69 from the bottom and I am going to reduce line for four months. That will deplete my savings. I will give all I can, and hope it will save my rear. Any senior people who can do even a little, will be appreciated.

By the way, it is hard to save money on first year pay. Yes, I did see this train coming and did not have the means to get off of the tracks.

It isn't working for half pay... Its working HALF TIME for full insurance and benefits... there is a BIG difference.
cp

If you want to work another job, why not sign up for JS and then work the job? Working 1/2 time with pay and benefits should take the pressure off any side job or startup business...
cp

No offense, but I'd say 69 from the bottom better be signing up for JS/RDG through this year. I'm hoping the bottom 300 will, simply because I think it's prudent. Remember the MOU is all or nothing. Do you think the more senior crewmembers are going to pitch in when the obvious furlough bait (you and I) don't set an example of sacrifice? You're taking a huge gamble. Whatever your financial straits are, they will be infinitely worse while on umemployment benefits.

46, wife and 2 kids and 35ish from the bottom

According to the union's new FAQ...no DC8 FEs are allowed to bid RDG/JS until after they are consolidated as FOs in their new status. Now the only options we have are to take a short term or long term LOA. Nice.

Try sending your mortgage payment with an IOU from Aetna. This is the best job in 121 aviation and you guys feel obligated to work for half pay. Amazing!

More like work half a year for full pay.

I'm in the same boat. However, I think we still can bid for any RDG/JS...which still goes toward the May 26 savings deadline. However, we will not be awarded a RDG/JS period before consolidation, and that award will be a period mutually agreed upon by pilot and company. That's how I understand it anyway....someone correct me if I'm wrong.


Q: I'm on the DC-8, I'd like to sign up one of the voluntary programs but since I don't know when I'll be trained, I do not want to convert my current fully paid active (but non-working) status to a half pay or no pay "volunteer" for one of the MOU programs. How can I volunteer and not run this risk?
A: The parties have agreed that DC-8 crewmembers may request VLOAs, JS, or RDG and that those requests will be approved with the understanding and agreement that they will not (except at the crewmember's option) overlap the time that you are in a fully paid active (but not working) status. You may be awarded a VLOA, JS, or RDG (according to your preferences), but any award would become effective no earlier than your first scheduled day back to work."


Q: As a DC8 FE, I would like to TRY and volunteer for a RDG/JS after I'm on FO pay. I cannot afford it supporting a family of 4 on FE pay. How long will I be on FE pay? Am I safe trying to volunteer for RDG/JS in October or November?
A: The parties have agreed that F/Es on the DC8 are not eligible to participate in RDG or JS as long as they remain on that fleet and seat. However, you may volunteer for any bid period even though you may not have completed the consolidation flying as a F/O. In such case you will need to contact the Company after completing the consolidation as a F/O, to mutually agree upon substitute bid periods in which to complete the RDG/JS commitment.

Bid for any JS/RDG before May 26, enjoy time off - fully paid - before training, then make up that RDG/JS with a substitute period in the future.

It's not just the bottom 300 that would be affected by a furlough. The IPA said it would negatively impact over 1,000 pilots through downgrade, displacement, reduced seniority etc. We should all be concerned, not just the bottom 300.

I don't feel obligated to do anything. I think you miss my point. I'm only saying that for the bottom 300, there is a good opportunity to retain good benefits and pay and have a lot of time off to pursue other things. Its not exactly like you are going to find some other great job right now, and although many cannot live on 50% of their hours, if you are in the bottom 300 you are looking at MUCH LESS on unemployment. If you are in the bottom 300 I think you should only feel obligated if you consider this better than unemployment. This isn't a concession, it is 100% voluntary.
cp