cares what PSA did. Just because they are a regional airline doesn't mean we have to match them. They are a non-factor. SkyWest isn't going to close tomorrow, or the next year or the next decade. Mainline won't let them, they need the Hub feed and pilots to replace legacy retirements.

 

I agree.

Showed my girlfriend over at Skywest this TA and she laughed. Said it sounded like it was written by her management. She is on reserve, and gets flown all over the country to sit reserve in other domiciles because they don't want to staff properly nor are they willing to. (That would not be fun)

She said she doesn't get paid Duty Rig per what their policy says. (I don't think they actually call it that, can't remember).

She was also saying that they like to change the rules all the time. She said she has called in sick because crew scheduling will change her reserve period in the middle of the day. They release her from duty during the day and tell her to get rest so she can fly a late flight out. Sounds pretty bad.

Not sure if that is abnormal or the standard practice there but that doesn't sound fun either way.

Oh, plus she said that when they have policy changes the language is written so vaguely that it leads to company abuse of policy.

 

Ellen, you ignored my post correcting your supposed facts about how wages and benefits are a small part of the expenses. I pointed out some facts that refuted that. Care to comment?

 

They got a taste of the good life and liked it. Now like an addict, they're wanting to keep that good life so they'll vote however they can to keep it. I'm not voing to argue union politics with you, John. Personally, I think term limits would fix that problem quickly but just like our Washington politicians, once they get in, they're sure not going to legislate anything that puts them back out.

The real point I was making and you ignored is that you were spouting the same message last time around. In September '07, the company ****ed the pilot group off so badly that even the "company men" were taxiing extremely "safely" and conducting very thorough preflights.

And you know what happened? We got a reasonable contract! Unlike what you said would happen, we didn't shrink, we didn't furlough (until the economy tanked in 08, unrelated to our contract). We actually grew and got new flying with United and American, contrary to what you were saying would happen because you thought we were asking too much. This TA has riled the pilot group much the same way the company did back in '07, the difference is now all we have to do to send the same message as we did then is a strong NO vote.

You were wrong then and you'll be proven wrong, again.

 

I don't see how this is different from our scheduling?? Plenty of times they put nap reserves to sleep right away. Then RR 2-10 just to call them for a trip that starts in that 2-7pm period. If that doesn't mess up your circadian rhythm. I don't know what does.

 

It's not going to be hard to boycott the road shows since they're all at inconvenient off airport hotels, and scheduled on days when all but the most senior pilots (yes voters) are working. It's almost like the MECs didn't WANT people to show up... or only wanted yes men. What a "surprise"!

 

The vote turnout & decision feels good.

Fasten your seat belts folks.