Is it $18k a year for three years or just $18k after three years?

 

Maybe better if you read it.....he said $18k ADDED to the 401k.....Its only "added to the 401k" if the employee elects to take it that way otherwise they can take it in cash. Unlike NJ that requires a 1/3rd of the FDP to go into the 401k, Flex is leaving that up to the employee.

 

It is $18k PER YEAR paid out 3 years down the road if you are still on property. If you retire (which they have a formula for based on age and years of service) from the company, they will pay out the remaining 3 years.

 

401k or cash regardless. I believe he is saying it isn’t worth waiting 3 years to get it. For some.

As far as comparing it to NJ, if you take the 1/3 out of my FDP for the last 2 years I have still received over $18k cash. Personally I wish I could up it more than 1/3 but that’s just me.

 

This was discussed by a few of us in my new hire class. We were told years 1-3 was where Flexjet was experiencing all the attrition. Of the people I spoke with, most of us thought that this $18k wasn't really going to do much to retain anyone. If you leave during years 1-3 its probably because the type of flying isn't your thing and you want out ASAP, or you're pulled away by a major the moment they call (which at this rate would probably be well under 3 years). If you stay long enough to get the $18k, you were probably planning to stay anyway, regardless of that incentive.

I gave them some feedback on a survey they sent out after our indoc dinner, and I told them exactly what, for me, would make staying at Flexjet over any major a no-brainer. And it had absolutely nothing to do with money, and everything to do with QOL. None of what I would like to see seemed like all too big of an ask.

Whether or not my response is heard, I do not know.

 

That’s true but x3 OT after 12 hours of duty was not renewed after March 31st and that was or could have been a good chunk of a change for a lot of people.

 

Its safe to say the answer to this question is ‘No.’ or more accurately ‘We saw it and don’t care if it doesn’t fall in line with what we want to do.’

After seeing the absolute fiasco that was Project Vision where the pilot group submitted dozens of ideas and proposals to management only for them to do whatever they wanted anyways, I don’t think they’re too fussed with survey responses.

Don’t get me wrong, I like it here, am planning to stay, and think management treats us well all things considered. All that being said, I’m under no illusions as to the level of input they consider from the pilot group.

 

Your FDP may be greater than $18k, but remember, a 1st year FO at Flex base pay is around $105k, 1st year at NJ is about $79K so the first $26k in FDP is just to make you even to a FLEX pilot.

 

I do agree, I am not sure $ would solve the 1-3 year attrition problem, but everyone seems to say "pay needs to increase" We were told about a guy who 2 days before indoc got a call from SWA and was out the door, that guy (and many like him) was always going to leave for something bigger. I almost feel its a bit of a lost cause, X% of all new hires are waiting for that phone call. The next tier is people who will stay around assuming QOL and pay fits their goals and they dont mind getting up everyday to go to work.

Id be interested in hearing your thoughts. Feel free to DM me you ideas dont want to post them in public. Everyone seems to say "raise the pay and attrition and people will not leave". As I was always taught from my sales background, if all you have to sell is price, you are going to lose. I feel I am paid fairly and the company does seem to take care of us. I see myself here for the longterm however in this business, I will always keep my eyes and ears open for better opportunitites.

 

Not disagreeing with you. The only difference is you have to wait 3 years to collect that $18k. Fdp is paid and the 1/3 in the 401k is most likely growing and the other 2/3 you can do what you want with it. If you leave before 3 years you take that with you. Personally I would much rather have a slightly smaller amount now than have to wait 3 years. What happens if flex decides to furlough?
Will you be staying for 3 years to collect that? Is that the only reason you are staying if so? That I believe is the argument the poster was making.