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-   -   Why do People from other regionals Envy Skywest (https://www.airlinepilotforums.com/regional/21865-why-do-people-other-regionals-envy-skywest.html)

Foxcow 02-05-2008 11:33 PM


Originally Posted by ExperimentalAB (Post 314841)
So are you telling me that the Trans States Pilots fought (instead of just settling) for the current subpar contract?? I flew under it myself, and let me tell you, it was nothing to write home about...And for the record, I have no problem "settling" for something my Pilot group voted in. I don't completely agree with it, but I also don't lose any sleep over bringing the industry down at SkyWest :rolleyes:

Just out of curiosity, how long did you work at TSA? How much do you know about the contract that we work under? You obviously missed the point of my last post.

reelbigchair 02-06-2008 07:48 AM


Originally Posted by Foxcow (Post 314976)
Just out of curiosity, how long did you work at TSA? How much do you know about the contract that we work under? You obviously missed the point of my last post.

I don't know about experimental.... but I worked TSA for 8 months before being furloughed and picked up at SkyWest. My class of 40 at SkyWest had 11 TSA pilots in it, and I was the only one that was furloughed. After working at both places, I can tell you right now that the TSA contract isn't even close to what we have at SkyWest. Please get that new amazing contract out of Hulas before you complain about how small our pay raise was. You have ALOT of catching up to do. (And I hope you do, I have a lot of friends there.)

TonyWilliams 02-06-2008 08:39 AM


Originally Posted by Nevets (Post 314913)
By the way, I wouldn't bet that pilot's wages and conditions of employment is more than the total worth of some other regional contracts. Especially when you consider productivity.


I agree, SkyWest is bigger, and going to get bigger. And ALPA, or whatever union, will see 1.95% as their future meal ticket. As Arnold says, "Ah'll beeee baaaack."



The industry as a whole is underpaid and this vote to bring you just under ASA rates does NOT help considering the IMMENSE success of Skywest. It is sad that this will not see this fact change it any time soon.

We're not quite "under" ASA rates... or over, either. And as you've heard from my fellow pilots here at SkyWest, even at those rates, we'll make more money than ASA, and a whole lot of other airlines.

Further, the folks who actually have to live with these pay and work rules are largely happy with them. Clearly, that's not the case at many ALPA carriers, 'cuz we get LOTS of them.

Why is ALPA not picketing Mesa EVERY DAMN DAY ???? Why are they not doing work slow downs, sick outs, and planning for a strike? Where are the lawsuits? Why is any ALPA carrier allowed to be so poor to its working men and women, without any large scale afront to that? Why are so many of those same men and women choosing a lateral move to a non-union carrier, with a 50% total attrition in ONE YEAR?

I could post a whole laundry list of ALPA issues, but in general, let me suggest that ALPA fix what they got, show us what they can do, then come talk to us.

So, I agree whole heartedly with your last statement; it's not going to change any time soon, and ALPA is leading the charge in mediocraty.



ALPA would have had much better chance at Skywest if they had less people with your mentality there.

Our pilots are the problem !!!! Easy, get rid of a select 66% of the pilots !!!!! Wow, why didn't I think of that?



And you are wrong about the money that dues bring in. Most regional MECs are subsidized by the major MECs. Its not the cash cow you say it is. It actually costs the association money to run many MECs.

So, collectively we saved 'em money. Good to know. I wouldn't want to be a burden.




since you didn't vote for ALPA anyways. That is the only argument that would work.

If that's our only hope, I guess the end is near. Darn it, I was just getting to like this place.



Organizing is an ongoing process. Its not going to stop anytime soon. We worry about our own airlines and that is why we continue organizing. To many people, you do bother them.

Here's a news flash. The last organizing drive here was a disruption to the company, due to the host of laws that make that possible. I understand why the laws are there.... with the thinking that a "bad rogue" company was victimizing their workforce, and the union would sweep in to save the day.

That's just not the case here. But ALPA continues the assault on SkyWest with their ongoing suit.... funny, no suits against Mesa. I heck, I forgot, they already pay dues. Why would they need to do anything there?

Finally, understand that I really don't see any union here in the next few years, and really only respond for pure entertainment.;)

TonyWilliams 02-06-2008 08:46 AM


Originally Posted by Blkflyer (Post 314970)
Ok I didnt mean for this to turn into a NON UNION/ UNION discussion.. their have been many of that here before I simply wanted some answers to my original question..

Maybe the union BS is, in part, the answer to your question Grasshopper.

Superpilot92 02-06-2008 08:58 AM


Originally Posted by TonyWilliams (Post 315151)
I agree, SkyWest is bigger, and going to get bigger. And ALPA, or whatever union, will see 1.95% as their future meal ticket. As Arnold says, "Ah'll beeee baaaack."





We're not quite "under" ASA rates... or over, either. And as you've heard from my fellow pilots here at SkyWest, even at those rates, we'll make more money than ASA, and a whole lot of other airlines.

Further, the folks who actually have to live with these pay and work rules are largely happy with them. Clearly, that's not the case at many ALPA carriers, 'cuz we get LOTS of them.

Why is ALPA not picketing Mesa EVERY DAMN DAY ???? Why are they not doing work slow downs, sick outs, and planning for a strike? Where are the lawsuits? Why is any ALPA carrier allowed to be so poor to its working men and women, without any large scale afront to that? Why are so many of those same men and women choosing a lateral move to a non-union carrier, with a 50% total attrition in ONE YEAR?

I could post a whole laundry list of ALPA issues, but in general, let me suggest that ALPA fix what they got, show us what they can do, then come talk to us.

So, I agree whole heartedly with your last statement; it's not going to change any time soon, and ALPA is leading the charge in mediocraty.





Our pilots are the problem !!!! Easy, get rid of a select 66% of the pilots !!!!! Wow, why didn't I think of that?





So, collectively we saved 'em money. Good to know. I wouldn't want to be a burden.






If that's our only hope, I guess the end is near. Darn it, I was just getting to like this place.





Here's a news flash. The last organizing drive here was a disruption to the company, due to the host of laws that make that possible. I understand why the laws are there.... with the thinking that a "bad rogue" company was victimizing their workforce, and the union would sweep in to save the day.

That's just not the case here. But ALPA continues the assault on SkyWest with their ongoing suit.... funny, no suits against Mesa. I heck, I forgot, they already pay dues. Why would they need to do anything there?

Finally, understand that I really don't see any union here in the next few years, and really only respond for pure entertainment.;)

So what your saying is that you are a MGMT hopeful?

SharkAir 02-06-2008 09:12 AM

They're home most nights and probably make more.

HercDriver130 02-06-2008 09:31 AM

geez.... enough of this BS already....... they voted... got what they wanted..... enough.

POPA 02-06-2008 09:41 AM


Originally Posted by HercDriver130 (Post 315196)
geez.... enough of this BS already....... they voted... got what they wanted..... enough.

Maybe, but if they'd voted ALPA in all of their planes would have espresso makers by now. Clearly, SKW is a bunch of job-stealing pinkos.

SharkAir 02-06-2008 09:42 AM

Clearly indeed.

Nevets 02-06-2008 02:04 PM


Originally Posted by reelbigchair (Post 314952)
From one union supporter to another, may I suggest an alternate route to getting more pilots on the union bandwagon.... Instead of telling us how great it is, and spending a TON of money on buying me sandwiches and pamphlets, why doesn't ALPA's focus more or their energies on their own airlines that are already union. ALPA needs to score some victories on contracts before 50 + 1 % of SkyWest guys will be convinced it's good for us. WAY too many guys at SkyWest have watched ALPA fail over and over, whether it be at Mesa/TSA or the general failure of ALPA to forsee the effect of RJ's and scope on the industry. They (former mesa/tsa/eagle/skyway/comair/asa/etc) came to SkyWest, and right or wrong, they have placed a large amount of blame on ALPA for the situation at their former employer. I understand the dynamics of the past 7 years haven't been kind to unions in general, but continuing to buy pilots at SkyWest sandwiches and pamphlets, and continuing to feed us the same lines will do little to bring ALPA here. I know I make it sound easier than it is, but ALPA IMO would win over more SkyWest pilots by winning at other carriers first. Then come back and talk to us. (Don't use the Xjet example either, it's one win out many losses lately, and even the Miami Dolphins managed to win one game this year.)

Each property is different than other properties. There are varying amount of leverage at each property. There is only so much that can be done at any given time at each property. This is more like a marathon than a sprint. It generally takes a lot longer to get back what was given back.

I'll stop using XJT or Horizon as an example if you stop using Mesa and Trans States as an example. But it is a good point. Each of these four companies have different managements with different set of circumstances and varying amount of financial success. And that is the key with Skywest. Skywest has been THEE most successful regional and that alone would give the pilots more leverage than any other pilot group has ever had a regional to help convince management to give just a little bit more of that three quarters of a BILLION DOLLARS they have a in the bank.



Originally Posted by Koolaidman (Post 314964)
ASA got some work rules in their new contract that we had on property without a union. A minimum daily guarantee of 3:45, a duty rig and we get paid extra if they schedule over 12 hours. I also THINK their 401k or profit sharing isn't as good as ours. So before you go rant and rave how the UNION got ASA what they got, get ALL of the facts first.

I was very disappointed that we didn't get higher rates than ASA considering our performance numbers are much better. But, I did my part and voted no. I can't do anything else. Going on here and complaining about it more isn't going to make it better. It took us two months to get our new raters in place where it took five years for ASA. How long will it take for TSA, Mesa, Pinnacle and whoever else will be going into negotiations soon?

And no one ever answers the simple question... if a union is a powerful as you think, why are the majority of our classes filled with ex-121 ALPA guys?

with almost $750 million in the bank and making almost $150 million last year, you guys should be paid just a little bit more than what you got. But with no leverage, you will probably never get up to the middle tier carriers.

To answer your question, leverage is different from property to property. With a company that has an alter ego airline, most of the leverage has to be used just to bring those pilots into the same seniority list. With another property that isn't as financially successful, you just dont have the leverage that you would have if the company had almost three quarters of a BILLION DOLLARS in the bank and making almost $150 million last year.


Originally Posted by TonyWilliams (Post 315151)
I agree, SkyWest is bigger, and going to get bigger. And ALPA, or whatever union, will see 1.95% as their future meal ticket. As Arnold says, "Ah'll beeee baaaack."

You clearly don't understand how the dues money is distributed.


Originally Posted by TonyWilliams (Post 315151)
We're not quite "under" ASA rates... or over, either. And as you've heard from my fellow pilots here at SkyWest, even at those rates, we'll make more money than ASA, and a whole lot of other airlines.

So which is it? Are you under or over ASA rates? Why aren't you over ASA rates anyways? Why can't management pay you guys just a little bit more than 1% COLA with almost $750 million in the bank and making alomst $150 million last year? Because they don't want to and dont have to.


Originally Posted by TonyWilliams (Post 315151)
Further, the folks who actually have to live with these pay and work rules are largely happy with them. Clearly, that's not the case at many ALPA carriers, 'cuz we get LOTS of them.

I wouldn't be so quick as to say just because this pay proposal passed that a majority of the pilots are largely happy with them.


Originally Posted by TonyWilliams (Post 315151)
Why is ALPA not picketing Mesa EVERY DAMN DAY ???? Why are they not doing work slow downs, sick outs, and planning for a strike? Where are the lawsuits? Why is any ALPA carrier allowed to be so poor to its working men and women, without any large scale afront to that? Why are so many of those same men and women choosing a lateral move to a non-union carrier, with a 50% total attrition in ONE YEAR?

Many of those things are happening a lot of different places. Pilots are picketing Pinnacle management, planning for strikes, and filing lawsuits. The only thing ALPA is NOT doing is excessing self help because that would be highly illegal at this point. You should know all about this being a NATCA member. Why is NATCA allowed to be so poor to its working men and women, without any large scale afront to that? You know that things have to be done in a lawful way and that ALPA is not allowing any of that to happen just as NATCA is not allowing it to happen as well without both doing everything lawfully possible. ALPA, like NATCA has a communications department that are talking to reporters everyday with articles written everyday in newspapers all over the country everyday. The both have a PAC and lobby congress on a daily basis. A lot of this stuff is done behind the scenes as you very well know from your NATCA experience.


Originally Posted by TonyWilliams (Post 315151)
I could post a whole laundry list of ALPA issues, but in general, let me suggest that ALPA fix what they got, show us what they can do, then come talk to us.

Granted, ALPA is by no means close to being perfect. It has its many issues. But a union is the only means to provide Skywest the means to get just a little bit more of that three quarters of a BILLION DOLLARS pie.


Originally Posted by TonyWilliams (Post 315151)
So, I agree whole heartedly with your last statement; it's not going to change any time soon, and ALPA is leading the charge in mediocraty.

ALPA is leading the charge in mediocraty? Gee, then what does that say about Skywest?:rolleyes:


Originally Posted by TonyWilliams (Post 315151)
Our pilots are the problem !!!! Easy, get rid of a select 66% of the pilots !!!!! Wow, why didn't I think of that?

Not the pilots but your mentality is the problem.


Originally Posted by TonyWilliams (Post 315151)
So, collectively we saved 'em money. Good to know. I wouldn't want to be a burden.

It may or may have not been a monetary burden. I would guess that at first it would be. But the it would be self sustaining. The point is that regardless of the monetary burden, it would still be beneficial to the profession to have you as well.


Originally Posted by TonyWilliams (Post 315151)
If that's our only hope, I guess the end is near. Darn it, I was just getting to like this place.

The end to meritocracy could come in the future. And if so, you'll like it even better there.;)


Originally Posted by TonyWilliams (Post 315151)
Here's a news flash. The last organizing drive here was a disruption to the company, due to the host of laws that make that possible. I understand why the laws are there.... with the thinking that a "bad rogue" company was victimizing their workforce, and the union would sweep in to save the day.

Well I'll apologize to Skywest management for the right to organize given to workers by congress. I wished it wasn't as much of a burden on management. Maybe if they concentrated on the day to day operations rather than researching, witting, proof reading, editing emails with a lot of disinformation, half truths, and blatant dishonesty, they wouldn't have felt as burdened.

Not a rouge company. Just a company with almost three quarters of a BILLION DOLLARS in the bank and making almost $150 MILLION last year to share just a little bit of it with the pilots while also having the protections of a real contract.


Originally Posted by TonyWilliams (Post 315151)
That's just not the case here. But ALPA continues the assault on SkyWest with their ongoing suit.... funny, no suits against Mesa. I heck, I forgot, they already pay dues. Why would they need to do anything there?

No suits against Mesa because their pilots have a contract in accordance with the RLA which sends disagreements to a neutral arbitrator. Its becoming more clear that you just dont have the fundamental understanding of how these things work.


Originally Posted by TonyWilliams (Post 315151)
Finally, understand that I really don't see any union here in the next few years, and really only respond for pure entertainment.

Clearly, and keep up the work as a NATCAvist.;)


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