100 unplanned new hires for SWA

[FR8dognit]

The last two months have been really good VJA on the FO side here in Dallas. I also heard [from a reliable nameless source] we were short FO's and the problem would soon be fixed. Looks like that is exactly what they are doing. I wouldn't read too much into it. We all know things in this business change daily. Who knows what will happen.

 

[JumpJetter]

Every single weekend my phone rings with offers of VJA in my base. I think we are short of FOs.

 

[Herkdrv]

For us mil guys what exactly are VJA's?

 

[JumpJetter]

Sorry, Voluntary Junior Available (VJA). As opposed to Junior Available (JA). If you get "JA'd" that means crew scheduling started at the bottom of the seniority list and began calling people who are legal to fly to cover the schedule, sick calls, whatever. If they get a hold of you, it is mandatory to go to work. It pays time and a half.
Now, you can put yourself on the "VJA List" to be called (in seniority order, vice reverse seniority order) if the company has uncovered flying. It also pays time and one half. It can be quite lucrative. If they exhaust the VJA list then they go to the JA list (which is everyone who is legal, starting with the most junior guy/gal on the list)

 

[Tanker Clown]

In some ways, aren't you guys hosing yourselves by signing up for VJA? If you didn't give them this option and didn't answer the phone when they were trying to JA you, wouldn't you increase your seniority since they'd have to hire more FO's?

Just thinking outloud.

 

[Herkdrv]

Thanks for clearing that up. I was planning on a year before I dried off but it sounds like it could be sooner.

 

[JumpJetter]

Yeah, hear that alot from guys at other carriers. It is definitely a consideration. My only answer is it's just not the culture. Personal greed has a positive effect on productivity.

And just thinkin' out loud again....we seem to be hiring more people than most....

 

[roughneck]

In some ways, aren't you guys hosing yourselves by signing up for VJA? If you didn't give them this option and didn't answer the phone when they were trying to JA you, wouldn't you increase your seniority since they'd have to hire more FO's?

Not really, they would just start jetway JAing which sucks worse. Besides, we are able to thump the competition in most markets because we run a lean ship. We don't need more pilots per airplane, we need more airplanes.

 

[Tejas-Jet]

In some ways, aren't you guys hosing yourselves by signing up for VJA? If you didn't give them this option and didn't answer the phone when they were trying to JA you, wouldn't you increase your seniority since they'd have to hire more FO's?

Not really...This deal really works to the benefit of both the company and the pilot.

We are not always short of pilots...but when we are...this makes sense..for those that want to fly a little bit extra...and be paid a little bit extra.

There have been times when I've put my name on the VJA list and heard the sound of <crickets chirping>.

...And like a couple of weeks ago...I put my name on the VJA list...and got the call 30 minutes later.

Sometimes it works....sometimes it doesn't. Lately, it's really been working...for me , anyway.

 

[TZtoSWA]

Same thing has been happening to me as a KDAL based F/O. They attempted to call me for JA 5 times last month. This month I have been involuntarily nailed for a JA two day plus they have called me 2 times since that asking if I would VJA. I didn't complain about the invol though, it was a two day that paid 22 and a half.

We need some more F/O's online...bad. If you are in the pool, get ready to dry off, because your phone is going to ring sometime soon.

 

[goahead]

How many folks are in a class?

 

[Helmsmen]

usually 20 to 24.

 

[Whine Lover]

"VJA" = Va-Jine-A

Just like a Vagina...You open it up, and they stick it in.

You know, a Whores device for making money.


Love,

YKMKR

 

[JumpJetter]

Are you a whore if you enjoy it?

 

[bravodude]

Are you a whore if you enjoy it?

If you mean pulling in 120,000 in year 2 then yes!