Skywest
12-18-2014 | 07:20 AM
#8231
Line Holder
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 622
Likes: 1
From: It's hot out here.
Our mainline partners are the ones who pull the strings. This is why getting comfy at a regional may or may not be the best thing to do. UA/DL/AA/US/AS are always looking to save money. We better compensation, and rightfully so, but when we get more "expensive" they just go to the next lowest bidder (PSA, MAG, etc). It's truly a dog eat dog part of the industry.
My solution? Get in & get out.
My solution? Get in & get out.
12-18-2014 | 07:59 AM
#8232
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,154
Likes: 0
It's really nice now. Fully remodeled rooms – much spiffier than one would expect. Two large, clean gas grills outside for BBQ'ing (we used them every night.) Laundry facilities and a gym. The rooms all have full kitchens with large fridges, cooking utensils, electric ranges and a microwave. Plus, the light rail is right outside, so it's 15 minutes to downtown where you'll find everything you might need...Starbucks, Harmon's Groceries, etc.
I was quite impressed by the Candlewood. The main negative is the lack of free breakfast, but I was able to cook for myself...I lost 5 lbs during Systems since I ate so healthily. I have, sadly, gained it right back during 2 weeks of Sims out here in ATL, where their idea of healthy food is to only single-fry the veggies as opposed to double-frying them.
For any guys coming to Sims in ATL, I'd recommend renting a car for a day here and a day there, splitting the cost, and making a run to Whole Foods or Trader Joe's in downtown ATL. Or just set aside 4 hours for a grocery run to those stores via public transit. It's either that, or eat expensive restaurant food, or cheap junk food. There's nothing else within walking distance of the hotel.
I was quite impressed by the Candlewood. The main negative is the lack of free breakfast, but I was able to cook for myself...I lost 5 lbs during Systems since I ate so healthily. I have, sadly, gained it right back during 2 weeks of Sims out here in ATL, where their idea of healthy food is to only single-fry the veggies as opposed to double-frying them.
For any guys coming to Sims in ATL, I'd recommend renting a car for a day here and a day there, splitting the cost, and making a run to Whole Foods or Trader Joe's in downtown ATL. Or just set aside 4 hours for a grocery run to those stores via public transit. It's either that, or eat expensive restaurant food, or cheap junk food. There's nothing else within walking distance of the hotel.
12-18-2014 | 09:20 AM
#8234
Banned
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,934
Likes: 0
From: EMB 145 CPT
Skywest
Look at the regionals WITH a union and look at the regionals WITHOUT (short list). Do a comparative assessment....the union carriers do not seem to be doing any better, I would even be bold enough to say that the majority are doing worse. AGAIN, unions do nothing at this level. Management (AAG, DAL, UAL) hold the cards. Regional management is ineffective and feckless. Unfortunately, these are the guys with whom the regional union reps negotiate.
Combine the seniority list!
Combine the seniority list!
Like I've said before on this thread, a pilot union is so much more than just a contract. I would love one list. But without everyone being union, that will not happen. You guys were not invited to the UAL open house. I don't think something bigger than that, such as an effort towards one list or something to that effect will include anyone that isn't union.
Read your ALPA or CAPA email.
12-18-2014 | 10:56 AM
#8238
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,544
Likes: 0
From: 175 CA
I understand Expressjet wanting ons list but what does that bring to the slywest people? Expressjet is a sinking ship with mostly 50 seater aircraft with continuous shrinking and an apparent toxic corporate culture. One list would just mean a worse upgrade and probably QOL over what we have now
he wish.
12-18-2014 | 11:53 AM
#8240
Line Holder
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 622
Likes: 1
From: It's hot out here.
Like I've said before on this thread, a pilot union is so much more than just a contract. I would love one list. But without everyone being union, that will not happen. You guys were not invited to the UAL open house. I don't think something bigger than that, such as an effort towards one list or something to that effect will include anyone that isn't union.
Man you are definitely consistent with the union talk, I'll give you that. I do not think consolidating the regional seniority list has to be a union action. In fact I think as soon as you mention union and consolidation in the same sentence, the next thing that comes out of people's mouths is Railway Labor Act. The unions cannot, by law, play a functional role in the consolidation. But if WE, as an industry, were to petition for it then perhaps it could happen. Obviously, thousands of variables (and personalities) involved but I think it could happen. It cannot happen with a union.
I understand Expressjet wanting ons list but what does that bring to the slywest people? Expressjet is a sinking ship with mostly 50 seater aircraft with continuous shrinking and an apparent toxic corporate culture. One list would just mean a worse upgrade and probably QOL over what we have now
We're not talking about one list for just ExpressJet and Skywest. We are talking about one list across the entire regional pilot group. The benefits to having one list far outweigh the detractors. Here are a few reasons why:
1) If you leave your current regional airline to fly for another regional airline you start at the bottom of the list and at the bottom of the pay-scale.
2) If you're a commuter your non-rev benefits are also greatly diminished. You are at the bottom of the turd bowl again.
3) The individual list at various companies strongly skews the balance of power to the side of management. For example, what incentive does AAG have to keep Envoy pilots happy? They are one of the more senior pilot groups (more expensive). Why would AAG award them contracts to fly when there are cheaper pilot groups?
One list, with a flat pay-scale and flat benefits package, would make contracts more about performance and less about compensation. It eliminates the whipsaw that we are all currently witnessing. If the contracts were about performance rather than undercutting the bid, I think most pilots could get behind that.
You concern about the upgrade times is understandable, but one list would not put someone with a higher seniority number in front of you for upgrade. The seniority number (call it an experience number) is for pay and benefits. For example, let's say Nevets decides he's fed up with ExpressJet. He leaves for Compass. Nevets is an experienced Captain with 15 years of seniority (hypothetical). The pay-scale for a 15 year Captain at ExpressJet is $99 (APC). The pay-scale for a 15 year FO at Compass is $44. Nevets would be at the top of the FO pay-scale. His seniority number (experience) is for pay and benefits only. His date of hire at Compass would be his number for upgrade. He still took a massive pay cut but he's not forced to start at $25 and he keeps his benefits. This type of seniority system would even out the playing field between companies.
The current seniority system does nothing but encourage the ruthless tactics employed by our individual management groups.
Now cue all the naysayers
!
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