I'm still applying to 9E, strike or no strike. In fact, the overwhelming support for the strike makes me want to be a part of that pilot group even more. And if I'm hired I'll be on the picket line the second I pass my 121 checkride.

Speaking of which, anyone know if the strike auth has any effect on hiring? Will you guys still be hiring strong through Spring '08 or will mngmt put things on hold to see what happens?

Also, what would happen if NWA tried to give more of your flying to Mesaba or others...or would your agreement through 2017 w/NWA stand up regardless of any potential strike?

Good luck to you guys and I'll see you on the line if I get hired whether it's the flight line or the picket line.

no we will continue to hire as many pilots as we can. even uncle phil said that in his weekly address that we still need lots of pilots for current flying and for growth.

not sure on all the other stuff but rest assured that even if nwa gave more flying to mesaba, there will be plenty left for us to do.

Hold it there buddy!!! Wolf just had a post about being on probation which made alot of sense to all those that are goin to be new hires and all those that are on probation. We urge all probationary employees to support the rest of the pilot group. Just don't do any flying for the company while your fellow pilots are on strike. I urge you to have a "behind the scene" role during the strike. As mentioned earlier the union will not return to work if any probationary employess have been terminated for not wanting to fly. The last thing you want while on probation is to be seen in the picket line by management while you are on probation. The company will wait until the strike is over and will not have a problem ending your employment at that time. There will be nothing that the union can do to help you at that time.

So if you are new and still on probation, pitch a tent make some coffee or some sort of refreshments for your picketing fellow pilots and they will appreciate it and stay out of the spot light.

Oh...I get it. Thanks for the info. I was assuming you meant stay behind the scenes during training/ground school but then you could picket. You meant throughout probation.

So you can't be seen on the picket line as a probie, or they don't have to re-instate you when the pilot group goes back to work?

I'm still not supposed to go to work if that happens, right?

Oh well, all I know is I'd do plenty of talking with the union reps as a new hire to make sure I had my tail covered.

That's the best thing to do. Once you start ground school, the company must allow the union to come in and give you the ALPA presentation. You will find out who your union reps are and how to contact them. Your union reps will give you the most up to date and pertinent advice regarding all of your concerns.

As I've mentioned before, while you are on probation make sure to keep your nose clean, know your stuff, and remain professional at all times. I would also suggest reading the entire contract (which you will get a copy of) and understanding it thoroughly. Being a probationary pilot gives you the same rights as any other 9E pilot with the exception of not being able to vote on ALPA ballots and not being able to resort to the grievance process in the event that your employment is terminated in your first 365 days from the start of ground school. This does not mean that you should allow the company to walk all over you when they attempt to violate the contract. I would avoid making a huge scene about minor issues but do not let them violate provisions of the contract that have a major effect on your quality of life. Also remember that allowing the company to violate major provisions of the contract sets a precedent that will affect your fellow pilots as well. Knowing and exercising your contractual rights in regards to sitting reserve, extensions, reassignments, junior assignments, compensatory days off and pay are a few subjects that come to mind.