Alaska Airlines to cut as many as 165 pilots
 

From KING5:
SEATTLE - We're learning this Labor Day weekend that as many as 165 Alaska Airlines pilots will lose their jobs.

High fuel prices have put the nation's airlines in a jam. After charging extra for baggage and cutting out meals, employees are next. Alaska Airlines is cutting flights and crews.

Alaska Airlines says it may cut up to five percent of its flights this fall and winter, and perhaps another five percent early next year.

“Fortunately, I missed it, so for now at least, I'll be safe,” said David Campbell, Alaska Airlines pilot. “But I am the typical guy who's getting furloughed. It's mid 30s, generally starting a family. I had a guy in my office last week who just moved here from Texas and was about to close on his house, and is thinking he should probably back out of the deal.”

Campbell is an Alaska pilot and spokesman for the union, the Airline Pilots Association. During our interview, he was also caring for his four-year-old son. He's been an Alaska pilot for six years. The union says those with two years and less seniority are vulnerable.

“What we are really hopeful about in the Airline Pilots Association that we can reduce the number of needed furloughs,” said Campbell.

“What we are doing with the union is offering them three different options to minimize that number. We are offering to work with them on one and two year leaves of absence, as well as early retirement,” said Paul McElroy, Alaska Airlines spokesman.

Just how many flights Alaska ends up cutting and just how many pilots take advantage of these special offers could greatly influence the number of pilots who have to sit on the ground without a paycheck.

It could have been worse. Alaska is adding flights to Hawaii and Minnesota, but it's the flights around the fringes that are getting cancelled, such as red-eyes and some weekend flights that lose too much money.

The airline is also trying to figure out how many other jobs it will need to cut, such as flight attendants and gate personnel.

What a load of B.S. People say I was stupid for leaving Horizon, but even though I am furloughed I still have my sanity!! The Air Group drove me crazy. And look at them now.

This is such a load of "you know what." Gimme a break. Good luck to all the Alaska guys out there.

If they furlough 165, that's to seniority number 1440. In ANC that would be 53 (55%) of the FOs. That's ETOPs training as well a fair amount $$ for moves to ANC unless they significantly decrease the domicile. I suspect the 165 number has more to do with contract negotiations/mediation than to do with 5% reductions.

This is what I don't understand about Alaska. They drive a lot of thier employees crazy and leave so much money on the table.

They drive a lot of thier employees crazy and leave so much money on the table.[/quote]


Isnt that the way of airline management. Pathetic! Good luck y'all!

You guys are in luck because Delta,s hiring in the fall !:)
So get those app,s in !

I don't think Alaska will end up furloughing anyone as it will cost them too much money. Right now from what I'm hearing they want to furlough out of seniority due to a number of MD80 pilots waiting to be trained on the 737. Once they finally figure out that most of their furloughs will come from the ANC base and their ETOPS qualified pilots, I don't think they will carry through with the threat. Besides, Alaska's in contract negotiations and what a better way to try and keep the pilots in line.

It's to seniority number 1340, but that won't happen. It's all just a way to get the old expensive guys to leave now.

I've heard the excuse that its all because the company is in negotiations before. Well that one didn't keep me from being furloughed.