Thanks SkyW

[Palomino]

Apparently CAL mgt has
different ideas as they have language in a new CPA related to larger aircraft. Good luck with negotiations, it's worked out well for XJT. (That's sarcasm)

CAL mgmt likely told SkyWest the same thing last time they flew FEEDER routes for MAINLINE. I'm sure the same carrot was used on CHQ. Notice how many jets with over 50 seats are flying under the Express/Connection flag.

Zero.

Find some turboprops of large proportions and then CAL might consider the FEEDER lift. Maybe a stretched Brasilia. SkyWesties could even refer to it as 'Big Bro'!

Unlike most carriers, CAL pilots have maintained a strong scope clause. We will continue to do so despite the vultures among us.

 

[Positive Rate]

Sorry if this is kinda poaching the thread...

So how come I have not heard any complaints/comments from SKYW guys...that Inc....is using the money you made for them to buy other airlines?

 

[ToiletDuck]

Sorry if this is kinda poaching the thread...

So how come I have not heard any complaints/comments from SKYW guys...that Inc....is using the money you made for them to buy other airlines?

Why would you? Growth in your airline is a good thing. If my company bought someone else I'd be upgrading before the ink dried. Also with a consolidation in the markets it allows the regionals to gain a little leverage as DAL/NWA will.

 

[just farmin]

Any SKW pilot licking their chops for IAH, EWR or CLE domiciles and/or the upgrades that would follow an XJT furlough should be absolutely ashamed of themselves.[/quote]

That's the funniest thing I've heard. Have you looked at current SkyWest domiciles?
The notion that SkyW pilots are licking their chops is pure "hillary like" propaganda. With few exceptions, its just not true, but the truth never means much on FI.

 

[Positive Rate]

Why would you? Growth in your airline is a good thing. If my company bought someone else I'd be upgrading before the ink dried. Also with a consolidation in the markets it allows the regionals to gain a little leverage as DAL/NWA will.

Upgrade is nice and all...but how about "Inc" will be in perfect position to crack the whip of the saw.......

 

[Stifler's Mom]

Skywest is just taking it back.

They can ride our coattails for contract stuff, but I draw the line at mottos.

 

[PBRstreetgang]

Sorry if this is kinda poaching the thread...

So how come I have not heard any complaints/comments from SKYW guys...that Inc....is using the money you made for them to buy other airlines?

I will add fuel to this fire. I as well as most of the old school SKYW pilots do not care one way or the other if the expressjet deal happens. We are settled into our lives and the thought of moving again is less than appealing. There may be a few junior guys who have mini-chubbies over the possibility of upgrading into a growth domicile, but those are the ones who spend lots of time admiring themselves in the mirror whilst wearing their uniforms on their days off. I haven't been called to SGU for a strategy session for quite a while. I really have only 2 choices, go to work and fly my line or quit, what do you all think I will be doing?
PBR
P.S. This is a vicious business, as is any business that exchanges billions of dollars a year, plan accordingly. Sorry for the run-ons Ole #7 and cokes slur the typing skills.

 

[No.W.]

I will add fuel to this fire. I as well as most of the old school SKYW pilots do not care one way or the other if the expressjet deal happens. We are settled into our lives and the thought of moving again is less than appealing. There may be a few junior guys who have mini-chubbies over the possibility of upgrading into a growth domicile, but those are the ones who spend lots of time admiring themselves in the mirror whilst wearing their uniforms on their days off. I haven't been called to SGU for a strategy session for quite a while. I really have only 2 choices, go to work and fly my line or quit, what do you all think I will be doing?
PBR
P.S. This is a vicious business, as is any business that exchanges billions of dollars a year, plan accordingly. Sorry for the run-ons Ole #7 and cokes slur the typing skills.

I'm not old-school(only 5 years), but I agree. Flame on.

 

[nimtz]

CAL mgmt likely told SkyWest the same thing last time they flew FEEDER routes for MAINLINE. I'm sure the same carrot was used on CHQ. Notice how many jets with over 50 seats are flying under the Express/Connection flag.

Zero.

Find some turboprops of large proportions and then CAL might consider the FEEDER lift. Maybe a stretched Brasilia. SkyWesties could even refer to it as 'Big Bro'!

Unlike most carriers, CAL pilots have maintained a strong scope clause. We will continue to do so despite the vultures among us.

Well said! Gotta love these career killing regional CEO's assuming scope relief is a forgone conclusion. Get Bent Jerry!

 

[rogerwilcoout]

You know it may be the best thing for XJT to be bought by Skywest INC. Which... has nothing to do with Skywest pilots. Nor does it have anything to do with ASA pilots since they are owned by INC as well. Matter of fact, most ASA people i've talked to are happy now that Skywest INC took them over. XJT Could actually do well.

Well well well. But it does matter remember? What about the Mesa pilots? They had nothing to do with anything but they continue to receive bashing. I think SkyWest is a even bigger floaty in the POS pool. Ask the pilot group from expressjet how they feel about them............

 

[Ezralite]

Well well well. But it does matter remember? What about the Mesa pilots? They had nothing to do with anything but they continue to receive bashing. I think SkyWest is a even bigger floaty in the POS pool. Ask the pilot group from expressjet how they feel about them............

I guess it's time to drag this one out again:

http://img68.imageshack.us/img68/3297/skywestratsjpgay0.jpg

 

[XPOO]

I'm sure JA has gotten as far as he is by caving to pilot groups his whole life. There are obviously things going wrong at XJT, and Jerry isn't going to acquire a company to maintain the status quo of continuing to do things wrong. Hard reality, but it took awhile to fix ASA, and now that it has been the future looks brighter than ever. The man has a track record unparallelled in the regional industry. I'm pretty sure he knows what he's doing, or maybe it's this new flavor of Kool-Aid that 10nCLR has been handing out. Love the turkwise.

 

[WalterSobchak]

I'm pretty sure he knows what he's doing, or maybe it's this new flavor of Kool-Aid that 10nCLR has been handing out. Love the turkwise.

I'm kinda partial to urnge.

 

[Going2Baja]

Do you now really have to ask why SkyW has no union? Continual growth since 1997 WestAir take over.....It will continue.

Baja.

BTW - What has ALPA really done since 9/11?

 

[imacdog]

And with all that continual growth, do you know why SkyWest pilots continue to make crap wages?

 

[SSDD]

And with all that continual growth, do you know why SkyWest pilots continue to make crap wages?

That's the thing, Skywest is near the top of regional compensation.

Compared to a major, yeah, but compared to other regionals and even some nationals, that arguement doesn't hold water.

 

[imacdog]

A lot of that has to do with other regional compensation being brought DOWN to the level of SkyWest through bankruptcy. SkyWest is arguably the most successful regional right now, yet where is the benefit to the pilot group? Is it really that much to make a stand and say as professional pilots working for the most successful regional, that you should be compensated as such? I think I made more as a first year fractional FO than a five year SkyWest captain. Both of our companies are making money yet your pilots are being left in the dust when it comes to compensation.

 

[trachyte11]

Good post, Boiler.
I would personally like to know how SkyWest intends to make good on their lowball CPA. Through economies of scale?? I think not. By replacing XJT pilots with lower paid SkyWest pilots or, god forbid, a B-scale contract? That sounds more like it.

When are you guys gonna get it through your head that skw pilots are not lower paid. There's much more to a paycheck than just an hourly rate. Whatever the rates are in this CPA, they aren't cheaper because of pilot labor.

 

[Popeye0537]

When are you guys gonna get it through your head that skw pilots are not lower paid. There's much more to a paycheck than just an hourly rate. Whatever the rates are in this CPA, they aren't cheaper because of pilot labor.

Really? Like what your profit sharing bonus.....If your company is making a profit don't you think that they could afford to pay you more that a 1% raise or in the case of the bro....0%

Way to stand strong there guys

So what more is there to your paycheck?

 

[XPOO]

I'm going to go out on a limb and say that the stock purchase plan and the stock grants alone are far and away the best in the regional industry.

 

[Going2Baja]

I'm going to go out on a limb and say that the stock purchase plan and the stock grants alone are far and away the best in the regional industry.

That's exactly how I put the down on my home in 1998...$60K PROFIT in two years, not bad eh??

The day's of Regional flying are coming to an end and the regionals need to consolidate if they want to remain in business. Majors will come to agreements with their pilot to fly 100+ seat jets for lower wages and the Regionals will shrink. SkyW is staying ahead of the trend and making their place in the industry.

Baja.

 

[Deerkiller]

They would get control of the CAL flying and will use the new XJT subsidiary (gee thanks) until CAL lets their scope go, whereupon XJT pilots will be screwed anyway when SKW put Skywest Airlines 70-90 seaters on the CAL flying. They didn't even mention our charter cash cow which is set to double this year.

Uh...yeah....

Dream on. CAL scope is as strong as ever. From #1 to #5079 are never going to give up scope. This pilot group is pissed that there are 200+ RJs out there flying in COEX colors.

CAL may eventually get 70-90 seat RJs, but they'll say CONTINENTAL AIRLINES on the side.

 

[sweptback]

I'm going to go out on a limb and say that the stock purchase plan and the stock grants alone are far and away the best in the regional industry.

The stock grant is worthless to me. If I'm here 3 years after it vests, I get to keep it and then I'll be happy... if not then I get nothing. SkyWest knows this, and I bet the actual amount of employees that actually stick around long enough to receive the benefit is minimal.

As for the stock purchase plan, that has a little more benefit to me. However, while this type of compensation is unique to the regional industry, it is almost commonplace to a company in about any other industry.

Not to mention any type of compensation involving stock is much less expensive for the company then actually doling out money.

The problem with employees in this industry is that they compare their benefits to only peer airlines. I say that we should compare our benefits to employers throughout the US. Waiting 2-3 years to get a 50% match on your 401k earnings is poor considering that most companies start you out at that on day one. Waiting 6-7 years to vest in your 401k is poor considering most companies are 2-3. Get my picture?

 

[XPOO]

The stock grant is worthless to me. If I'm here 3 years after it vests, I get to keep it and then I'll be happy... if not then I get nothing. SkyWest knows this, and I bet the actual amount of employees that actually stick around long enough to receive the benefit is minimal.

As for the stock purchase plan, that has a little more benefit to me. However, while this type of compensation is unique to the regional industry, it is almost commonplace to a company in about any other industry.

Not to mention any type of compensation involving stock is much less expensive for the company then actually doling out money.

The problem with employees in this industry is that they compare their benefits to only peer airlines. I say that we should compare our benefits to employers throughout the US. Waiting 2-3 years to get a 50% match on your 401k earnings is poor considering that most companies start you out at that on day one. Waiting 6-7 years to vest in your 401k is poor considering most companies are 2-3. Get my picture?

My point was that the pilots have it better than other regional pilots, which you seemed to have agreed on. No one ever said they needed to be treated like a Fortune 500 company.

 

[sweptback]

My point was that the pilots have it better than other regional pilots, which you seemed to have agreed on. No one ever said they needed to be treated like a Fortune 500 company.

I think we should, and that is where we disagree.

 

[WalterSobchak]

Not to mention any type of compensation involving stock is much less expensive for the company then actually doling out money.

So freakin' what? Would the compensation be that much sweeter if it came straight out of the company's bank account? Money is money...and if the company didn't have to blow the savings account to give it to me, all the better...it keeps me employed that much longer.

The problem with employees in this industry is that they compare their benefits to only peer airlines. I say that we should compare our benefits to employers throughout the US. Waiting 2-3 years to get a 50% match on your 401k earnings is poor considering that most companies start you out at that on day one.

I don't disagree with you here...all of our benefits packages could be a little better. My SKW 401(k) match could be a little better...but overall package is still a better setup than what I had in my AirTran ramp days.

 

[Gandalf]

My point was that the pilots have it better than other regional pilots, which you seemed to have agreed on. No one ever said they needed to be treated like a Fortune 500 company.

We are a Fortune 616 company. http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune500/2008/snapshots/11274.html

Is there something magical that happens with regard to the treatment of employees that happens at 500?

Number 1 is Wal-Mart! 3 of the top 5 are Oil Companies. Fortune 500 has nothing to do with treatment of employees.

Wikipedia....."The Fortune 500 is an annual list compiled and published by Fortune magazine that ranks the top 500 American public corporations as measured by their gross revenue..."

So, I guess my "value" as an employee and the "treatment" I should expect is 615 points lower than the 16 year old collecting carts at the local Wal-Mart????

I would hope that as professionals that most likely have an advanced education, advanced training, and have spent years getting to this career level, as well as the responsibilities that we have, not to mention the cost to our careers and personal lives that we pay, along with the threat of the loss of the career (not just a job) hanging on the whims of the FAA ...... That "....overall the package is still a better setup than what I had in my AirTran ramp days...."

(yes...it's a run-on sentence...)

 

[10nCLR]

Captain Cool-Aid here thinks all of this bickering he's reading is getting him real thirtsy for some of that urnge Kool-Aid.

 

[Captain Overs]

There will be no deal approved by the XJT pilots.

Jerry Atkin and Larry Kellner want XJT pilot blo jobs.

I would rather struggle to the end, furlough on our own accord if needed, cut branded (happening every month), expand charter, and wait for Mesa to die to pick up what scraps we can with our redeployed branded planes and the next batch of airplanes Continental will refuse back to us.

I thought we were going to hear a serious business proposal to maybe give XJT a better future. Well try again. Branded gone (fair enough). LAX Delta gone to Skywest (why? DAL likes the product XJT is supplying there, otherwise they could have had SKW do it in the first place). They would get control of the CAL flying and will use the new XJT subsidiary (gee thanks) until CAL lets their scope go, whereupon XJT pilots will be screwed anyway when SKW put Skywest Airlines 70-90 seaters on the CAL flying. They didn't even mention our charter cash cow which is set to double this year.

What a deal!

Jerry A$$h0le.

That doesn't sound very Mormon like of SKYW.

 

[Metro752]

Uh...yeah....

Dream on. CAL scope is as strong as ever. From #1 to #5079 are never going to give up scope. This pilot group is pissed that there are 200+ RJs out there flying in COEX colors.

CAL may eventually get 70-90 seat RJs, but they'll say CONTINENTAL AIRLINES on the side.

Yeah especially all those guys who flew those planes, and the morons who gave scope up in the first place!


Right.