Virtually all the other airlines are unionized, so certainly this statement makes sense. It would also make sense that if no airline were union, SKW would still be in competition for the same pool of qualified applicants, of which (in the pilot world), there is a dwindling number available.

Conversely, we've all seen that a huge number of union airline pilots took pay cuts , furloughs, and other concessions in the last few years. SkyWest has, for the most part, not.

Several of the posts here cast a post election ominous tone, when in fact, nothing has changed. SkyWest is still plugging along the same as it was the day before the union vote started.

I'll be bold and predict that we'll be just fine when the next union drive starts, right on schedule, in 4 to 5 years. At that time, it's conceivable that we'll have another 500 to 1000 pilots, and 50 to 100 more planes. That's too big a temptation of potential 1.95% dues.... it'll happen.

Also, ALPA is still engaged in its lawsuit with SkyWest / SAPA. Briefs due in August.

 

...Funny...

 

Hmm... not sure if you read XJT MEC's year in review email. Branded and Delta ops will be moved to CCS hence no more PMR's.

 

Thanks for the kind words. And I know Skywest is one of the top regionals also. Good luck to you as well.

 

Of course it makes sense. That is why Skywest mangement put it on their SEC report. Again, my point is that I was lamenting the fact that Skywest pilots cannot participate on this pressure to increase pay and benefits for themselves and the rest of the industry. Or another way to put it, since you brought up paycuts, concessions and furloughs, is that other unionized pilot groups help mitigate these circumstances when they come up which is something non-unionized pilots are not able to do at Skywest evidenced by the fact that Skywest pilots have seen a 1% pay raise for 80% of their pilots in the last who knows how many years (ie concessions). Certain places would be a whole a lot worse if it were not for ALPA.

And of course "nothing has changed. SkyWest is still plugging along the same as it was the day before the union vote started." That's because of the failed ALPA drive. Its status quo for Skywest. The point is to be able to participate with the rest of the industry in increasing the pressure of better pay and benefits or mitigating concessions and paycuts as the situation my dictate.

I don't know what you mean by Skywest will be just "fine." I'm sure Skywest will be a strong financial company in 4-5 years. By the way, the major airline pilots' union dues subsidize the even the largest of regional airline pilot groups. Its not a cash cow as some incorrectly believe Skywest would be to ALPA. On the contrary.

 

Yes, I did. Especially seeing that I'm a member of said MEC (I know you didn't know that). I don't think I said in my post that those operations were not going to be moved over to CCS/CMS. That does not deny the fact that the company still has to make the pilots whole for the year of not having CCS/CMS.