Getting back original longevity date at ASA
 

I was one of the first 80 furloughed from ASA back in FEB of 09. I believe the final furlough number was 136. Our contract states that our longevity dates will be adjusted to return us to our previous pay schedule. I realize that that is what our contract says, however I don't think its fair. I do not know if this is an industry standard thing or what, so someone maybe can fill me in there. So, the rest of the time I am here, along with everyone else who was furloughed, we will not be getting the hourly rate we deserve. I was hired in March of 08, not Sept. of 09, I and others should be getting be getting 4th year pay, not second. I realize the difference is only a few dollars an hour, but I don't think I need to tell you how much every little bit helps. And the principle of it that we are not getting paid what we deserve.

I have contacted our MEC and he was very happy to answer my question and responded to my email very quickly via a phone call. After a lengthy conversation, his response was that he agrees that its not fair and will bring it up in negotiations; but wither or not he can get it done is another is another story. He also encouraged me to contact my rep. Being that we are up for a new contract and have a very small chance (probably none in reality) of getting it back, I figured it might be worth a try.

I'm a realest and know that any chance of us getting our original longevity date back is probably zero. Also, that the majority of the pilot group is more of a concern for our MEC than a small minority. I also would never want this back if it means that the other majority of our group would have to suffer in some way because of it (and no one would vote yes for that anyway).

So, I know I have to accept that its just the way it is and live with it. But I wanted to put this out there and see what kind of responses I would get. Also, I want to encourage the other furloughees to contact our rep and tell him you want this changed. Its worth a shot, and if it doesn't happen (which it probably won't), then so be it. At least we tried.

It was adjusted at Comair too... you keep your senority but not your longevity... if you were furloughed under 2nd year pay you come back under 2nd year pay...

I went through furlough with my previous airline, and it was the same thing when I accepted recall back then. I believe it is the same at other airlines, at least on the regional level.

Because longevity is years of service... while you were furloughed you were not of service...

Not fair, but that's the way it is. Happened to me too.

I'm more concerned with the furlough clause and getting my name on it this time around. No furlough clause = a no vote from me.

I believe that Delta got longevity pay for their furloughees

That clause is basically worthless. It only covers furlough from controllable factors which historically don't cause furloughs.

Not pay per se, but we accrued longevity while furloughed. When we came back, we were at the pay grade we would have been if we weren't booted. As part of the merger, fNWA furloughees were made whole as well.

It IS an industry standard, as far as I know (several different airlines). I don't know about Delta, mentioned above by Coto Pilot. Frankly, and no disrespect intended, I doubt it. Any Delta folks care to chime in?

***EDIT: The fellow above proved me wrong. :) Good deal for them, but it's unusual. ***

During boom economic times when there's no furlough in sight you might get it changed in exchange for slippage on some other point. Don't hold your breath for the time being.

In any case, glad you're back in the saddle!

What service did you provide ASA for those years?

You didn't provide any, you were unemployed. You qualified for unemployment, you were paid out your vacation balance, you got a packet in the mail to enroll in COBRA coverage. The only thing existing between you and ASA during that time was an agreement not to hire anyone else until you were brought back. If you don't think the contract is fair you should have applied somewhere else or worked to change it while you were on property (I assume you're working on getting it changed now?).

Just my thoughts after 25 months on furlough.