JerrySpringer

1) If you're a pilot here, you too should be working hard to make it better. Each one of us is on the team rowing the boat. Educate yourself on the rules.

2) You forgot to ask the Delta guys about green slips, reserve rules, insurance, retirement and vacation. In a total package, we're at least 30% below. Educate yourself on the cost of a widebody pilot at a profitable company.

Make no bones about it, we have been profitable for years now, and the income and profit keep growing. Even through the depths of '08.

Talon1011

And hats. Don't forget to ask the Delta guys about hats... and the $50 fine if they are caught without one. Sorry, just had to throw that in there.

suprajake

This is very insightful discussion. I see the theme is "know the CBA" and "fly the CBA". How does that make the company easier to swallow? While I am doing just that, I'm learning much of the CBA does not seem to be in favor of the pilot group. Maybe, as a FNG, I'm still oblivious to any blatent infractions committed to my crew/by my crew thus far.

Imputed income, awarded trips dropped for R1, training on X days, less than stellar travel/reservation support, anemic retirement plan, below industry standard pay scale... some of the issues already noted I wished could be addressed by the company before the legacy floodgates really open.

Regardless, I am honored, greatful and humble just to have this experience.

f10a

+10..........

captainv

The company often tries to get FNGs to do things that are in clear violation of the CBA, precisely because you don't know it yet, so knowing the CBA can often prevent the abuse and thus make your life easier. (The CBAG is a lot easier to digest, BTW) Start with the easy stuff - in recent months, I've had DHs scheduled over 20 hours (with an illegally short international connection time), airport hotels for long layovers, insufficient/no catering for a 10+ hour flight. Lately they've been trying the "you need a backup flight for Gateway travel" nonsense. Know your reserve window/layover callout times, they've tried to get guys to show up early to cover their mistakes. Talk to your fellow crews/new-hire classmates - spread the word when they try to pull something on you or you realized you've be suckered. Write FCRs when they do try to pull stuff and copy the union. Always remember that it only takes one crewmember to stop a flight, no matter how new you are. No/not enough catering for a long haul? Don't go! Would you push with less than min fuel? Get to know the requirements for an adequate hotel room, or how long the company has to resolve hotel/taxi issues. Know how to contact the stewards when you have a question. You get the idea.

We have a contract study committee, looking for input on what we want fixed in the next contract. Let them know what you want and talk with your crews about it as well. No airline is perfect, but we can certainly try to make it better.

CallmeJB

post #7000

sandstorm

Wow! The tone of this thread has really changed in the last few pages.

I think if there is one thing that anyone who has been in this profession long enough should remember is that this career is all about luck, timing, and that the industry is constantly changing. It's awesome that the pay, work rules, etc. is improving at the legacies, but let's not forget that it only takes one drastic event to change it all. I guess what I'm trying to get at is that even though AA, UA, DL, etc. may look great now, it doesn't mean it will be that way in the future.

As far as Atlas goes, I'm just an outsider looking in, so I'm not familiar with all the various contract short comings and volations you guys refer to. However, as with any airline it's up to the pilot group to fly the contract and make sure that it is being followed.

What is the amendable date for the most recent CBA? Isn't it within the next couple years? I thought a friend mentioned or I read somewhere that the union is already in negotiations for the next contract. Maybe I'm wrong, but hopefully you Giant guys / gals will seek some changes to improve your CBA.

JonnyKnoxville

We are not currently in negotiations. However, from time to time, certain situations come up allowing for a little negotiating like with the recent B-777 MOU.

The current CBA becomes amendable on September 8, 2016 with an early-opener date of December 14, 2015.

744driver

I totally disagree...we (any pilot group under a negotiated CBA) are always in negotiations...

What does that mean?!! It means that when we don't fly the current CBA, and let the company get away with something, it sets "past practice" or precedents, that they can and do use in grievances, disciplinary hearings, LOA/LOC negotiations, etc etc etc...

When you keep the company from violating the CBA (whether you call them on it, or let the Union know about it and let them fight for you), they cannot use precedents as a tool to drive a hard bargain.

Also, what you do now (on a daily basis) matters when you actually sit down during your actual negotiations...

So, my take is that we are ALWAYS in negotiations...

captainv

Same goes for Atlas, except we only have a handful of customers, not millions like the majors do.

Not trying to rain on anybody's parade, but when push comes to shove, the company's priority is keeping the airplanes moving. It's up to the crew to make sure it's CBA compliant. Educate yourself!

Atlas is a great place to be and I'm enjoying it fully. There are things that I love about this place, and things that I desperately hope we can change. Past experience has taught me that no matter how much I like it here, it pays to keep my head on a swivel and evaluate all my options.