Dizel8
Douglas metal
- Joined
- Feb 27, 2003
- Posts
- 2,817
Figured with all the negativity, it was time to put a few things into perspective about jetblue.
Yes, the EMB-190 payscale is out and it is disappointing in my eyes. Of course, it has been a topic of debate both here and among the jetblue pilots. What is interesting, is that most do not seem so saddened about the fact, that the A-320 rate did not go up a lot, but they do appear concerned about the 190 rate. This is interesting, because while it does not really affect anyone currently here, there are concern that the pay is not inline, with what we want for our future coworkers and hopefully,friends. That strikes me as significant, since pilots are often thought of only caring about ourselves.
As you well know, the pilots at jetblue was not asked for input on these rates, they were handed down from the company. Does that mean, that the pilots will not raise their concerns? I do not think so. I think it will filter through and that management will hear about it, who knows, as someone has said, we may even see some changes. I think we are aware, that this may well become sort of a benchmark and as such, it could set a bad precedent for others to come.
However, before this turns into total negativity, a few points must be pointed out about jetblue. The company is less than five years old, what a journey it has been btw, so we have a long way to go and as we have all seen with upstarts, we are not out of the woods yet.
The original pay on the bus was rather low, yet many of us signed up, because of the potential we saw in the company, potential that has proven to be here and continues to show itself. Shortly after 9/11, the company raised the 320 salary, retroactively by 32%. While not in the UAL, DAL etc range, it did put it above a few well established carriers.
The company has paid profit sharing since the beginning and has issued stock options to the employees. Yes, it is true, as in the case of SWA, that the earlier one got on, the more favorable the stockprice. Unfortunately, as most will agree, the stock got ahead of itself, people were speculating wildly and we saw share prices at the "internet levels". That sadly means, that some people options are currently "under water", so to speak. However, I feel, that given time, that the stock will continue to grow, of course, I certainly have incentive to believe so.
In general, I think most people are plenty content and that the working conditions, equipment and benefits are extremely good. Sure, there are things that could be better, there always are, but I will also say, that in most cases, when these issues crop up, they are fixed. However, neither Rome, UAL or DAL etc was built in a day. After all, DAL has been around for 75 years, congrats btw and may we see another 75. I am sure a lot of things have changed since that first flight, as I am sure thing will change at jetblue over the next five years, hopefully all good.
Is it perfect at jetblue? No, it is not and it never will be, but I do not think anyplace will ever be, I have however, always seem in management, the desire to do the right thing and I have honest hope, that this hurdle will be cleared as well.
Perhaps some people have been turned of by jetblue, we have certainly seen some here, that say they will never apply and that is sad, sure you are all great pilots and would have added much to jetblue.
We also have many, who have show great interest in VirginUSA, a company that does not exist, except on paper. Is run by two people well known to regard little of pilots and have yet to publish a payscale. Would these same pilots accept lesser pay, because they got in on the ground floor or would they wait until pay hit "scale"? I cannot answer that, just like I cannot answer, what will happen to the EMB-190 pay at jetblue. As stated previously, it certainly is my hope, that before the first one get online, we will see a change.
Now, this may sound like I have drunk myself silly from the Koolaid dispenser, however, having been here for a while, I have time and time again, seen the company do the right thing. I think they might just do that again. That is my belief, it may not be held by many of you and it that is the case, you should not apply here, because I would hate to see you disappointed!
Flameretardant suit ON!
Yes, the EMB-190 payscale is out and it is disappointing in my eyes. Of course, it has been a topic of debate both here and among the jetblue pilots. What is interesting, is that most do not seem so saddened about the fact, that the A-320 rate did not go up a lot, but they do appear concerned about the 190 rate. This is interesting, because while it does not really affect anyone currently here, there are concern that the pay is not inline, with what we want for our future coworkers and hopefully,friends. That strikes me as significant, since pilots are often thought of only caring about ourselves.
As you well know, the pilots at jetblue was not asked for input on these rates, they were handed down from the company. Does that mean, that the pilots will not raise their concerns? I do not think so. I think it will filter through and that management will hear about it, who knows, as someone has said, we may even see some changes. I think we are aware, that this may well become sort of a benchmark and as such, it could set a bad precedent for others to come.
However, before this turns into total negativity, a few points must be pointed out about jetblue. The company is less than five years old, what a journey it has been btw, so we have a long way to go and as we have all seen with upstarts, we are not out of the woods yet.
The original pay on the bus was rather low, yet many of us signed up, because of the potential we saw in the company, potential that has proven to be here and continues to show itself. Shortly after 9/11, the company raised the 320 salary, retroactively by 32%. While not in the UAL, DAL etc range, it did put it above a few well established carriers.
The company has paid profit sharing since the beginning and has issued stock options to the employees. Yes, it is true, as in the case of SWA, that the earlier one got on, the more favorable the stockprice. Unfortunately, as most will agree, the stock got ahead of itself, people were speculating wildly and we saw share prices at the "internet levels". That sadly means, that some people options are currently "under water", so to speak. However, I feel, that given time, that the stock will continue to grow, of course, I certainly have incentive to believe so.
In general, I think most people are plenty content and that the working conditions, equipment and benefits are extremely good. Sure, there are things that could be better, there always are, but I will also say, that in most cases, when these issues crop up, they are fixed. However, neither Rome, UAL or DAL etc was built in a day. After all, DAL has been around for 75 years, congrats btw and may we see another 75. I am sure a lot of things have changed since that first flight, as I am sure thing will change at jetblue over the next five years, hopefully all good.
Is it perfect at jetblue? No, it is not and it never will be, but I do not think anyplace will ever be, I have however, always seem in management, the desire to do the right thing and I have honest hope, that this hurdle will be cleared as well.
Perhaps some people have been turned of by jetblue, we have certainly seen some here, that say they will never apply and that is sad, sure you are all great pilots and would have added much to jetblue.
We also have many, who have show great interest in VirginUSA, a company that does not exist, except on paper. Is run by two people well known to regard little of pilots and have yet to publish a payscale. Would these same pilots accept lesser pay, because they got in on the ground floor or would they wait until pay hit "scale"? I cannot answer that, just like I cannot answer, what will happen to the EMB-190 pay at jetblue. As stated previously, it certainly is my hope, that before the first one get online, we will see a change.
Now, this may sound like I have drunk myself silly from the Koolaid dispenser, however, having been here for a while, I have time and time again, seen the company do the right thing. I think they might just do that again. That is my belief, it may not be held by many of you and it that is the case, you should not apply here, because I would hate to see you disappointed!
Flameretardant suit ON!
