Its as negative as you make it- there's negatives to any airline. Come into the job with an understanding the company doesn't want us here, but we're a necessary evil in their business model, ignore the IPA vs Management stuff, enjoy flying with some of the best people in the industry, and it's a pretty good gig.

If you dwell on the negative and let it ruin your work life, it won't be a good job for you. Show up for your trip, make it as much fun as you can, go home and enjoy the time off and paycheck.

 

I don't really get the negativity, but maybe I haven't been here long enough (4 years). I also don't get on the B&G hardly at all, so maybe I'm shielding myself from it. I actually enjoy the flying here, and being a foodie I like the international destinations with the variety of culinary options I get to enjoy. And the pay ain't bad either. To each his/her own, I guess.

 

Can you expand on this? I keep hearing how poorly UPS treats its pilots but haven’t heard any specifics. What other negativity is shared by the pilots? I’ve seen plenty of good reasons to leave current company to join y’all, but hearing the negative is also important.

 

Like with any job especially the airlines you have the few that grew up spoiled so nothing will be good enough. You got the few that are always a victim...the few that cause the problems for themselves...the few that wanna be coddled and treated as family. Then there are the few that truly get screwed by UPS..those are the ones you wanna hear from. But overall pilots love to complain...its our thing man....but if we didnt how would things get better...most things pilot want..the company can afford...its just the art of extracting it from their greedy lil hands. hehe. Its not personal..its just business...just remember that and all will do fine. Also remember the more stress they can cause and lower your life expectancy...the less pension they have to pay. Whether a tough sked...unhealthy crew meal..a "harassing" call or threat from management....all calculated.

 

That is actually spot on at every airline I have been at or know of... "its our thing man"

 

SHACK, nail on head, etc etc.

90% of issues we experience (optimized schedules, penny-pinching, creative interpretations of contract, hassled for multiple sick calls, etc. etc.) are common throughout every major airline in the US while 10% of issues experienced are UPS-specific arsepain. It isn't 1997 (or even 2010) anymore in pilot/management relations here, but it also isn't NEARLY as collaborative as it could be in many areas if the pragmatic people in management could win over the handful of dogmatic types that remain. As CL300 alluded to - show up when and where you're supposed to be, do the job the way you are paid to do it, follow IPA EB guidance when necessary, go home and enjoy your LIFE without allowing others' negative experiences and vibes to influence your work experience.

I've repeatedly written on APC that "this job ain't for everybody". That being said, flying for UPS falls somewhere between a very good and a great job, with juniority/terrible commutes/home situations making it less ideal for some than others. The hours we tend to be on duty (be it domestic or international) make it difficult at times, so there's no need to make it harder than it really is.

 

Could I press someone to say a little more, specifically about the last part regarding threatening calls? What does that mean? Most of what you referenced sounds like fairly normal airline stuff, but it also sounds like there are some specific examples of hostile management behavior?
My general desire in a workplace is to show up and do my job, and then go home and be left alone. But sometimes things come up, like needing to call out sick or fatigued, or drop/swap a trip. How do those sorts of situations play out at UPS, especially 1st year? If I have to call out sick, do I then get to look forward to getting hassled by a chief pilot call? Am I going to get stressed for doctor notes or something?
Thanks

 

Six sick calls in (IIRC) a 12 month period will get you a "You are in the top X% for sick calls, is there anything we need to know or can help you with?" call from an ACP that can sometimes come across as intimidation or "leaning on" a pilot.

To which politely listening to their spiel, thanking them for their concern, and professionally stating you were not medically fit to exercise your FAA medical privileges and returned to work once you were checks the necessary boxes for all parties. Soemtimes, that might lead into a discussion of FMLA as an option, depending on individual circumstances. At all times, treat company & vendor employees professionally and you'll be fine.

I called sick on probation (flu), it was no big deal other than you don't have access to sick time when on probation. I did volunteer to provide a doctor's note since it was over a holiday, but a doctor's note is not required for a SIK call.

FAT call? You might get a call with questions but 1. probably not and 2. one should never get "hassled". An event report is required for a FAT call, or your sick bank is automatically debited regardless of circumstances.

Airplane mechanical issue? Crewmembers might get a call with questions, I got one following a hydraulic failure one time but they were strictly aircraft related.

Really and truly, its a nothingburger.

 

I was sick twice my probationary year. No chief pilot call, no note. The thing to remember is if they call just be professional. They are doing their job and most likely don’t like making those types of calls. Nobody has ever been fired for sick calls.

 

Meh, there’s a few things we can take out their book. I’m typing this from a Best Western so hotels is definitely one. I do agree though, once you understand who you work for you either accept things for what they are or vote with your feet and leave. This place isn’t for everyone and learning that early helps a lot!