Need some Virgin America Info...

[Fubijaakr]

However, please don't insult us all by pretending VA pay is something that it isn't. It's better than a Beech 1900 paycheck, to be sure....the thing is....you're driving an Airbus, for Christ's sake.

Current scales are less than Virgin pilots got paid in NIGERIA.....That is, of course, before Sir Richard decided to cut his losses and abandon the Brand there..... Good thing you have an absolute guarantee that will NEVER happen here.

It may be better than a 1900, but QX Q400 guys are making more TODAY than VX Capts.

 

[NEDude]

His hourly raises currently max out at 111K versus the 108k he currently makes. Selling vacation back? Not something to be bragging about. Simple math indeed.Their LOWEST paid FO is on par with your HIGHEST paid Captain, and you think that's a talking point? Really?

Okay I don't really know how to respond because in so many ways it doesn't make sense. You actually think the LOWEST paid FOs at Delta are making $119/hr?! If that is how you read that then perhaps you need to go back to school. That is their HIGHEST paid FO on the A320. And that is for a legacy carrier that has been around 7 or 8 decades longer than VX. Our highest paid captain is not at $120 either, it is $133.

Tell yourself whatever lie you please, but $120/hr and $133 aren't that much different. Especially when $133 is the most you'll ever make and FO's make that anywhere else.

You honestly think $133 is the most we'll ever see? Really?! So there will NEVER, EVER be a pay raise at Virgin? Glad you are so sure of that. Since you have apparently found a way to prove Einstein and Stephen Hawking wrong and have the ability to see the future, please tell me who is President on 2045. Your statement has absolutely no basis in fact - you disregard historical precedent: there have been pay raises in each of the past two years and have been informed by management another one has been approved for this year. You disregard any future possibility of unionization and contract negotiations. You disregard any influence of future supply and demand. Your statement that $133 is the most I'll ever see is just as moronic as someone trying to tell us that they know who will be President in 2045. As for FO's making $133 "anywhere else" I suppose by anywhere else you mean anywhere else but Alaska, USAirways, United/Continental, AirTran, Allegiant, Frontier, JetBlue, Spirit and every single regional out there.

Me? I could care less what you choose to accept as a paycheck.

Your posting on here says otherwise.

Current scales are less than Virgin pilots got paid in NIGERIA.....That is, of course, before Sir Richard decided to cut his losses and abandon the Brand there..... Good thing you have an absolute guarantee that will NEVER happen here. After all he wasn't making $ in Nigera, so it's apples v oranges....

First of all Virgin still owns the same percentage of the airline they always have - so they have not cut and run. More ignorance on your part. Second of all nobody has ever claimed that Branson would not cut and run from VX - he is after all a smart businessman (his Billions prove that). As for what they were making in Nigeria - well you'd have to pay a lot to get people to go there. Personally it would take me a minimum of half a million a year to consider going there. It is apples and oranges. You can't look at what one country is paying and compare that to this market. If you do then you should be bashing Delta because they do not pay their A320 pilots as much a Shenzen Airlines.

Seriously, though......You've got the inside scoop. Please enlighten me... Do they dump you on the CA disability system when you get sick or not? I'd like to know the truth. Who pays your bills if you break your leg and are out of work for six weeks?

Honestly don't know the inner workings of the system. But we do have private short and long-term disability insurance that is comparable to what I have had at other carriers.

 

[Busdriver320]

Please enlighten me... Do they dump you on the CA disability system when you get sick or not? I'd like to know the truth. Who pays your bills if you break your leg and are out of work for six weeks?

You get 6 consecutive days with the same 'illness' and then you get put on CA program. It's a BS deal many of us have been advocating to see changed. From what I've heard it's being discussed as part of the comprehensive work rules changes being talked about between mgmt and a pilot committee right now. Word is we'll be going to a bank system like everyone else.

To be clear, here's how it works:
You get sick with the flu in Feb, you call off a 4-day and you get paid, no questions asked. You miss the next trip and you only get paid for the first two days of it, then you get to fill out the CA paperwork and collect from CA. Because VA is a CA company they can do this. Like I said, a BS deal.
Beyond that, say you call out again in June for a boil on your a$$. Again, you get paid for the first consectutive six days and have to file for CA SDI if you go beyond that.
If you have some sort of catastrophic illness and go out for awhile, you get paid for the first six days, then start drawing from a "catastrophic sick bank" that you accrued six days per year of (4 years = 24 days) at 3.5 per day. When that runs out you go on CA SDI for 6 months. After that we have co. paid LTD through a private insurance provider.

I'd bet many CA companies do this for the plain fact they can. CA has made it easy for companies to shuck this liability.

 

[Chairman]

You get 6 consecutive days with the same 'illness' and then you get put on CA program. It's a BS deal many of us have been advocating to see changed. From what I've heard it's being discussed as part of the comprehensive work rules changes being talked about between mgmt and a pilot committee right now. Word is we'll be going to a bank system like everyone else.

To be clear, here's how it works:
You get sick with the flu in Feb, you call off a 4-day and you get paid, no questions asked. You miss the next trip and you only get paid for the first two days of it, then you get to fill out the CA paperwork and collect from CA. Because VA is a CA company they can do this. Like I said, a BS deal.
Beyond that, say you call out again in June for a boil on your a$$. Again, you get paid for the first consectutive six days and have to file for CA SDI if you go beyond that.
If you have some sort of catastrophic illness and go out for awhile, you get paid for the first six days, then start drawing from a "catastrophic sick bank" that you accrued six days per year of (4 years = 24 days) at 3.5 per day. When that runs out you go on CA SDI for 6 months. After that we have co. paid LTD through a private insurance provider.

I'd bet many CA companies do this for the plain fact they can. CA has made it easy for companies to shuck this liability.

To add on this. If your out for your second trip for a different reason than the first sick call you start a new 6 day sick period...

Chairman

 

[Fubijaakr]

Sorry, Dude, but your highest paid Capt. TODAY makes $120....that's LESS than a QX Q400 Capt made flying his Q400 TODAY.

There are NO VX Capts making $133 an hour TODAY.

Those are FACTS. Sorry if they hurt.....

 

[Flyiguy]

Sorry, Dude, but your highest paid Capt. TODAY makes $120....that's LESS than a QX Q400 Capt made flying his Q400 TODAY.

There are NO VX Capts making $133 an hour TODAY.

Those are FACTS. Sorry if they hurt.....

Sorry, Dude, but you're wrong. Highest paid VX Captain is making $131 an hour TODAY.

 

[yellowfever]

Sorry, Dude, but you're wrong. Highest paid VX Captain is making $131 an hour TODAY.

And that is very sad! Without retirement?

 

[Q400 Gear Bitch]

It may be better than a 1900, but QX Q400 guys are making more TODAY than VX Capts.

apc shows 18 yr qx megawhacker drivers at a $111/hr. Our senior guys are at $126/hr. What other benefits are you throwing in there? Show your cards or change your argument! Agreed our wages suck, but I was a QX gangly ganster and this is a much better gig.

 

[Snapshot]

Okay I don't really know how to respond because in so many ways it doesn't make sense. You actually think the LOWEST paid FOs at Delta are making $119/hr?!

At 12-14 years, which is what we're talking about, yeah. They are. Try to keep up.

Even the mighty Delta has 12 yr fo's a $119/hr on the A320.

Whatever, I'm not here to nitpick semantics. I don't care one way or the other. What I was really curious about was the disability thing.

You get 6 consecutive days with the same 'illness' and then you get put on CA program.

Wow. Just Wow.

 

[tzskipper]

Snapshot-

That is the same program that my last (ALPA) airline had. Six days of medical and then transition to short term disability.

I think (according to friends) VA offers a buy-up option (by Hartford Ins.) to the CA SDI, bringing the income up to 60%(?) of their previous average monthly income, tax free. In addition, there are additional "catastrophic" sick days that are paid out monthly in addition to the SDI payments. All in all, a crewmember will generally take home at least what they were taking home prior to their illness.

VA continues to make their normal contribution to the crewmember's insurance premium payment, and the crewmember continues to make their normal contribution out of their paycheck. At no time while ill (on SDI) is a crewmember responsible to pay the full insurance premium.

S

 

[Splert]

You get 6 consecutive days with the same 'illness' and then you get put on CA program. It's a BS deal many of us have been advocating to see changed. From what I've heard it's being discussed as part of the comprehensive work rules changes being talked about between mgmt and a pilot committee right now. Word is we'll be going to a bank system like everyone else.

To be clear, here's how it works:
You get sick with the flu in Feb, you call off a 4-day and you get paid, no questions asked. You miss the next trip and you only get paid for the first two days of it, then you get to fill out the CA paperwork and collect from CA. Because VA is a CA company they can do this. Like I said, a BS deal.
Beyond that, say you call out again in June for a boil on your a$$. Again, you get paid for the first consectutive six days and have to file for CA SDI if you go beyond that.
If you have some sort of catastrophic illness and go out for awhile, you get paid for the first six days, then start drawing from a "catastrophic sick bank" that you accrued six days per year of (4 years = 24 days) at 3.5 per day. When that runs out you go on CA SDI for 6 months. After that we have co. paid LTD through a private insurance provider.

I'd bet many CA companies do this for the plain fact they can. CA has made it easy for companies to shuck this liability.

LTD at other Major Airlines either offset or add to state disability plans.

For instance Alaska if you are based in LAX and go on disability the LTD benefit of CASDI are added to the Alaska LTD benefit pay out.

Plus it pays the difference between CA and FO pay if you can't regain your first class medical.

Plus it provides for retirement funding.

Plus it provides for health care at employee cost share or retiree rates.

Plus it allows for outside income to NOT be counted toward an income offset of LTD benefits until a threshold is met.

And so on.

VA is a ship of fools being led by Ned!

I bet your LTD plan has a two year benefit period or is own occupation for two years and then any occupation.

Post the SPD and I will review it for you, Ned!

 

[Snapshot]

Snapshot-

That is the same program that my last (ALPA) airline had. Six days of medical and then transition to short term disability.

Perhaps I'm confused. It sounds like it's essentially 25 hrs of sick pay and then you get to fill out government forms and enter the system for 55% pay compensation. These are the same options offered to everyone after their hundreds of hours of sick time and vacation is expended.

Either that, or you have sick time that you aren't allowed to use when you're sick?

Whatever it is, I agree that it's messed up. If I break my leg, I take a vacation on full pay until it heals.....Or I can have them put me to work doing something else and not use the sick time.....Or I can take half pay and extend my sick time.....Or combine the options as I see fit. Regardless of the option I take, no government involvement, and the time I was required to use rebuilds at double the standard rate in case I need it again.

Plus all the stuff Spert mentioned if it's a catastrophic medical issue.

 

[Snapshot]

You honestly think $133 is the most we'll ever see? Really?! So there will NEVER, EVER be a pay raise at Virgin?

They may throw you some 1% crumbs every now and again, sure. However, if you don't stand up for yourselves and demand a contract, they are NEVER, EVER going to give you a comparable compensation package out of the kindness of their hearts.

Advanced theoretical physics is not required to know this. BTW, Einstein and Steven Hawking both worked under contracts.

Don't hate ALPA, just mindless fools like yourself who thinks ALPA "will take care of him because he's a 'good soldier' who won't question" any of the failings of the union.

Sir Richard is who's going to take care of you? He's certainly taken care of your pay and sick leave. You can really see the concern in his eyes.

 

[Fubijaakr]

Sorry, Dude, but you're wrong. Highest paid VX Captain is making $131 an hour TODAY.

Our senior guys are at $126/hr...

Seriously? Do you guys even know your own pay scale. Your top paid CA makes $120 according to APC. QX's top CA made $121. Yeah, its only a buck more...but its MORE. Pretty simple.

VA is a ship of fools being led by Ned!

Who don't even know their own pay scale or when their Board meets to set their compensation. Sad really.

They may throw you some 1% crumbs every now and again, sure. However, if you don't stand up for yourselves and demand a contract, they are NEVER, EVER going to give you a comparable compensation package out of the kindness of their hearts.

Exactly the point I've been trying to make for the last 4 years. But, they're so invested in the fantasy that they're the "new airline paradigm" they can't smell the outhouse they live in anymore.

Advanced theoretical physics is not required to know this. BTW, Einstein and Steven Hawking both worked under contracts.

No one is confusing VX pilots with theoretical physicists.

Sir Richard is who's going to take care of you? He's certainly taken care of your pay and sick leave. You can really see the concern in his eyes.

Well played, Sir!

 

[Q400 Gear Bitch]

Seriously? Do you guys even know your own pay scale. Your top paid CA makes $120 according to APC. QX's top CA made $121. Yeah, its only a buck more...but its MORE. Pretty simple.

My bad. Forgot that we have folks who were here before launch, so they are almost topped out. I believe that is where my esteemed Johnny Cash fan club member, Vega$ card dealer colleague in black came up with the $131/hr number. I know I know, it needs to change.

There are no QX gangly gansters making CRJ wages anymore. So your argument does not hold water. Turboprop wages for The Flaming Donut drivers in Eskimo colors now top out at $111/hr. Ok if you want to go back in time, time, time, then I will grant you that argument. But in the here and now, your math is in error.

 

[Q400 Gear Bitch]

Sir Richard is who's going to take care of you? He's certainly taken care of your pay and sick leave. You can really see the concern in his eyes.

I didn't see Branson in that photo at all!

 

[NEDude]

They may throw you some 1% crumbs every now and again, sure. However, if you don't stand up for yourselves and demand a contract, they are NEVER, EVER going to give you a comparable compensation package out of the kindness of their hearts.

Advanced theoretical physics is not required to know this. BTW, Einstein and Steven Hawking both worked under contracts.

Sir Richard is who's going to take care of you? He's certainly taken care of your pay and sick leave. You can really see the concern in his eyes.

Apparently you have missed the numerous times I have stated that I would consider unionization at some point. All of us here would. But the decision to do so is ours and ours alone, not yours, and not some crusty old Alaska pilot who is in love with ALPA.

You threw out the all encompassing statement that Virgin pilots will never see more than our current rates. There are so many variables that will occur during the existence of Virgin America, be it one more year or 100 years, to throw out such a definitive statement is at the very best just laziness on your part.

BTW who is going to take care of the ALPA pilots? ALPA's track record over the last 15 years or so is nothing to brag about.

 

[Flyer1015]

Speaking of Alaska, just met a VA Captain who has been at VA for 4 years, and left Alaska to come here because (according to him) he was fed up with them. He's a lot happier at VA after 4 years here. I think that speaks volumes.

 

[blackbox]

Keep in mind kids it's not just about pay. Consider an adequate match for a 401K. Consider a B fund. Consider adequate STD/LTD. Consider monthly health insurance premiums. The B6's and VX's will increase hourly pay $5 in the hopes the rest of the package is forgotten about or acceptable even though it is substandard.

Well, wasn't that the intent of this thread before it got hijacked by a bunch of ********************tards? To find out more about VX? Ask about training pay, 401k, health insurance, retirement etc...

This thread is 11 pages long, and only 1 answer to the original question.

 

[ASADFW7]

There is an effort to stop the hijacking of threads, and bullying of members towards all airlines. I am not going to look back only forward on these threads.