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Just talked to members of the ALPA organizing committee, they told me they that aprox 80% of the pilots have submitted their cards, and they have enough to petition for a vote.
Interesting fact, most new hires (less than 2 years with the company) are the ones not sending in cards, or are not in support of the union.

surfnfly

I'm one of them...Came from an ALPA carrier. NO THANKS

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What involvement did you have with ALPA?
What specifically did you do to better your contract when you where there?

surfnfly

Plenty of friends tried to do plenty...big waste of time. What do you think will seriously improve at SkyW with ALPA? no one can really give me a straight answer....

Judging by the last pay proposal vote the SKW pilots will vote yes on any contract thrown in front of them...Than what? locked into some sh*t contract for 5 years - say good bye to your incentive checks, profit sharing, or stock purchase program - that's FREE money - that's not written into a contract....along with that 2% you send to ALPA every 2 weeks your probably gonna end up with less money and a crap contract your tied to for several years

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A contract! Yes we have it better than most, but do you really think JA and the good old boys are going to run this company forever? Don’t think so. Management is already starting to retire (i.e. R.R.), then what? Things could change very quickly.

surfnfly

We have a "contract" - just because it's not stamped and sealed by ALPA is it worthless? Even with that nice ALPA letter head its still subject to misinterpretation and manipulation on mgts part...just ask a mesa or tsa pilot. Just grieve it! ha. worthless.

dang

Well for one a contract would elimante the interpritation of policy problems. I think its pretty short sighted to think the pilot group can continue without representation. If you haven't noticed Skywest is getting to to be a pretty big company.

dang

If Skywest is a good company it will get a good contract with representation. Or just wait until it is a bad company than we can negoitiate a bad contract, you choose

surfnfly

yeah...It'll be gigantic company if they decide to merge ASA into the mix - two ALPA pilot groups - uh oh - guess we need a new contract and ONE seniority list...hmmmmm

RedeyeAV8r

First off I am a supporter of ALPA in big way and I believe the Pilots of Skywest will be better off having ALPA as the collective bargaining agent.

But, if you think just by voting in ALPA (or any other union) that something "magical" will happen...........think again.

Once ALPA (or any other Union is certified) All of you will be responsible for getting gains in your negotiating. Realistically, negotiating your first contract will take a few years. You will have elections for your leadership. You will have a membership drives. You will need 80% solid memebers minimum in my opinion before you can begin negotiating with MGT. There will be contract surveys and questionaires taken. ALPA will provide the Skywest pilots vast resources. Good communications, experts in Benefits work rules and financial analysis of SKYwest as to what their ability to pay is (i.e. what they can afford to pay you).

That being said, if you don't Certify a Union, you will simply beg and accept whatever scraps your MGT decides to throw you..........or in todays environment They might take some of your scraps away.

Your UNITY and resolve will be what gets you pay raises and benefit improvments. YOUR UNITY and Resolve coupled with ALPA's resources can get you there quicker.

So if you think ALPA is going to come in and wave a magic wand, guess again.
If the Pilots of Skywest want improvements and are willing to band together and fight for them.........ALPA can and will help, but ultimately the Destiny of the SKYWEST Pilots is in all your hands.

Good Luck in your upcoming certification process.