Commuting as a UPS pilot
10-31-2022 | 07:18 AM
#191
Living the SloBus life
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 2,154
Likes: 81
Thanks for the replies. It is a real shame that things have turned so badly in ANC. I have chatted with several other crew members, and most are very unhappy with these lines. Only two pilots I have talked to are okay with them—go figure-- they live in ANC. And yes, as a probation pilot, I want to keep a low profile and not ask too many questions or display any unhappiness. I am very privileged to be here, and it's been a dream of mine for many years. But, unfortunately, everything has been sliding down on the QOL scale since I got on.
As far as VTO and VOTRs look at snapshots, it seems like those are being taken really fast. Same as the reserve lines (which the vast majority have four reports to boot). This renders a junior guy with the 6-8 report schedules.
Regarding moving out to SDF, it seems that the vast majority (both CA and FOs) will bid out. Most pilots commute to ANC, and everyone is itching to get out. My entire class of 16 is awaiting the bid to bid out. It will be hard to leave ANC with so many senior guys wanting to bounce, but who can blame them?
The seat lock issue is also a problem. A lot can happen in another year, and I don't know if I can keep up with these schedules. Being on probation makes matters worse as it is not affordable to buy tickets, and not having a commuter clause for other carriers helps.
This has come as a shock to many new pilots and me. I would have thought about moving over if I had a clue that this was how things would play out.
I hope these lines were a flop due to the peak and the long bid period.
By the way, I found a B&G post, but it seems like the vast mojirty of pilots suggest leaving for another airline as things here will get worse rather than get better. So maybe I should heed the advice.
As far as VTO and VOTRs look at snapshots, it seems like those are being taken really fast. Same as the reserve lines (which the vast majority have four reports to boot). This renders a junior guy with the 6-8 report schedules.
Regarding moving out to SDF, it seems that the vast majority (both CA and FOs) will bid out. Most pilots commute to ANC, and everyone is itching to get out. My entire class of 16 is awaiting the bid to bid out. It will be hard to leave ANC with so many senior guys wanting to bounce, but who can blame them?
The seat lock issue is also a problem. A lot can happen in another year, and I don't know if I can keep up with these schedules. Being on probation makes matters worse as it is not affordable to buy tickets, and not having a commuter clause for other carriers helps.
This has come as a shock to many new pilots and me. I would have thought about moving over if I had a clue that this was how things would play out.
I hope these lines were a flop due to the peak and the long bid period.
By the way, I found a B&G post, but it seems like the vast mojirty of pilots suggest leaving for another airline as things here will get worse rather than get better. So maybe I should heed the advice.
If flying for Brown will destroy your family life, I would suggest trying for an east coast legacy carrier. It will be less financially rewarding than UPS, but your family is worth more than the money. Talk it over with your wife, if you can ride out your seat lock (remember you can bid for SDF 74 in a few weeks on the system bid), it may be possible to significantly improve QOL by switching fleets.
10-31-2022 | 07:57 AM
#192
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,702
Likes: 0
From: 767 captain
I think you'll find our contract gives the company a lot of relief from line construction rules and maybe a few other things during peak.
"we're gonna agree to some safety rules for you guys to help keep things running safely, but during peak when things are crazy and you need those protections the most, we're gonna suspend those things meant to keep you alive"
"we're gonna agree to some safety rules for you guys to help keep things running safely, but during peak when things are crazy and you need those protections the most, we're gonna suspend those things meant to keep you alive"
10-31-2022 | 10:58 AM
#194
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,702
Likes: 0
From: 767 captain
Not complaining, just explaining. I gave up on complaining about the contract a lonnnngggggg time ago. Keep in mind regardless of how we voted a few months ago, we'd still have these schedules today. The time to fight them was years ago. We didn't. Took the money and ran. Now the company is used to that. So's the membership.
10-31-2022 | 11:24 AM
#195
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,215
Likes: 0
From: Capt
I am at Atlas, and just took a UPS pilot there from ORD. We have a LOT of ANC flying, to/from various US locations. ORD, LAX, CVG, MIA, BNA and JFK to/from ANC are the most common. It is pretty easy to JS on Atlas...
This pilot was not so happy at UPS, and said they were considering switching to SDF, going back to Emirates as a Captain, or possibly moving to Atlas, especially if we got the Airbus planes we have been talking about (A-330/350).
God Bless, and Namaste...
This pilot was not so happy at UPS, and said they were considering switching to SDF, going back to Emirates as a Captain, or possibly moving to Atlas, especially if we got the Airbus planes we have been talking about (A-330/350).
God Bless, and Namaste...
10-31-2022 | 12:30 PM
#196
Line Holder
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
Either way, as a commuter from the east coast this is really hurting me. My wife has a great paying job where we live and our kids are in great schools. Commuting is my only option right now. With these lines I would be lucky to see my family once during that 48 day period.
I just wanted to get some insight if this is going to be a new normal. This will be devastating for my marriage and I would rather quit my dream job than jeopardize my marriage and family.
Thanks in advanced.
10-31-2022 | 01:17 PM
#197
maxing the min/Moderator
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,599
Likes: 14
From: 757
I am at Atlas, and just took a UPS pilot there from ORD. We have a LOT of ANC flying, to/from various US locations. ORD, LAX, CVG, MIA, BNA and JFK to/from ANC are the most common. It is pretty easy to JS on Atlas...
This pilot was not so happy at UPS, and said they were considering switching to SDF, going back to Emirates as a Captain, or possibly moving to Atlas, especially if we got the Airbus planes we have been talking about (A-330/350).
God Bless, and Namaste...
This pilot was not so happy at UPS, and said they were considering switching to SDF, going back to Emirates as a Captain, or possibly moving to Atlas, especially if we got the Airbus planes we have been talking about (A-330/350).
God Bless, and Namaste...
10-31-2022 | 01:27 PM
#198
Line Holder
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 327
Likes: 0
The TA had zero scheduling implications, even if we had voted no, there was no chance of opening that Article with the company. The company threw us a carrot and the majority voted to take it. The good thing is, we won’t be far from the top of the industry pay leader when we do sit down to negotiate, so hopefully we won’t use much negotiating capital to get back to industry leading pay. Then we’ll have some leftover leverage to work schedules- I think that’s at the top of everyone’s priority list.
10-31-2022 | 05:48 PM
#199
On Reserve
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
One thing I know for certain! We got the absolute lowest pay raise offer of all the airlines with TA’s for the year 2022. So there’s something to be proud of. And I call 100% BS on that whole “oh nothing would have changed anyways.”
You don’t know that. Nobody knows that. The only thing that IS true is that we just sealed our fate with these work rules for an additional 2 years. All for an extra 4%! Don’t spend it in one place.
UPS pilots “We can NEVER give up line bidding”
5 minutes later from the same people ”man our lines are terrible”
Remind me to never nominate any of you for the negotiating committee. We’ll come out with concessions
You don’t know that. Nobody knows that. The only thing that IS true is that we just sealed our fate with these work rules for an additional 2 years. All for an extra 4%! Don’t spend it in one place.
UPS pilots “We can NEVER give up line bidding”
5 minutes later from the same people ”man our lines are terrible”
Remind me to never nominate any of you for the negotiating committee. We’ll come out with concessions
10-31-2022 | 05:54 PM
#200
On Reserve
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 107
Likes: 5
On B reserve I worked 4 days last bid. 1 overnight. 55 nights in my own bid. Picked up one turn on some off days to get a break from my honey do list. And I was getting too good at Call of Duty. My commute was tough one time. Had to leave an hour before report time for traffic. Live in base. Bid reserve. Best job ever.
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