ASA laying the smack down on pilots

[Abernathy]

What's with the sudden smackdown on pilots with sick calls or basically anything else? All of a sudden people are getting Section 19B hearings for just about anything (sick calls, hats, shoes). I know a few guys personally who have gotten letters for hearings on sick calls, and not all of them have an appalling number of sick calls.


If they're so short maybe they need to raise line values and increase reserve staffing. Bullying the pilot group hasn't helped in the past, IIRC.

All these ooey gooey "Kumbayah" e-mails from the company don't really mean much if they aren't backed by anything.

"Thanks for everything you do! Now eat ****!"

And for anyone who says "it's great here, compared to Mesa"...that really isn't an achievement. That's like saying, "well, it doesn't taste like fecal matter but I can swallow it." Also, if you are not on reserve, you don't have the right to criticize those of us who are for complaining on the recent staffing situation. Some of us have been working every single day on reserve, with several 9 hours overnights in cities with 20+ min van rides, and still making min-guarantee.

 

[DiscoDuck]

You and PSA too baby..............

 

[jstyle13]

Ya it does seem to be getting nasty here lately. Lotta RES guys broke 75 hrs this month too. Plus they are still handing out TDY like candy. Can't wait till May-Aug....

 

[GeekMaster]

Actually ASA's attendance policy is written out very specifically detailing absences and discipline. You can't get a 19b unless your absences meet the criteria. If a lot of pilots are getting hearings for attendence, it's because they're absent the amount listed on their hearing letter.

For reference, only a verbal warning is given for 3 in 6 months or 4 in 12 months. You have to get 5 in 12 to earn yourself your first 19b.

 

[Abernathy]

Actually ASA's attendance policy is written out very specifically detailing absences and discipline. You can't get a 19b unless your absences meet the criteria. If a lot of pilots are getting hearings for attendence, it's because they're absent the amount listed on their hearing letter.

For reference, only a verbal warning is given for 3 in 6 months or 4 in 12 months. You have to get 5 in 12 to earn yourself your first 19b.

5 in 12 is not all that excessive. I got sick several times this year, some during my off days so I didn't have to call in, for bugs I probably picked up at work. FMLA is not as easy or cheap to get as one may think.

You know what else is written out very, very specifically? The policy for maintenance write-ups.

 

[ASA_Aviator]

5 in 12 is not all that excessive. I got sick several times this year, some during my off days so I didn't have to call in, for bugs I probably picked up at work. FMLA is not as easy or cheap to get as one may think.

You know what else is written out very, very specifically? The policy for maintenance write-ups.

So you're going to change the way you operate on the job because the CPO is enforcing the rules?

 

[Abernathy]

So you're going to change the way you operate on the job because the CPO is enforcing the rules?

No, stupid. Is that what I said?

 

[SLUF4]

the rule is stupid

 

[crj567]

So you're going to change the way you operate on the job because the CPO is enforcing the rules?

This toolbag is the reason we are doomed... We used to have a great pilot group-formed by normal folk. Now-these type idiots comprise @82% of our number-guys like this are all about "playing ball" (As noted from our PBS vote)-

-Eventually they will figure out that the ballfield is entirely contained within the void surrounded by their own sphincter muscle.

-Considering this perspective-PBS could well be characterized as a true Home Run!

 

[ASA_Aviator]

No, stupid. Is that what I said?

Yes, idiot, that's exactly what you implied.

 

[ASA_Aviator]

This toolbag is the reason we are doomed... We used to have a great pilot group-formed by normal folk. Now-these type idiots comprise @82% of our number-guys like this are all about "playing ball" (As noted from our PBS vote)-

-Eventually they will figure out that the ballfield is entirely contained within the void surrounded by their own sphincter muscle.

-Considering this perspective-PBS could well be characterized as a true Home Run!

Nevermind... It is useless.

 

[kf4amu]

Your guys occurrence policy is in your contract??

 

[ASA_Aviator]

Your guys occurrence policy is in your contract??

No, not per se, but it can be adjusted through the negotiating process. We can fix it as a pilot group, if we made that a priority.

 

[sunlitpath]

A giant sht storm is coming this summer

 

[SLUF4]

and that storm is mostly due to poor management

 

[PA31Driver]

Sounds like ASA management took a page out of the Mesa playbook!

 

[sunlitpath]

I don't think it's a good idea for management to start a pushing match with the pilot group. Nobody wins when that happens. There is a shake up going on in the ATL chief pilots office. ATL CP is now director of safety and no replacement has been announced. I always found ATL CP (MR. S) very reasonable and easy to work with. I hope his replacement is just as skilled. I don't think the pilot group is in any mood for heavy handed management types. Historically speaking, they are not well tolerated.

 

[Speedtape]

I don't think it's a good idea for management to start a pushing match with the pilot group. Nobody wins when that happens. There is a shake up going on in the ATL chief pilots office. ATL CP is now director of safety and no replacement has been announced. I always found ATL CP (MR. S) very reasonable and easy to work with. I hope his replacement is just as skilled. I don't think the pilot group is in any mood for heavy handed management types. Historically speaking, they are not well tolerated.

Well the rumor floating around is that his replacement will be Mr. C. How will that work out for you?

 

[701EV]

Well the rumor floating around is that his replacement will be Mr. C. How will that work out for you?

Speed are talking about RC?

 

[Speedtape]

No, my guess is the Mr. C who is the active CP. It will either be him or Mr. S.

RC is reportedly spending well deserved quality time with family and friends.

 

[Speedtape]

ASA has a legal right to expect an employee to be dependable and reliable in showing up for work--pilot, flight attendant, or any employee. Otherwise, they could not run a business that depends on performance and reliability.

 

[Abernathy]

No, my guess is the Mr. C who is the active CP. It will either be him or Mr. S.

RC is reportedly spending well deserved quality time with family and friends.

He was talking abt the other RC in the CPO.

 

[exagony]

wish I worked there... would bring a Fed with me to meeting - nothing like breaking FAR's when it comes to flying not sick.... you ASA guys need to standup and grow a pair... sounds like Colgan all over again - pressure to fly when sick... the Feds and local newspapers would LOVE to hear about it....

 

[Plainsman]

You guys talking about the one with the flava saver? Help us if he gets in there. That guy has two mouths under that rug. One for management and one for us.

 

[Jack-O-Lantern]

I have to say, this is the same occurrence policy we've had for over 20 years guys!
Weather it's right or wrong, I won't argue that point with you.I'm just saying, I don't think it's really that difficult to work around.
Ahhmm.....FMLA if you must!

 

[dooork]

Sounds like ASA sucks. Mesa is treating us good compared to you.

 

[777forever]

Staffing wise it looks like the reserves are being brutalized in ATL. Couple guys that got TDYed up to IAD this weekend were at 91+ credit hrs. The IAD based reserves haven't been flying much overall.

As far as BS's replacement, I hope its KS or FM. Thats all Im gunna say.

 

[CFI2766]

BS taking over as the head of the Safety department? Interesting... where is the current head of Safety going? Somewhere in SE Asia perhaps?


Indirectly, this does kinda clarify the pecking order over at the ole' Eastern building...

 

[Data]

Surprise surprise, something is getting blown out of proportion on FI.. If you're sick, you're sick, nothing is going to happen to you. If you're using sick calls to go to the Georgia game this fall (go dawgs you redneck frat boy), and you reach 5 occurrences, you can expect to have to explain yourself.

As for reserves getting 'brutalized' flying all of 76 whole hours in one whole month (and the cmf's flying 85+), shamwow! Life must be terrible! But as I've been saying all along, the way to run the company is to run the lines at 75-80 hours and have reserves flying up to guarantee. Sounds like we're doing that. Next step, lines at 90+ hours and reserves flying over guarantee. Throw in some extensions and ASA will be recalling. If anything you should be happy this is happening, it means we're closer and closer to bringing some guys back and, god forbid, running an upgrade class. Oh wait, PBS is around the corner....never mind.

 

[79%N1]

Let me correct you on one thing. It is faaar different to fly your 80-85 hour with 14,15 days off doing your 4 trips than it is to fly 75-80 hours on reserve, with 11 days off - being called to the airport 8 or more times a month at 4 or 6 am. If you don't agree with that then you are dilusional and I suggest you give me your line and try it! Reserves go back and forth to the airport, get shorter overnights or the minimum time at home, with a 4 am call to come back out the next day over and over. I have done both. There is no comparison!