The whole 5 domicile base bullcrap grew from BILL BOISTURE and his ass munching machine. It does the company NO GOOD at all. It might save a little on airline tickets BUT NOTHING ELSE. Just another example of stupidity in high places.

 

I believe you are absolutely right. The domicile system doesn't save NetJets a dime, and I believe the only reason it was placed in the contract was to provide leverage for the company during the next round of negotiations.

I was hired "post-contract" and decided to move to my current domicile. (3 states away from my previous home) It sucked big-time having to pack-up and start over somewhere else, but I really wanted to work for NetJets and was willing to make the sacrifice. After a year at the new digs, I'm used to the scenery and have a made a nice home for my wife and I.

During the next round of negotiations (less than 3 years away) there are going to be several thousand "domicile" pilots on our seniority list. Although some will commute, I imagine the majority will have made the same choice and decide to live near their domicile.

The way I see it, there will be 3 possibile scenarios during the next round of negotiations regarding domiciles:

1. Paycuts, pay-freezes, and/or loss of benefits in exchange for Home Basing for all.

2. Maintain the current Home-Base/Domicile system and bargain for modest Payraises and increased benefits.

3. Eliminate Home Basing and return to the Gateway System (or even the Domicile system for all) in exchange for a HUGE increase in pay and benefits.

How will the vote turn out?? Who knows? I can only say what choice I would make if given these options.

Option #1

First of all, there is absolutely NO WAY I am going to vote for any "givebacks" in exchange for Home Basing.

I believe the company erred in their assumption that those of us in the domicile system would be so "outraged" by the inequality generated by this "two-tiered" system of Home-Based Pilots vs Domicile Pilots, we would "sell the farm" to get it during the next round of negotiations. WRONG!!!

I accepted this job knowing it would be difficult to commute, so I chose to move and after a year am quite happy in my new home. Yes, I'm envious of the Home-Based pilots, but not to the point I plan on voting for any "give-backs" down the road.

Option #2

This really depends on what we would be able to successfully bargain for. If presented with an offer of reasonable raises and increase of benefits, I would probably go for it. The current two-tiered system of pilots would still exist, but I could continue to live with it.

Option #3

If substantial pay and benefits increases were negotiated for, I would select this option over Number 2. I would be foolish not to.

Whether this would pass or not largely depends on the number of Home-Based pilots vs Domicile Pilots (living in Domicile) vs Domicile Pilots (who Commute) during ratification. -- At least this option would eliminate the two-tiered system currently in place.

Of course, due to the fact our entire negotiating committee is composed of nothing but Home-Based pilots, I doubt they would even bring this option to the table. (a divided pilot group is a tragic consequense of the current system)

 

I think the company is expecting minimal pay raises and possible cutting some benefits (charging us for insurence) in exchange for modified homebasing for all. I don't believe the pilot group will allow the current domicile system to stay unless they offer a crazy amount of money that I surely do not expect. My guess is that the pilots are going to be tough on them again and get a reasonable wage increase, no pay for insurence (unless the salaries go way up to pay for it), and a modified homebasing for all. I'm guessing a lot more restrictions on what will work for a homebase, but probably well over 50 choices. The current home basing system is costing the company is some places- unable to fly the pilots on days one and seven and many extended days when they can't get them home on time. I'm sure they will want to make some changes there and I'm sure if they offer enough money, they will get those changes. I'm also sure that they are going to pay more than they expect once again. At least the current contract is descent enough to live on if negotiations take some time. All I know for sure is that Mr. Olsen and the rest of 1108 did a pretty good job on the last round and I hope the same guys and gals remain involved for the next round.