Not picking up the phone is quite easy. Don't get why some people think that's such a hard concept. Parhaps, load up a catchy song as a ringtone... sit back and let 'er ring...

 

You're obligated per contract to answer your phone on your days off?

 

No we're not.

 

Not answering your phone goes without saying of course...but there's really no way of getting out of a junior man without consequence

 

More news I just ran across. If our leadership wants to claim there's nothing to worry about then check this out. From a meeting at Tweed New Haven Airport. They were discussing their future when Airways pulls the Dash-8 out.
From:
155 Burr Street
New Haven, CT 06512
Phone 466-8833 FAX 466-1199
Airport Authority Meeting
Minutes of March 11, 2009
New Haven City Hall, Meeting Room 2
e) Mr. Billowitz gave additional detail on the airline Networking Conference, with reference to discussions with US Airways. US Airways intends to retire the Dash-8 aircraft over the next 3 to 4 years. They did not identify the replacement aircraft or give an indication when this would affect Tweed. The US Airways representative said we are in “good shape” and should not worry. He also confirmed with the route planners that US Airways impression of Tweed is favorable.

 

Well PSA was going to close on Wednesday but that never happened. US Airways was supposed to be free of 737's two years ago....That didn't happen either. Please don't add stress to people's lives. Unless you 100% know it is going to happen today all bets are off. US Airways is the last company to know what is going to happen in 3 years. The very last.

 

This is more direction than we've gotten directly from the company. 3-year forecasts are always sketchy in the airline industry, but they're not even willing to tell us that this is what they'd like to do if they had their chance. Nice job finding an outside source. Nobody at airways may know what's going on next week, but at least we know what they would like to do if they get the chance.

 

Well I'm pretty sure that the Dash's we have now (100's anyway) can't make it past 2012 in terms of cycles...I heard that it isn't close to being economical to pay for the refurb to make them airworthy beyond that current limit, so maybe there's some truth to them saying that the Dash will be "retired"...if be retired they mean the 100's will be replaced

 

That's true..better to wait it out right? Here's a story: I used to fly corporate charter down in FL. The signs suggested trouble, I waited it out. Then A friend of mine and I drove to work one day to find chains on the doors and a note taped to the glass. "[the Company] has been sold, Thanks for your service, call John (Chief Pilot) for your check." Sometimes lighting a fire under people's butt causes heart ache in the short term but it is the best way to save them alot of heart ache in the long term.

 

Saw this from our fearless leader on the Ask Piedmont:

Our industry continues to work through many challenges resulting from a weak economy. Although we have had not much pleasant news of recent, we continue our efforts to best position our airline for the future. We plan to operate 41 aircraft in 2010 and feel there will not be a need for further reductions. In fact, we project recalls in spring. There has been some positive press on our industry, as well as US Airways, which leads one to the conclusion that there might be financial stability starting to take hold. Our airline continues to produce operational performance which I feel meets the expectations of our customers. Again, difficult times, but I am certain we can meet the challenges.
Michael