If you are so worried about what our management does. Why don't you take away all those EJets and CRJ's from the regionals before worrying about what our management does. You have a bigger mess to clean up. How many of those Delta passengers are riding on an RJ that's not flown by mainline Delta pilots? Fix that, then come talk about Spirit stealing your passengers.

 

BAM! Damn straight.

 

I'm seeing lots and lots of brand new CRJ and E175 in Delta colors, however Spirit is the one that he has a problem with

 

Me too!

 

I think you're confused on what that business model is. I'm not bashing it, but I don't think many Spirit pilots understand based on the posts that I see.

The Ryanair model isn't just about a la carte pricing. Low labor cost is another integral part of the ULCC model. Looking at Ryanair pilots, they're all paid 30-40% less in total compensation than their European "legacy" counterparts, and at least 20% less than their LCC peers. It's one of the least desirable air carrier to work for and a place where you get your time in and get out. Attrition is upwards 70/month there (keeping the longevity low). Most employees are considered contract employees to skirt labor laws(including pilots). You pay for your own training, uniforms, no retirement, a mess of a "seniority system", no monthly guarantee (at least initially), FOs are typically 50-90K and CA tops out around 140K.
But hey, I think they're the ONLY european carrier with a minimum 4 days off between work blocks in their contract. Oh, and they're also the most profitable airline in Europe.

This is true of all their labor groups, and that is how they're able to grow to the second largest airline in Europe by passenger count, and 4th largest by fleet.

I think it's misguided for Spirit guys to look up to Ryanair as a business model to be proud of. I'm pretty sure your management team is doing everything they can to copy the success Ryan has had, including in the labor department. The difference I see between other management teams and Spirit is that the former is willing to pay or beat industry average (as long as it's not too much) in good times, Spirit, being true to itself as a ULCC, will never been willing to pay industry minus 20% unless there's a strike and the airline has shut down. And that is the main difference between Ryanair and Spirit. Ryanair pilots are contract employees based in many countries, there's not really a cohesive union whereas pilots in the US are unionized giving you guys at least a seat at the table.

If Spirit workgroups is able to attain industry average across the board for pilots, FAs, mechanics, agents, ground and operations personnel. People stayed and longevity/cost increased. It'll no longer be an ULCC carrier and will soon be replaced by Eastern, Braniff IV, etc.

There's no reason to not enjoy working at Spirit, but understand as a ULCC, fighting for industry average means you'll be striking in 3-5 years, start saving up, and the likely result of the strike will still be below industry average.

Good luck to y'all in negotiations.

 

I repeal your man card

 

I wasn't saying I was "proud" of the model per se, I was just making a point it's a good business model.

I also don't think it will be 3-5 years, nor do I feel it will be 20% below IA, but thanks for the vote of confidence, lol

 

What's with all the monkey, er, Chimp avatars?

 

Out of respect for once loved "SAABaroowski"

 

I think you guys are missing the point. Spirit pilots are below average pilots and don't even deserve the exorbitant pay that we already lavish upon them. You guys aren't good enough to fly at a legacy, but we love you anyway and that's the point that we'll make to the mediator in 2 years!

Don't forget those free smiles guys!