New Hires Signing Training Contracts?
 

I recently interviewed with Mesa, offered a class date, and sent a letter of offer. Very pleasant experience all round, except throughout the process - application, recruiter interview, full interview - the fact Mesa makes you sign a promissory note on day one for $12,758 was never mentioned until the letter of offer.
Deal breaker for me: I knew Mesa's starting salary wasn't competitive, but a training contract as well...Sheesh!
I'm wondering if any of the other Regionals are having new hires sign contracts?

Absolutely no reason to go to Mesa right now.....None.

They are obviously worried about people joining and leaving shortly after and hence the training contract. It actually will make things worse for them in terms of attracting candidates as no one in their right mind should consider signing a training contract. However, there will always be someone who will sign one due to circumstances or just not understanding the fine print. Instead of a signing contract they should be offering retention bonuses to keep people. Completely wrong approach IMHO.

For me the interest was the PHX domicile. But now I agree with you: no reason to go there. Guess I'll concentrate on Skywest...

There is absolutely no reason to sign a training contract. No other airline makes you sign one.

Mesa management knows that when you get there, you will realize that in addition to the exceedingly low pay and no retention bonus as offered by the other airlines, the upgrade ship has sailed.

So all they have to keep you there is the fact that they will sue you to collect the $12,000 from you.

Make your own choices, but be informed. They are going after ex-employees to collect the $12,000.

I left with one month and a few days to go till my one year anniversary. Big M kept most of my last check for the amount they felt they were due for the last two months. I thought they would spot a few days and only charge one month, nope they took both. I never took a day off, never called in sick and volunteered a few times, don't matter, they wanted full 2 months. I had enough money coming since I had all the unused time being paid.

Don't know if they would have sued if I owed more, they had it easy and could take all they felt they were owed outta my last pay.

I did a good job and tried very hard for them. I am not ungrateful, but if they are not willing to help me provide a life where I don't have to fear medical injury (by providing affordable) healthcare and a living wage.. I gotta go, I'm not independently wealthy or being supported by others.

I cleared more at the new gig on the very first day of class, than I did working my first six months at Big M. Plus they have really really good health care and so many more financial infinitives to stay with them.

Not my first experience with training contracts... I've signed three so far... U need to ask yourself this...

"Why do they need to ask for a training contract?"

If employees are treated well, (pay, benifits, QOL issues) they are gonna usually stay. No one likes looking for a job. The majority of people just want to work, get taken care of and live their life.

Every place I worked that had a contract, had it for a reason... because no one in their right mind was gonna stay there once they actually worked there a while and saw how the place operated...

READ those contracts.. I have not read one yet that had even ONE provision for YOU... you need to ask,but what if I loose my medical...? They will tell you how very understanding they are of certain situations... then ask that they put that in the contract... not a one I worked for would allow any modifications of the contract.. they just want you to sign...

The Bonuses are training contracts in reverse.. the companies are given you $$ to show you a little good will at the front end of your relationship.. and you are not required to usually take the bonuses, u want not sign, don't, no bonus $$, but they will still take you and give you a job if that's what you want...

.... if you are signing any contract promising something and you are not getting something in return... Ask yourself ...

"Why?"..

The above answers cover this concern very well. Allow me to phrase it slightly different...Your decision to walk saved you an enormous amount of time and frustration. The ills and failure of Mesa of not being a reasonable place to work falls on the CEO. As most have learned, he is a greedy, selfish and an uncaring man. It is my understanding he has a criminal background and was bared from his previous career. His actions have caused Mesa to be sued by several of the majors and the collapse and loss of the Delta Airlines business by falsifying documents. He plays by a different set of rules than a businessman of good moral character. Walk away and let others know to avoid Mesa at all cost.

Re:Training Contract
 

Training contracts are not enforceable, there has been many legal precedents proving this (would recommend checking state law). Mesa will take whatever pay you have when you leave before the contract is up.

Another thing you gotta think about with any, ANY employer....

Why did you not hear about the note till you are well into the process?

Think they may be hiding something.....????

Food for thought...

Spot on. That's what bothered me the most: it came through, at the last minute via email, from someone who hadn't been part of the recruitment process. Should've been perfectly easy - and ethical - to be up front about it.

The other thing is, as someone else pointed out, it's written (in fairly complex legalese) in a way that strictly benefits the company no matter the circumstance. One thing I can understand, is it stipulates you have to give the co 45 days notice or the penalty is greater than the amount owing on the contract. Who requires 45 days notice these days! (Mesa!)