Klsytakesit

So why do you guys bother? Why do you want a flow? With all the major airlines hiring why do you guys clamor over a job at a LCC with no scope and lots of outsourcing....

WSPLT

I think the main thing Alaska has going for it as far as pilots are concerned are their bases. They have bases in each of the four west coast states and that's pretty much it. (I know, the VX merger adds JFK...).

An Alaska pilot will NOT have to commute to ORD, ATL, MSP, IAD, IAH or wherever the heck else they might end up at one of the other majors. For folks that live out here, that is huge. I think AAG has been able to cash in on that for years. Now with the expansion in SEA by Delta the landscape seems to be changing, but I think there are still a good number of folks that are willing to be paid less to ensure that they will be able to live closer to base.

BiloxiJack

You'll fit in great here at alaska, management will love you. No other airline has bases in the west coast or Pacific Northwest . and certainly none that will pay you what your peers make at the majors...wake up and stop believing alaskas nonsense.

WSPLT

Do you have another explanation for how they're still attracting people that could otherwise go to Delta, United etc? I didn't say it was right, but that's the only reasonable explanation I can come up with for why folks still fill classes at Alaska for far less compensation than the other shops. Either that, or Alaska is simply taking the folks that didn't get a call from anybody else, but I don't think that's the case.

I didn't say that they were the only place with west coast bases. They are however pretty much the only major where you are virtually guaranteed a west coast base. All the others have many other bases spread throughout the country which you may have to commute to, at least for a while. Alaska does not. Some people obviously don't care about that, but I think Alaska tries to snag the ones that do.

If you disagree with my assessment, please by all means enlighten me and explain why folks were still going to Alaska for $30/hr less than the other shops before this arbitration news... that would be far more productive than mud slinging!

Packrat

You are right of course. Its the same reason why so many entrenched AS pilots keep accepting 5th place compensation. The SEA/PDX/ANC homesteaders prefer their QOL over compensation/scope.

pete2800

Yeah, this part sucks. It sucks even more when a merger is announced while you're waiting in the pool, and now you'll be shuffled in at the bottom while people who interviewed at Virgin months after you had a job offer will be senior to you. Ask me how I know!
Honestly, I think it's because it isn't that easy to get a job at Delta, or United, or FedEx. I know I was fairly low time when hired at AS, and I don't have any friends or family at Delta... so it's a bird in the hand vs 2 in the bush kind of scenario.

snackysmores

Sh!t is about to go down this week/next week:

Horizon & Local 1224 Union News
Judge Rules in Union’s Favor

As you recall, in September, absent answers to our demands for information on the transfer of our Firm Order aircraft to SkyWest, the union filed a complaint in U.S. District Court to compel the company to comply with its obligation to share documentation as part of the 2016 Commit to Compete contractual agreement. Specifically, we asked for detailed order information related to the delivery of our next six E175s.

Last week, the judge ruled in the union’s favor and ordered Alaska Air Group to produce the documents as requested by the union. As of the time of this writing, we are still waiting for the company to comply with the court’s order.

caylejqx

So what would this mean as far as outcomes are concerned for QX?

snackysmores

We're going to find out what mgt has been up to. The truth will be revealed concerning our 5 jets, which will lead to either a "Why didn't you just show us this in the first place," or more legal action. Second scenario is more likely.

Jonneaux

They will pull a Hilary and say, 'what documents, there are no documents?' Then they will say that those aircraft were never put into revenue service by an AAG owned or controlled airline and so are not even covered.

However, under your contract, it stipulates that of the 30 options, half must go to Horizon. Official announcements put 15 of them at OO. Unofficial announcements and on the record statements by ST put that number at a total of 44 by the end of next year.

Expect resistance, they want to keep you in the dark.