Look guys, I've got a feeling that this is really a possibility. The union stated that they were going to being looking into furlough mitigation. We have been overstaffed for a while. And Managers have stated in recurrent ground classes that if we could furlough it would be the guys that weren't on the list when the new contract was signed.

What blows my mind is that it costs so little to keep 100 junior pilots vs merging OO and EV which would save tens of millions a year. I just don't understand. Anyways that's probably the alcohol talking....

 

Well lets look at it this way. ALPA has been saying that the company is 200-300 pilots over staffed. They also mentioned they are working with the company to help reduce costs while maintaining current (or close to, in my opinion) pilot staffing.

Now the funny part is, below that, ALPA also mentions that they are working hard on the PBS to see if it's worth it. If you read ALL the previous e-mails they have sent, it sounds as if they are somewhat pushing the PBS.

So here is what I think will happen. The company will furlough all pilots outside of the furlough clause (roughly 130ish I believe). Now... ALPA will step in and say you can not furlough anyone inside the clause. As for the low staffing during the summer, ALPA will vote yes on the PBS, giving them the proper staffing. How ALPA looks good in all this is they will say they saved the remaining 70-170 pilots.

Just my thoughts.

 

So wait... Mesaba is hiring, while ASA is talking furlough and Comair already furloughed.

Wow... that's bad.

 

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Ultimately the choice for accepting PBS will be from the pilot group, they get to vote on any significant LOAs to the contract. If ALPA and the company put together a good enough package it will probably pass easily, if their only reason for sending it out is to save money it will probably be shot down.

 

Yes this is true but it's still frustrating knowing that ALPA is talking up something that will ultimately lead to a reduction in the amount of pilots needed.

I'm sure if company is biting at the bit to move to PBS for financial purposes, they will pull something out of the sleeves to dangle in front of the pilots.

On the positive side, it's has yet to be announced by any reputable source (that I know of) that ASA is going to furlough.

Oh and one more thing I don't understand. ASA has granted COMA lines, early retirement and now recently, time off for as long as you want. Why haven't they given out part time lines. I've asked multiple pilots and a lot of them mentioned they, or someone they know, would probably take a part time line. I would image with all those implemented, they would be able to keep the current staffing.

 

They also haven't authorized all the COMAs. Also, I think one reason furlough is just around the corner is because people like me are getting ready to go into 2nd yr pay. I talked to one of our MEC leaders in the crew lounge, he said that company says we are 250-350 fat and ALPA doesn't see it. They say are we are more like 50-100 fat. Just look at the reserve awards. This month in the 200 there was only around 120 guys on reserve. They admit that reduced line values helped and is working. It also keeps the senior CA from flying over 75. IONO..... Too bad ASA can just issue out forced COMAs VS Furloughs. At least with a 3 month COMA I still have flight and medical. ahhh well.... my back up is to keep my furlough number and finish my BA. (another damn loan) Only have just over a yr left till i finish anyways.

 

Its All about Money.. how I see it is if you are are at airline XYZ for 2-3 years get the "F",,, you run to airline ABC cause they are Hiring and you cant wait to fly that Shiny Jet.. ALAS you are back on First year FO pay.. its all a GAme..

Have Fun playing Guys and Gals...

 

You is ALPA at ASA...not the LEC/MEC leadership.

 

Dan, did you bid for COMA in Jan? I'm only one number lower than you and have bid on it every month, only awarded in October. I spoke with someone roughly 200 from the bottom of the list and he didn't get it in January either... seems like everyone who wants COMA would be getting it if we were that overstaffed.

You can always do like I do... take LOA between off days, then you can still fly on either side of your reserve days and you keep health insurance and accrue longevity... essentially a part-time line!

Until it comes from CT/SH/BH's mouth/pen/keyboard I'll keep on keepin' on.