Alaska Furloughs Go Out
 

Heard from the grapevine that 9 furlough letters have gone out today. Hmmm....

The union called the bottom 9 guys and told them a two year furlough letter was soon to be delivered. No letters as of tonight have been signed for....

Sorry to hear it guys. Was there ever a hard number (intent to furlough) number given to you guys by the company? If so, how much mitigation was accomplished.

Why would they even bother to furlough 9 guys?

Because the union is getting ready to renegotiate the pilots contract and management wants to cry poor after turning a profit. It may give management some leverage to tell the union there will be more furloughs if pay is increased back to where it was a few years ago. Pilots agreed to a huge cut to help out the company temporarily and now management wants it permanant.

I know someone on the bottom of their seniority list and is on reserve but flying all the time. They really can't afford to let anyone go unless they cut back some of their flights.

Oh I wish I would have went to med school..ugggggg

I'm confused. Alaskan posted a profit when oil was spiking to high hell and now that it's down 40+% they can't keep 9 guys on payroll? How many hour lines are you guys getting? Near the min or 85+? Would you guys be willing to fly only guarantee to keep the 9 others on?

Duck, it's Alaska, not Alaskan. :)

This is nothing more than management posturing and bully tactics. I was there at the shareholder's meeting back in May. These guys are digging in, determined to squeeze this pilot group dry. I have seen lawyers do less evil and still get disciplined for ethics violation, so if this management was a bunch of lawyers, they would be disbarred.

The pilots here never agreed to take those huge paycuts. The draconian pay decreases were thanks to the lazy-ass arbitrator, who may have even been bought off. Mr. Kasher retired after he "ruled" on the Alaska case.

Ayer, Saretsky, and the rest of their cronies are nothing but a bunch of arrogant, pilot-hating SOBs.

AAG management types are control freaks. They think the airline is run by a bunch of idiots sitting in cubicles.

AAG treats its front-line employees like garbage. They like to intimidate and threaten the very same people who are supposed to practice the 5 core values and provide great customer service to the passengers.

Only if these morons would practice what they preached, AAG would be a great place to work.

MBAs and lawyers do not make good managers. They don't understand that in the customer-service business, you need to treat your people well.

I could write ten more pages on how messed up things are on the property here, but it's pointless.

When/if they start hiring pilots around here, I'm going to go out of my way to turn people away from this place. AAG is nothing but a bunch of PR and glitter. Inside, it's a worm-infested, decaying corpse.

As for myself, I've been looking around at other opportunities and will take another job in a heart-beat. The only thing that will drastically change AAG is a clean-sweep of the management team and a complete shift in attitude and how business is conducted. Let me tell you, I have a better chance of winning the lottery than that ever happening.

Good luck everyone.

But sadly they are like every other top exectuive in this country. Did anyone else see the CEO of Lehman Bro's dodge the question TODAY " Didn't you make close to 5 billion dollars personally over the past decade and do you think that is fair?" He avoided the question like the black plague. An Airline ceo's response would have been. " Our pilots barely work and make 100k a year. Thats not fair!!!!"

Very sorry to hear about the furloughs. A friend had told me it would be about 140 starting in Jan. I guess the $@$&ards got an early start. At US 44 went the 1st of this month and 50 go next month, more to follow. It's hard not to be angry towards the over 60 crowd.

I'm very sorry about the furloughs too. I hope it's short and all the pilots end up coming back to enjoy a nice improved contract. Good luck you guys.

Hang in there guys, and dont accept a penny less than you are worth!!!! I will stand with you on the line any day!

I watched the entire interview and was quite embarrassed by it all. However, in fairness, Dick Fuld, the CEO of Lehman Bro's, earned not the 5 Billion dollars that you mention, but only a fraction of that. The chart used showed that since 2002 he earned about 480 million dollars. The most embarrassing moment came when he was asked if he thought that was too much money, given that his stockholders made absolutely nothing, and were left holding a bag full of poop. He couldn't even answer.

But you've got to admit, it seems that everyone who goes to Washington, has forgotten how to speak the English language. During the testimony, when a Congressman asked Mr. Fuld a question that he was told would require only a "Yes" or "No" answer, Mr. Fuld, in Washington-speak, took about 2 minutes to respond, and of course didn't answer the question at all, never mind a simple "yes" or "no".

Sorry about the thread hijack. As for this sh!tty situation at Alaska, I don't believe that the company will actually go through with these furloughs, because it will serve no purpose other than showing the crew force that they (management) means business, which I assume the crew force already understands. However, good luck guys. Hang tough.

JJ

Alaska Airlines: Airline based near SEATAC providing scheduled passenger and cargo service mainly throughout the state of Alaska and the western United States.

Alaskan: Brewing company based in Juneau, AK who make just about the best darn Amber I've ever tasted. Their IPA is quite tasty too!

Alaskan Brewing Company - Welcome

GP

[QUOTE=GuppyPuppy;474813]Alaska Airlines: Airline based near SEATAC providing scheduled passenger and cargo service mainly throughout the state of Alaska and the western United States.

Don't forget; Orlando, Boston, Chicago and Newark too!

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm.................Beeeeeeeeeeeeerrrrr rrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:D

[QUOTE=frozenboxhauler;474911]
And DEN, DFW, MIA, MSP, HNL, etc...

But, mainly the state of Alaska and the western US. They actually have 19 destinations for mainline solely within the state of Alaska! Can any other airline make that claim about any state in the US?

Back on topic...very sorry to hear about the furloughs. I've been there and it's not pleasant. Keep your chin up and don't let the man take you down.

GP

Alaska
 

"On Tuesday, Alaska Air Group (nyse: ALK - news - people ) , the parent of Alaska Airlines, warned that it faces a third-quarter loss mostly because its fuel hedges are under water by $220.0 million. It also plans to cut capacity more than previously expected because of the Boeing (nyse: BA - news - people ) strike." Forbes

I found this reference to Alaska Airlines on the internet today.

Skyhigh

Since our union is a bit on the secretive side I was wondering, is it true these 9 pilots will be furloughed just prior to completing probation?

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.:mad:

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!!

That's good to hear!!!

I know I flew with at least one of those bottom guys while I was at Horizon. Glad to hear the other shoe hasn't fallen yet.

Bohica!!!
 

Just heard from a buddy, he got a call from his Base Chief, 32 furloughs effective January 5, 2009. Letters on the way out.

Rumor has it the VP of Flight Ops and Marketing was spouting off to some pilots, 140 more furloughs in February.

Confirmed.

Base CP called me 10 minutes ago.
Furlough day January 5th.
32 pilots.

Sorry to hear that. Sounds like it's happening again. If the 140 is true I'll be right out the door behind you.:mad:

What point is there in furloughing when we're talking about 32 Pilots? In such a large operation, does that make complete sense?

I just checked the alpa site and I didn't see any info or news posted about furloughs, I am interested in hearing more though since I'm right in the danger zone there. Would someone affected pm me with a phone number or e'mail I could get in touch with you by? Thanks, and if this is true I'm very sorry for those affected thus far.

Two words: Contract Negotiations

Our VP of Marketing is typical F&#$*^g tool. One day the system chief says no furloughs, and surprise management says we have to furlough. They have not even shown ALPA the final numbers for early outs, LOA, and reduced block lines. I forgot management would like to get the contract done by the end of the month too. See everyone on the picket line our a government paid holiday.

Nevermind my earlier post. The mec fastread just made it to my inbox. I guess this really is for real, for now anyway...

I'd like to see some of those numbers as well. It seems like the company isn't acting in very good faith if they won't post those numbers or wait for the affect those programs will have on the airline.