This has been discussed ad naseum. The conventional wisdom is that no regional (even big ones) have enough financial resources to support the types of benefits/activities that one expects of an airline union. Supposedly the economy of scale allows national to provide some things like insurance and high-end legal/negotiating assistance.

Also like I said I'd like to see progress towards national unity, although that may well be impossible at the regional level...it would be helpful if we were all one union or maybe two that could join forces.

National probably needs a little more authority...but I certainly recall national refusing to sign a contract with JO a few years back.

But at the major level the pilots don't compete directly for flying, and the company isn't going to liquidate itself out of spite if the pilots get a good contract. There's a lot more potential for coordination and teamwork at the major level. With regionals, it's just wack-a-mole, and people are learning not to stick their heads up.

 

"With regionals, it's just wack-a-mole, and people are learning not to stick their heads up."

BOOM.

 

I wouldn't say ALPA does nothing for the regional carriers. For example - they do a great job of keeping bad pilots in the air. You can do all three of these things and keep your job.

1. Land at the wrong airport
2. Refuse to deice and take off with heavy frost / snow accumulation.
3. Do a quick turn with one engine running.

This was all one person mind you. So yes when it comes to certificate action - ALPA knows what they're doing at the regionals.

 

Our profession is doomed.

 

I've got job offers (Class Dates) with both SkyWest and Compass. I'd love to hear which one you all think is better and why. Thanks, I need to decide soon. I'm MSP based, and of course I'd like to live in base.

 

I would go to Compass in heartbeat over SkyWest. SkyWest is a good company to work for, but the upgrade takes forever and the junior bases are out east.

 

Congrats on both. The answer to this is in what's most important to you. If msp based is most important, go with SkyWest. If you're chasing an upgrade go with compass. You can get msp based there as well but you'll wait a bit longer for it. I can't speak for compass but I do know msp has expanded like crazy here since I've been at skywest. As for the long upgrade I don't think it will take 7 years here like people say.

I had the same decision to make as you. I elected not to chase the upgrade carrot and work for a company I knew I would be happy with until the major job opportunity comes. At first I was biting my lip a little over my decision, but now that I've been on property a few months and have settled into my base I am not even thinking twice about it. Absolutely no regrets and I'm happy, overall.

If you'd like any more of my (slightly biased I'll admit) input feel free to send me a pm.

 

Go to Compass... Easy choice!

 

I'm very senior SkyWest. I won't go into detail.

Go to Compass.

 

Msp? Skw.