With no union representation, the company can do as they want. If I remember correctly, FLX laid-off out of seniority after 9/11 - including several senior pilots.

 

Wow!

I thought that they were calling it a furlough!?! That word is VERY IMPORTANT versus the word TERMINATIONS. If they terminate them, for the rest of their careers, they will have to explain on applications as to why they were terminated. With today's mostly online applications, they can filter ANYTHING: Doctorate, Masters, Bachelors, Associate, High School only, GED, accident, incident, violation, Letter of Warning, Felony, Misdemeanor, D.U.I., TERMINATION, etc. A terminated pilot might never get to explain to a real person that their company did not have a furlough policy.... because they were already filtered out because of the termination. If they do talk to a real person, they have to convince the HR person working for the airline that HAS a furlough policy (like most decent companies in the free world) that your story is true and that your former airline was run out of a trailer in Ypsilanti. This happened at two former places I worked, and the surviving pilots learned from this experience at both places and organized. Guess what? It didn't happen again!

This sounds like a cautionary tale for the surviving Flexjet pilots (that is, if it is true that the pilots are indeed terminated vs. furlough with recall rights). Do something before the same thing happens to you.... Citaition Shares handled it with class, XOJET and, initially, Options, did not. We all know how Netjets will handle it because they are contractually obligated. If the Flexjet pilots have any say whatsoever, you should try to convice your management of the good will and good industry image of furloughs in reverse seniority order (last in, first out) for these and all subsequent furloughs. As it seems like they have chosen the dishonorable path before (post 9-11) and you all realize that you are working for the type of company that does this kind of thing repeatedly, then the pilots might have to resort to at least the threat of an organizing campaign. The career you may be saving might just end up being your own.

Good Luck, Flexjet pilots!

In Unity,

B727DRVR

 

Let me be clear about something - I don't have any knowledge on this subject beyond what I've read here and a little from people I've talked to. I have no idea if FLX is calling it a furlough or lay-off but the point I was making was the company can do as they please. However, I'm pretty sure a lay-off is not considered a termination but I could be wrong. Let's hope that FLX handles this the right way and offers recall rights.

 

There is a BIG difference between termination and furlough. Try applying for unemployment benefits when you have been terminated.

 

You're right, Bloodhound.

This is Flexjets' chance to shine and show that they respect their pilots by furloughing in seniority order.

Good luck, Flexjet pilots!

And Flexjet, don't be an XOJET or FLOPS (the first time), and do the right thing! Show your pilots the respect of protecting their careers and furloughing them rather than terminating them. Thanks.....

In Unity,

B727DRVR

 

It’s officially a furlough as of today. FlexJet offered a very generous severance package with recall rights. I'm not going to give anymore specifics than that.

I was right about FlexJet when I came to work here; they are running a first-class operation and I hope the furlough doesn't go any deeper (here or anywhere else.)

I have no heartburn for FlexJet and hope to return someday. They some minor issues, but in my net estimation, this has been very good experience in my aviation career. They have followed through with everything they said they would and then some.

It's unfortunate...

 

Well, best of luck, Clyde.

I doubt I know you, but the feeling on the line is that EVERYBODY is going to do what it takes to get you guys back asap.

Yeah, I know we have no union, and it isn't about that. But just the general friendship we have for each other. And the fact that this is a good company.

I have no doubt you will be back,, soon.

 

Hey Clyde,

Sorry to hear about your furlough, but it is awesome what Flexjet is doing with your severance package and recall rights! They have proven that during difficult times, they faced an adverse business climate with class and took care of their employees. Way to go Flexjet!

Here's hoping that your furloughs don't last long and congratulations to you guys working for a good and decent company.

Good luck to you Flexjet pilots, and all of us in this crazy industry....

In Unity,

B727DRVR

 

There's really not much difference Steve. One of our pilots got fired because he was too much of a "Ricardo Cabeza" and applied for and received full unemployment benefits. Ironically, the company appealled the benefit award and lost. Seems that the Gov't is much more sensitive to the plight of the unemployed these days regardless of circumstance.

 

Well times have changed. Back in the 70 and 80's you did not want to be terminated. Companies would terminate so they could get out of paying unemployment. You could apppeal and only if the employer did not show for the hearing were you going to get unemployment