The message that went out from Scott & Oscar was all new hiring has been suspended. I read that as not just pilots...CS agents, Ramp agents, Dispatchers etc. I'm not sure how that would out if we demand all new hires be suspended except pilots, while we are offering reduced lines and COLAs. I view that as caring for the 95,000 employees & their families. I've already been through the strategy to hemorrhage cash until bankruptcy process and would rather make tough choices up front before we get to ridiculous choices in crisis. Caring applies to the entire workforce at United.

 

If my memory serves me correctly, all past furloughs back to 1978 were announced while we had new-hire classes in school. With new hire school 2 months long, we have 2 more months for history to repeat itself, again.

I hate to be doom and gloom. This will end, hopefully before the years' end. UAL and DAL have about 2 months cash on hand, American have less than half of that. Unless bailouts are imminent, I would expect "Safe Harbor" statements in the next month or two. Cutting flights only cuts the gas bill. Everything else keeps getting paid.

Core4? What a joke. UAL has always looked at labor as a liability to be mitigated, instead of a valuable asset. As their cash is burned, the burn will continue as labor unions drag their feet and soak up as much of that cash as they can. Same with aircraft Lessors, etc. Is Willis Tower going to let UAL get behind on rent?

I would expect Force Majuere, Safe Harbor, etc coming soon to a 10K filing near you.

 

I hope Oscar, Kirby, and the UAL BOD have a real nice 8-10 billion dollar stock buyback dinner party. They should have used it to pay down debt, etc.

 

But they didn’t and that cash is just gone. They might as well have put it in a big pile and burned it. Four years of profits, all completely gone forever.

So when they want any concessions I already know my answer.

 

Doesn’t that happen on day one of indoctrination?

I agree that it sucks a big one for these guys and your heart is truly in the right place.

 

It happens when you get the phone call. I remember my call. First I asked if they were joking. Seriously. Then I called my wife and asked if she wanted to......a United pilot. Three days is vastly different than thirty for a cancellation. That pilot made a commitment by leaving his former employer when his class date was near. The commitment should be honored on the other side. It's not likely that these pilots can find a job to replicate their salary.

Take care Thor.

 

Little Hoss you read our unions latest Email regarding the new hire class cancellation, or are you so dull eyed and slack jawed you need me to explain it all to you????? It’s pretty simple and obvious.......