Ok, end of day 1 at ASA. In my offer of employment letter, it states in the training notes that my pay will be "minimum guarantee of 75 hours at $23 per hour." In the first hour of class the instructor tells us that pay is $19 per hour, and that my letter was a mistake. He makes a copy of it and takes it to the higher ups who say they can't make a decision until the person in charge returns on Wednesday. I overheard him tell another ASA employee that HR was aware of the mistake and concerned about it, and do not know how to handle it, but immediately changed it on the form letter so no more letters with that error would go out. Most people in the class have a letter showing the 75/$19, but a handful of us have the 75/$23. Some said they were told $300/week. It seems that I'm the only one in the class who is pushing the issue to get paid what I was told I would. Seems to me that if that is what they put in my offer of employment package, that is what they are legally required to pay me. Anyone else in the past class or two go through this? Hopefully it will all be resolved on Wed. Outside of that and the fact that that they are phasing out all the ATRs with no plans to purchase any new airplanes, all seems ok.

 

Jeesh - that is rediculous. Call ALPA, let us know how it turns out.

 

I would think that pay would be governed by your collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Assuming the pay scale listed here on APC is reflective of the current CBA, it shows that you should receive $23/hr for your first year. I'm not sure what the old amount was but I am willing to bet that the previous CBA had first year pay of $19/hr. It's possible that the letters showing $19/hr were left over form letters from the previous contract and accidentally slipped in with the more current $23/hr letters. It is also possible that ASA has a "training wage" negotiated into their CBA. Just some food for thought.

 

According to the new contract, all new hires in training are to be paid $300 per week during training.........but, the entire contract has yet to be implemented, so you may be entitled to $19 per hour with a 75 hour per month up until the entire contract is in effect. My advice to you is.....let the higher up's work through the issue. DON'T MAKE A STINK ABOUT IT RIGHT NOW. Remember, you are a new hire. If they think you are a trouble maker, they might pin you as such. The bottom line is, whether you get $19 or $23 or $300 per month, it is not worth risking your reputation. Sit back and let them work through the issue. It is very likely that you are not the only one worried about the pay. Keep your head down. Just concentrate on learning and let the chips fall where they may. ALPA will come to bat for you if the company is in error.

 

Freezing,

My guess is that the "new" contract has not yet taken effect and the Company jumped the gun. In which case the Company will try to abide by the old deal, despite their higher written offer which was accepted.

This would be a three minute trial in Fulton State Court. Hope the new hires hold their ground.

ALPA might fight this battle, or might not. In any event there is no reason not to push it with a written offer in hand. ASA's IP's and LCA are good folks who don't like to see the little guys get screwed by admin any more than we do. Cubflyer's fears of retribution are misplaced.

 

Was this before or after they asked you to get a $5000 CRJ course, to probably fly an ATR, despite having jet time?

Keep your head down? Have you no pride, maybe "stay low profile" fits this situation better? The OP has a little more experience than the normal new hire at ASA. I wouldn't think that guaranteeing something just to get him in the door is too far fetched of an idea. Either way, cooperate and graduate. Rocking the boat isn't the best thing to do when you are new, but it isn't his fault that ASA made a mistake.

@CitationDrvr, USA Jet would never do this to you, in fact, they recently made first year pay from day 1, vs a lesser some of money per week, retroactive to employees who were nearly 4 weeks into training! However, at USA Jet you will not fly as much as you would at a regional, and be on the pager.

 

I agree with your post, and I'm all for keeping the company honest, but he hasn't even started training and he is making waves????? Again, the CBA governs the compensation of all pilots, including new hires. Until he flies his first revenue flight for the company, he is not covered by the Railway Act and can be terminated without cause. I'm not trying to defend the company at all....just trying to give a new 121 pilot good advice when standing toe - to - toe with the company.

 

And what is the ISheep club????????

 

Ah something dumb, I retracted that comment. I apologize. Google it.


edit: some to sum, in previous post.

 

EXACTLY! Take them to Fulton State Magistrates' Court and kick a little Ford and Harrison butt. Seriously, I think if ASA's senior managers were aware of this they would fix it. The Company wanted to increase new hire pay outside the contract anyway.