Absolutely. Mainline pilots have given up scope for more money. If you think about it, mainline pilots might not want to take scope back ever because it means a paycut to them.

Absolutely there is. First, we have to be in agreement to what the problem is though, everybody on the same page.

Don't think APA has any chance of taking back scope on this contract as they agreed to a contract via arbitration if they can't reach a JCBA in the set time frame per the MOU.

Regionals actually, on a revenue per seat mile, do not contribute as much as mainline. This was particularly the problem in the early 2000s when the largest RJ was 50 seats. The ONLY way we contribute is with the sort of costs (salaries) we have experienced forever. Traditionally, larger aircraft (at all carriers) have meant higher rates. We are now seeing management offer (and get) the same rate for more seats (larger aircraft). Mainline would NEVER allow that to happen in the long term.

I expect mainline would be more than willing to end the regional model even with some minimal give back. Why...security. Think about our brothers who are flowing to AA. No flow back. A down turn and they are on the street. Just like I will be if we shrink fast. What do we ALL want?

SECURITY
PAY
QOL

Simple as that. And by the way, the ONLY way we get ANY of that long term is to see this segment of the industry consolidated with mainline! The faster--generally -- the better (not saying there isn't going to be "some" pain but the very large majority will be better off)...

The stagnation we've experienced "should" end. Retirements are mandatory (unless we see an age 67 rule, or a fly until you can't hold a medical rule (both very remotely possible and only a 2-3 stop gap). Plus, MOST mainline guys DON'T want to work until they drop dead. Pension losses have forced some to do so but...really, a lot of guys I know are more than happy to be gone at 65 (and many have left earlier).

Remember what I said. WE DON'T HAVE TO FIGHT MANAGEMENT TO SOLVE MANAGEMENT'S PROBLEMS. We should waste NO negotiating capital on:

1. Shiny new airplanes management needs to give us anyway (at the same rate) to remain competitive. My opinion is we should NEVER accept a new larger aircraft at our current rates. BAD, BAD, BAD idea!

2. We don't need to solve management's hiring crisis. They knew it was coming. They were part of the 1500 hour rules change and the FAR117 change. They can cry now but they KNEW this was coming (and in my opinion, THEIR WAGE DECISIONS HAVE CREATED THIS PROBLEM!). WE have been stuck only because supply has until the last year significantly outstripped demand. They know this --- HENCE THE 10 YEAR DURATION ON NO INCREASED PAY. Give me a break. Show me ANY industry where employees would permit that. THEY WANT IT BECAUSE THEY KNOW THAT IS THE ONLY WAY THEY SURVIVE. And management wants to survive, just like we want to survive (but THEY don't have the saleable skill WE do)...

3. This segment of the industry needs either unified representation (meaning no deleterious PSA type contracts should be accepted by ALPA -- not going to happen) OR we need to be willing to hold out and force the supply side issue (including a willingness to shrink, close down, and move if necessary).

4. I think we need to watch out for management "solutions" which develop ab initio or pipelines from flight schools directly to mainlines that somehow by-pass regional (without seniority based solutions that put a current 121 pilot before ANY new flight school or (hate to say it) military retiree). On the latter, I have friends who have come here to get current, get into the business, and are moving on (or waiting).

The way we cause our own harm is to perpetuate this broken system by ACCEPTING long term, economically poor contracts. The sooner this segment is cold, dead, and buried the sooner we will return to a profession that is equitably paid!!

BTW...remember, regional management IS afraid. Deep down inside, they are afraid!!! Why? --- because they KNOW this is coming! They are desperate to continue to exist!! They know the wages they will not be able to continue offering the wages they are paying! They know that THEY are being squeezed by mainline ...and in the end, very soon...they know their existence will END. Think about it. Consolidation REMOVES inefficiency and redundancy. Multiple managements (as seen from mainline) will rapidly COST too much and their "skills" will NOT be needed. WE have the skills majors need (although they will suck up "some" operational management elements)... but...many in management (maybe our leadership) will be left without a chair as the music stops!!!

So, stand firm. And let's engage for the end game with our mainline brothers!

(and no, I'm NOT a mainline guy!)

Quote:
Originally Posted by fisherman View Post
American branded RJs should be flown by American Airlines pilots. When are the mainline unions going to make a stand and try to take back scope?

Don't think APA has any chance of taking back scope on this contract as they agreed to a contract via arbitration if they can't reach a JCBA in the set time frame per the MOU.


Anything is negotiable...just depends on the price.

NY UNITY EVENT
Save The Date
08-06-2014

New York will be holding a special unity event on August 6th from 10am until 2pm at LGA. Volunteers are needed in large numbers to help make this a successful event. Pilots from ALL Domiciles are invited to attend. Pilots from a few other carriers are also being invited to attend. The Envoy MEC-SPC and LEC121 Strategic Planning Committees are organizing this event.

Please email [email protected] and [email protected] with your name, email address, phone number, and hours of availability that day. If there are enough volunteers the unity event will be extended to earlier and later hours. You need not be available the whole period; any time you can volunteer would be appreciated. The committee will organize a schedule with 1 hour blocks. Fill as many or few blocks with your time as you can. Please plan on being in full uniform (including hats), blazer optional. Contact James, Tom and Steve for additional details and to volunteer.


Fraternally

Ray & Adam

Sim is not accurate. HR is fairly accurate. Tech is reading charts and fairly basic. There we no gotcha questions.

That proposal from the company must have been pretty bad.

I interviewed a week ago. The gouges are very accurate as far as the Tech/HR portions. There may have been only a couple things I was asked that weren't in the gouges, and they weren't significant enough to stick out to me. The sim is very touchy and you no longer have the flight director. I didn't fly perfectly but it still turned out okay. I think they are looking for basic instrument skills and the callouts they send you. Briefed a hold and then got vectors for ILS 36L.

Naw, this has been in the works a while