No Classes for 09 for SWA
 

Just saw on the SWAPA forum there will be no new hire classes for 2009.

That checks with the e-mail they sent the poolies yesterday. Looks like it will be a long swim!:(

At least they keep you guys informed.

That is what they said in Dec 07 for 2008 hiring when I went to Higher Power. Then they hired in 2008. Anything could happen!

At least they're not furloughing anybody. It does suck for the junior guys on reserve, specially if they commute, I'm sure this sucks even more for the poolies.

No one is immune to this economy...no surprise.

Well..................I would imagine it sucks EVEN more for guys that are on the street, I am sure they would'nt mind sitting reserve for SWA:D

15 days off, and the ability to make upwards of $70K first year.....I'll happily give up my nice and easy 2-3 day trips 16 day off schedule here...sign me up!

I don't buy it. How can they open 3 new cities in 2009 with no growth.

Higher fleet utilization combined with increased block hours (more productive trips), they do it all the time everywhere else, and SWA is no stranger to working on thin margins.

Looks like another coat of sunscreen is in order....
Not to sound like a complainer, but wondering if anyone has any input of something else put out by the People Department in the email yesterday. They specified that the "poolie" status is not an offer for employment, and also said if 18 months transpire between interview and actual hire date, the candidate may need to reinterview??? Anyone have any insight to this?

I agree with Hornet. We're barely one week into 2009, and already we have prognosticators trying to read the tea leaves and tell us what this year will bring. If these people's crystal balls were wrong when forecasting no hiring in 2008, why would anyone put much faith in the claim of no hiring in 2009? In case anyone forgot, 2008 wasn't the best year for the economy, and SWA still hired. I wouldn't be surprised at all if some poolies got called out later in 2009.

Just Keep Swimming. . .
 

When I got the call telling me I was in the pool, they said that I "was selected to continue in the process". I thought that was interesting wording at the time, I guess I know why now.

I think if it goes past 18 months and we keep our noses clean, we'll be OK. . . . I hope! :eek:

I have been told, PD has a history of giving out very conservative time lines to folks in the pool. Maybe this will be the same. Not saying this is intentional, they are just telling us what they are being told. I'm glad they are keeping us in the loop.

Don't get me wrong, I understand the current plan of zero growth in 09. I also know that they change directions very quickly there and while not holding my breath, I'll hope for something to change for the better, soon.

Guess it's a good thing we made those "modifications" to the pool, looks like we'll get to take advantage of them a little longer. :D

Keep smiling poolies, we'll get there. . . eventually.

Guys, I feel your frustration and concern. I was in your shoes as a poolie last year. I got the call in Apr '07 and thought I was in line for a class in early fall until the training classes stopped. Then it was the Age 65 legislation which slowed things even more.

Everyone is told the same thing regarding being a poolie. When you get called, you are not offered employment. That doesn't happen until a class date is offered. The 18 month thing has always been there as far as I know. Everyone who has waited in the pool for a while has had to update their paperwork (including drug test, PRIA, etc.) as necessary. If you are wanting to know what you will need to do, just call PD and ask. They are very willing to answer those questions.

Don't fret too much about all the negative vibes. The "no hiring" outlook is as of right now. That can change in a flash. Good luck and keep the faith everyone.

Volaris and Westjet should be hiring, we're growing them by double digits!

Yeah Westjet and Volaris are expecting double digit growth. Mr. Kelly and SWAPA sold our pilots out. SWAPA is a selfserving org that is a extension of management. All the guys at SWAPA are lobbying hard to one day go to work at the GO. I would expect nothing other from the union.

Sorry Guys - welcome to our world. AMR has had severe stagnation for some time now. I'm a '93 hire and probably won't make junior CA for another 5 years (age 50!). No doubt many US Air guys can relate. Hope it works out for SWA pilots, but I'm numb to the pain.

Not at our company. And I KNOW we're under the control of somebody else, but with the amount of flying we do, there's gotta be a better way.

I talked to the head of pilot hiring a few weeks back. He mentioned something to the effect that a lack of currency created some problems for a few people going through training last year. My guess is after 18 months if you don't meet the currency requirement you will no longer be in the pool.

i know a guy that was recently kicked out of the pool. hope they dont make a habit of it.

I hear ya, I was referring to a couple majors and LCC's. I've been told time and time again that there is a better way, but the mothership just won't have it!!!

What did he do to get kicked out exactly?

Anyway, the letter from the PD, although disappointing, just proves why I chose SWA in the first place. They've communicated with me. They didn't have to, yet they made time to be honest with folks they've really only spent a round trip to Dallas on.

dont know all the details, but i will try to find out...

No hiring in 09? Is this due more to everyone sticking around past 60? Anyone know the retirement numbers at SWA over the next few years? Certainly puts a damper on your hiring if no one leaves for the next 5 years and very little growth....:mad:

Very true. Unfortuantely this dead horse has been beat. I don't know the retirement numbers, but I think more people will stick around after 60 not just because they need the money, but because they really like working for SWA. Other airline's pilot stick around because they need the money.

The SWAPA president wrote in his weekly blog today that we are overstaffed by 200.

C'mon now, one thing the majority of over 60 pilots (including SWA) have in common is they're staying for the love of extra money + better health insurance + the additional retirement benefits and not for the love of aviation as you imply... :rolleyes:

Your naivete is staggering. You attempt to speak for everyone over 60. I've been flying for over 33 years and still love it. Is there no possibility in your mind that someone could be happy in their employment? Sorry life has delt you such a lousy hand. Most money problems are spending problems. I may or may not fly past 60, but it will have nothing to do with money. When it's no longer fun, I will quit and what I have in the bank is what I have. My happiness is in my heart and is not controlled by my employer. Never has been... never will.

You misunderstood my point. I realize many of us still love flying while for some it's become a routine...

My reply was a response to the previous kool-aid drinker who honestly believes SWA pilots are staying past 60 for different reasons than pilots at other airlines... We all might be working for different airlines however, I don't believe SWA pilots stay past 60 mainly because they love flying (and their company) while other pilots stay because they "have to." I simply don't buy that...

My apologies if I misunderstood your intent. I only took umbrage with the your "only" statement. We all have our own motives and motivations. Mine have just never been money motivated. We do have many of those types at SWA but their motivations are theirs and not mine. I do not sit in judgment of them. My time is more valuable than any employer could pay me. The average SWA pilot flew over 800 hours last year, I flew 472 and I'm good with that.

No problem and all good points - I revised my initial statement...

I need to send in one of those "kick tail" forms on your behalf :D