Not sure how everything is evolving at the other airlines out there, but based on that email, I feel more regret not putting apps out after getting on the line ~2 years ago. Hope the tide turns, or that this update makes it seem worse than reality.

Can anyone walk me back from the ledge?

 

Unfortunately, this seems more like the older “friendly people” culture at SWA is aligning with the more hostile style of the big 3 carriers.

Fly the contract, study your stuff for AQP, no favors for scheduling, do not operate fatigued, and consider any interaction with your Chief’s office as hostile. Protect yourself.

 

What was the message about?

 

Peons with superiority complexes at HQ disciplining and terminating pilots for things covered by ASAP, HIMS, and other CBA issues (using sick time), etc

 

The biggest issue alot of us have is the wrongful termination of an Army helicopter pilot who was injured while on deployment. He was on disability leave and was terminated, from what I've heard, because the company offered him a position as a base coordinator and he and the union thought it was a joke.

The local chief pilots when questioned answered the order came down from HQ.

 

Sounds like after the lawsuit he'll be better off than he would have been collecting disability. Please keep us updated.

 

There is a similar case of a guy at Envoy, Army Helo guy, was off duty and got into a motorcycle wreck and lost his medical. 5 years later after fighting and fighting he got his medical back after the FAA basically lied in evidence. I REALLY HOPE our guy lawyers up, he has A LOT to gain if he does. I hope SWAPA has his back as well.

 

Sad what this place has become. I am embarrassed and ashamed.

 

It’s been this way a long time. Don’t kid yourself. I learned how crappy SWA treats it employees when they are down 10 years ago. SWA is nothing more than a pay check to me. I have zero GAS for the company.

 

I have only been here for 11 months and I am losing steam. I watch all kinds of blatant waste on the line. I've noticed our corporate leadership doesn't really give us any real direction other than "I luv you" or they are overly excited about ideas like assigned seats as if we were the first airline to ever come up with the idea. Quite a few CAs are telling me I will probably get furloughed in the next year and at first I shrugged it off, but it does start to weigh on you a bit. And the Chiefs seem to be cracking down on really good people for very minor things. Trying to keep my head up, but it can wear a person thin.

P.S. I have also deadheaded a lot lately because even though I have a line, crew scheduling seems to treat me like a reserve with constant reroutes. But the point I want to make is I have noticed a lot deadheading. It's truly hot AF in our 700s and even though I'm uncomfortable, it is eye opening to see what our paying customers are having to endure. It's seriously bad sometimes and it embarrases me.