Alaska Class

[ACAFool]

Any word on whether the 1/03 class is still going to be run?

 

[AK737FO]

All is well, sort of...

There has been no information or rumors - so I expect the class to go as scheduled. I've even seen a projected list from crew planning that showed a class in Feb, Mar, Apr... of course that is subject to change.
The truth is that they are way behind the curve - they are short and no amount of voodoo can hide it any more. VSA is a must at this point. Look for some cancelled flights over new years eve / day due to lack of pilots.

Which brings us to "The Vision 2010". Mr. Ayer was asked point blank - "since you can't seem to get the employees on board, what is the back up plan?" His response, "There is no other plan. We will do the vision 2010". This is not good - a leader who will stick to a bad plan and destroy company moral if he is able to get 99% of his plan. Combine that with some other recent problems we have had, gives me pause as to if this company will be around for another 25 years (which will bring me to age 60). For the first time in my career here, I am starting to worry about our leadership - it is not a good feeling.

 

[Trash8Mofo]

2010

Would you please summarize "vision 2010". Thanks.

 

[mach none]

Would you please summarize "vision 2010". Thanks.

They want your retirement (no pension), pay concessions(23% is what they asked for), they want you to pay 6 times more for health care (BS), modify every section of the contract; Including vacation, sick leave, min guarantee, probation.

Basically gut our contract for the half a$$ promise of some growth. Growth that the company told the Union they would not guarantee. Remember, we have a history of conservative growth anyway.

2010 is dead. The problem is, Ayer has not figured it out yet.

If we go to arbitration, the contract is good for only two years. The company loses binding arbitration and the no strike clause (we opted out). That will cost them dearly when it does come time to borrow money from wall street. It will also hurt the stock price. The shares that Mr Ayer (approximately $500,000 at todays price)was just granted will be worth significantly less. We also will get to start negotiating again in 12 months.

The company will get the Union(s) it deserves.

As far as new hires. The classes will trickle in until the contract is complete. They will have to hire. Especially if the company gets the pension frozen or abolished (Highly unlikely). Guys on the property will leave in droves. It could look like Delta on a much smaller scale.

 

[Trash8Mofo]

Wow, there must be a contract-gutting play book somewhere that the managment is getting a hold of. What you have described is almost identical to what Aloha's managment is asking AQ-ALPA.

 

[Alaska Flyer]

Per the chief pilot's newsletter today, Class 05-01 will start on January 3. 4 pilots will go to the 737-200 in ANC, 6 pilots to the MD-80 in SEA. The names of the pilots are also posted.

 

[ACAFool]

Finally some good news for once.

 

[GuppyPuppy]

They want your retirement (no pension), pay concessions(23% is what they asked for), they want you to pay 6 times more for health care (BS), modify every section of the contract; Including vacation, sick leave, min guarantee, probation.

Basically gut our contract for the half a$$ promise of some growth. Growth that the company told the Union they would not guarantee. Remember, we have a history of conservative growth anyway.

2010 is dead. The problem is, Ayer has not figured it out yet.

Wasn't Alaska profitable for 2004?

GP

 

[mach none]

Wasn't Alaska profitable for 2004?

GP

The earnings have not been released yet.

However, I will venture a guess that we will loose money because of "special, one time write offs." Otherwise, we will make money.

 

[BORAT]

Hey 2010 can lick the biffy floor. My suggestion on Alaskasworld in the "Cost Cutting Ideas" section was passed on. I was at a Sonics game and looked at the price of my ticket and then realized the air group has a "Skybox" in Key Arena. God only nows how many pilots salaries go into that thing. I told them to axe that instead of the "A plane". They said my idea was noted but would be "difficult to implement".

 

[QCappy]

Not to mention the luxury box at Qwest Field!