Any info on airtran pilots picketing

[Kharma Police]

I am on reserve, don't have much of a choice. I am talking about line construction. Our LVI has been mid 80s all summer long and will be low 70s for the fall/early 2010 slow periods. Reserve guys will be getting 15 days off (after manager of scheduling chooses 5 extra off days through the urping process when projected credit gets too high). Line holders/buildup line holders will have very little open time to pick up or swap with so most guys will be crediting less than 80 whether they want to or not.

Former NPA leadership already let management know that a good portion of the pilot group wasn't financially ready for a strike last summer. When management asked the NPA how to handle the drop in block hours, the NPA should of said reduce everyone's block hours as much as needed to not furlough/downgrade. Instead the NPA told the company to furlough/downgrade cause too many pilots at Airtran live paycheck to paycheck and need their 90 hours to keep everything going.

PS: My wife and I's budget is based on 50 hours of pay for each of us (she is a FA). We are gearing up for the strike if necessary.

Well said, I will never forget or forgive how the NPA did not allow the membership to vote on any options to stop or lessen the furloughs. This is the same reason why ATN ALPA will never have a strike vote due to a high percentage of pilots (mostly captains) that will vote "NO" in favor of a strike.

 

[gt1900]

If it makes anyone feel better. I heard from a pretty good source that we arent cutting back nearly as much this fall. So lVI's shouldn't be hurt too much

 

[twepilot]

I've been preparing for a strike since I've been in this business..

RV

 

[maxblast72]

If it makes anyone feel better. I heard from a pretty good source that we arent cutting back nearly as much this fall. So lVI's shouldn't be hurt too much

We will find out in on August 12th what September looks like. As of the 10-Q filed yesterday by Airtran Holdings, we are predicting 3rd quarter capacity down 1-2% and 4th quarter capacity up 4-6%.

Last year, we cut block hours 26% between August and September. If we only cut 15% this year, you still have to remember we have around 445 crews bidding on the 717. That will be alot of guys for 25,000 or 26,000 block hours worth of flying.

Does anyone know if there is a minimum LVI? I know there is a max monthly, quarterly, and yearly LVI.

 

[PCL_128]

Does anyone know if there is a minimum LVI? I know there is a max monthly, quarterly, and yearly LVI.

No, the monthly 70 hour guarantee takes care of the floor.

 

[Ty Webb]

Don't need a weatherman to tell you which way the wind's blowing.

This is the same reason why ATN ALPA will never have a strike vote due to a high percentage of pilots (mostly captains) that will vote "NO" in favor of a strike.

I think you are mistaken here. You must be on the 717 side, listening to the 50XXX numbers talk.

Between the FO's, who make up the majority vote, and the Junior Captains, hell, just the Captains on reserve, there will be no problem passing a strike vote.

Throw in a few more hostages, or maybe another status quo change, or more foot-dragging at Negotiations, and I think you will be pleasantly surprised. . . .

Were you at any of the Informational Picketing events?

Ty

 

[Kharma Police]

I think you are mistaken here. You must be on the 717 side, listening to the 50XXX numbers talk.

Between the FO's, who make up the majority vote, and the Junior Captains, hell, just the Captains on reserve, there will be no problem passing a strike vote.

Throw in a few more hostages, or maybe another status quo change, or more foot-dragging at Negotiations, and I think you will be pleasantly surprised. . . .

Were you at any of the Informational Picketing events?

Ty

I have been very impressed by the recent resolve of our pilots. I hope we can can continue this momentum through to the "End Game".

As for me, I am a junior 717 Captain on reserve and I have flown with many of the furloughed FOs, so I think you know where I stand on the issues. My schedule has not permitted me to attend our Union Picketing events.

 

[Lear70]

My schedule has not permitted me to attend our Union Picketing events.

That bites... We had a couple of other junior 717 Captains on reserve show up this last time, was great to have them out there!

 

[BSkin]

Prove it. Captains NOT flying the right seat is why the furlough guys got recalled quickly.

Hate to say it my Gator friend, it is happening - mostly by top 100 seniority guys that couldn't give a crap about the pilot group as a whole, just care about the green.

Catfish is a junior CA, as am I, I was lucky, and proud, to be able to be out there the other day. We DO need to start calling these ******************************bags out, otherwise it will continue.