Originally Posted by AYLflyer

I'm sorry, as a semi noob what's the problem with VDA? I've put in for it, but have never been called for one.

RSA's, nope. No thanks. That's just poor staffing if everyday they need RSAs. But VDA? I've actually asked a lot of guys about this because I wanted to see what's deemed acceptable. Every guy I've flown with from a variety of bases has said VDAs are fine. 190% and it's not mandatory, so if you don't want to fly, don't fly. If it's late night after a day of weather and crews have timed out and all reserves are spent, why would taking a VDA be a negative thing?

Also the guys who keep spewing negative things about their own guys is ridiculous. I lurk but rarely post, but it's really bothersome to see so many guys lash out at their fellow pilots for no reason. "There's no unity here", "It won't happen". Wow, I mean ALPA was voted in was it not? 9 out of 10 guys I see are wearing lanyards and want market rate. I know I'll be at the rally supporting the group. I wonder how many naysayers will actually be there.

Originally Posted by AYLflyer

I'm sorry, as a semi noob what's the problem with VDA? I've put in for it, but have never been called for one.

RSA's, nope. No thanks. That's just poor staffing if everyday they need RSAs. But VDA? I've actually asked a lot of guys about this because I wanted to see what's deemed acceptable. Every guy I've flown with from a variety of bases has said VDAs are fine. 190% and it's not mandatory, so if you don't want to fly, don't fly. If it's late night after a day of weather and crews have timed out and all reserves are spent, why would taking a VDA be a negative thing?

Also the guys who keep spewing negative things about their own guys is ridiculous. I lurk but rarely post, but it's really bothersome to see so many guys lash out at their fellow pilots for no reason. "There's no unity here", "It won't happen". Wow, I mean ALPA was voted in was it not? 9 out of 10 guys I see are wearing lanyards and want market rate. I know I'll be at the rally supporting the group. I wonder how many naysayers will actually be there.

Originally Posted by hilltopflyer

It's one more way to help bail the company out from the understaffing problem the currently have. If you are in negotiations it's no waivers, no favors.

Originally Posted by BunkerF16

Here's a little secret for ya. Even the "big boys" have programs that offer pilots to earn 190 and 200% for trips they need covered. We need to stop shaming fellow pilots for taking advantage of what little opportunities we have to make a "market rate" living until a market rate CBA is put before us to vote on.

Stay focused and concentrate fire power on the correct target.

Originally Posted by BunkerF16

Here's a little secret for ya. Even the "big boys" have programs that offer pilots to earn 190 and 200% for trips they need covered. We need to stop shaming fellow pilots for taking advantage of what little opportunities we have to make a "market rate" living until a market rate CBA is put before us to vote on.

Stay focused and concentrate fire power on the correct target.

Originally Posted by Bozo the pilot

Heres a little secret for you Bunk- The "big boys" have decent contracts and are real airlines unlike the 3/4ths of an airline we work for.

Originally Posted by hilltopflyer

they are the market rate. Once we have a contract I don't care what people pick up. Hence I said contract negotiations. It is sad that you even admit it takes making 150% to get close to a market rate.

Originally Posted by BunkerF16

So again. Until we get a market rate contract commensurate with those we wish to emulate, if there are opportunities to make money (VDA) that can bring in extra money in the short term, so be it.

Shaming those who pick up VDA trips doesn't get us any closer to the contract we want.....the more we divide, the better it is for the company.

Originally Posted by BunkerF16

So again. Until we get a market rate contract commensurate with those we wish to emulate, if there are opportunities to make money (VDA) that can bring in extra money in the short term, so be it.

Shaming those who pick up VDA trips doesn't get us any closer to the contract we want.....the more we divide, the better it is for the company.

Originally Posted by Bozo the pilot

Heres a little secret for you Bunk- The "big boys" have decent contracts and are real airlines unlike the 3/4ths of an airline we work for.