Some sad news at Flex
01-29-2009 | 05:43 PM
#31
Sitting on the sidelines
Joined: Aug 2007
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Furlough or termination really doesn't make much difference in this industry. Everyone who is doing the hiring knows what it is like - most have been there. The only difference is the language. You don't get terminated the same day as 24 of your brethren because you can't fly straight or swore at an owner.
I think Flex has done the best possible given the situation. Sure, it would have been nice to keep everyone. A number of people asked about a company-wide reduction of flying days per period from 16 to 14-15 in order to save the jobs, but management rejected due to the high cost of keeping the extra pilots flying: training, insurance, etc.
Would a union contract have made a difference? From what I hear from the "Flex 25" probably not. The company was very fair to them - and hopefully they will all get back soon.
I think Flex has done the best possible given the situation. Sure, it would have been nice to keep everyone. A number of people asked about a company-wide reduction of flying days per period from 16 to 14-15 in order to save the jobs, but management rejected due to the high cost of keeping the extra pilots flying: training, insurance, etc.
Would a union contract have made a difference? From what I hear from the "Flex 25" probably not. The company was very fair to them - and hopefully they will all get back soon.
01-29-2009 | 05:46 PM
#32
Sitting on the sidelines
Joined: Aug 2007
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State laws vary. In some, you get paid unless you quit. In others, the employer does not have to pay if they can prove that you were fired for cause (but incompetence is not usually considered "cause". "Cause" is stealing, harassment, excessive absence, making a pass at the boss' wife, etc.).
01-30-2009 | 04:16 AM
#33
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: F/O- G-V/550
Hey Navajo31, good to hear you made out OK. Nice to hear from actual employees and get the real story, instead of this "I heard from a friend" cr**p.
Sounds like FX acted in a fair and professional manner when it came down to furloughing people. That is so refreshing to hear.
at least you guys were able to hang on longer than most, that's gotta be a good sign.... I work for NJ, will we furlough?? I don't know, but we're hanging on, I see that as a good sign as well.
Sounds like FX acted in a fair and professional manner when it came down to furloughing people. That is so refreshing to hear.
at least you guys were able to hang on longer than most, that's gotta be a good sign.... I work for NJ, will we furlough?? I don't know, but we're hanging on, I see that as a good sign as well.
02-01-2009 | 07:15 PM
#34
GO Phins!!
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 257
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From: A320 CA
Good luck to everyone being furloughed at Flex. I wish you and your families all the best for the future. Things will ultimately bounce back in the long run and hopefully we will all have jobs and a future in this industry.
I can't understand the furlough figures though. If they are only just over 5% to furlough ....... why couldn't the company absorb that for a couple more quarters? I don't think 5% of the lowest paid pilots being furloughed is going to save a company. Just my opinion but 5% sounds like splitting hairs at this stage. Maybe they could have implemented some other cost saving programs to save these jobs.
I can't understand the furlough figures though. If they are only just over 5% to furlough ....... why couldn't the company absorb that for a couple more quarters? I don't think 5% of the lowest paid pilots being furloughed is going to save a company. Just my opinion but 5% sounds like splitting hairs at this stage. Maybe they could have implemented some other cost saving programs to save these jobs.
02-02-2009 | 07:12 AM
#35
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Joined: Jun 2008
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As much as I hate the thought of letting anybody go, I suspect this made good sense. Absorbing 5% to see how things would shake out would never be seen. And here's why:
I think the 5% were hired simply because the company "thought" there would be positive growth this year. They were anticipating new aircraft coming on line, aircraft that will not be delivered this year, and posssibly not next year. All the talk was about positive growth, even as recent as November of 08. It is easy to see, that is not going to happen now.
These fine folks were hired because of the long lead time it takes to interview, train and certify. The company was trying to be proactive, and with the unusual times we are in, it was just not going to pan out for the forseeable future.
I think the 5% were hired simply because the company "thought" there would be positive growth this year. They were anticipating new aircraft coming on line, aircraft that will not be delivered this year, and posssibly not next year. All the talk was about positive growth, even as recent as November of 08. It is easy to see, that is not going to happen now.
These fine folks were hired because of the long lead time it takes to interview, train and certify. The company was trying to be proactive, and with the unusual times we are in, it was just not going to pan out for the forseeable future.
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