Not quite. They are saying the group will have a third quarter adjusted profit but a GAAP loss. Last quarter this was reversed and they moaned and cried that the adjusted loss was what was important. Now they are moaning and gnashing their teeth saying the GAAP loss is what counts and the world is coming to an end. If only the pilots could give a little more....

 

The bottom seven were hired 01/22/08 and the other two were hired 11/29/07. At least they didin't go after the next eight that were hired 11/13/07.

With a furlough date of 11/10/08; this is why I think the nine furloughs was not a random number.

 

Moose is absolutely right. The one thing this management team is good at is hiding money. They are also very good at spinning the facts in their favor (doom & gloom).

Look, I'm not blind to the crappy economy & the Boeing strike having an effect on ALK. But, this company is still very well poised for at least a small growth spurt.

They just want us to sign a garbage contract for the next 5 years. When the economy turns around, we'll be flying their airplanes for crap wages and even crappier work rules, as Saretsky further lines his pockets with money from our hard work.

 

Does anybody know what it is that Saretsky actually does at Alaska...just curious because I haven't actually seen anything productive come from him in the last year and a half that I've been here...

 

The actual question is where is Bill Ayers? He is like Waldo these days. Has anyone seen or heard from him? From what I gather, he is so busy working a merger with Puget Sound Energy and working at the Fed Bank, he is about out of time to handle things here. Seems Saretsky is basically filling in for him. As far as him being productive, I have no idea. Anyway, if you are wondering how much Alaska is planning to shrink, then here it is, straight from Saretsky's blog:

"As I write this, we are putting the finishing touches on our 2009 business plan. Our vastly improved operation and soaring customer satisfaction gives us license to aggressively pursue revenues by winning customers and corporate accounts from competitors. In the coming weeks you'll hear more about your role in helping us execute our plan and beat the competition. These are indeed exciting times! Thanks again for all you're doing. The hard work is paying off."

Your Bestest Buddy and Fearless Leader,
Gregg S.

 

I personally know someone in the last group and getting layed off is horrible. However, why is there not a small riot? 9 guys? 9 measly guys? That is not a need, that is a pure and simple slap in the face. It is not out of financial need, it's 9 pilots.
The fact they would even suggest canning 9 guys should sap any remaining good will the pilots grant the company. Alaska just spent 100 million to buyback stock recently.....they are truly shameless. AAG has no understanding of human nature and truly takes all employees for fools.

 

Alaska management informed the Alaska MEC for the need to reduce 165 pilot positions.

The Alaska pilot contract states management may not furloughed until the required provisions have been meet in our agreement.
1. Early Retirement offered
2. Leave of Absence offered
3. Reduction of line block hours

In addition, the union is working on a shared line concept with management.

Approximately, 140 pilots have signed up for Early Retirement and LOA's, and the line values have yet to be reduced at this time. The company has to give 30 days notice to any pilot of who maybe furloughed. All Alaska pilots hope with the above measures there will be no need to furlough, but mediation may have something to do with it.

 

Where in the contract does it state that early retirements and Leaves of Absences must be offered?

 

From what I heard management offered $100k payouts to leave early along with full pensions. That is impressive. You know what our wonderfull management team offered? $17k to pilots with robed pensions and 401k plans. What a surprise, no one took it. It sucks that they're willing to furlough just 9 pilots but, it could be a lot worse. You could be at US (take it in the)@ssways.

 

I just got word that, in fact, furlough letters were not sent out!!