Alaska management verbally announces furloughs for

[Baze]

Soon, they'll say something like 250 furloughs AFTER taking steps to mitigate... 190 letters will go out and get pulled, postponed, etc.

 

[Chief Pilot]

As of now, the early out program has generated interest from 132 pilots. The next step is to finalize paperwork to determine how many will actually go "final," a number which we expect before year-end. In addition, we have 20 pilots who have elected the enhanced leave of absence. Despite speculation that there might be nine furloughs in November, we have not yet issued furlough notice and are hopeful that an involuntary reduction can be avoided through December. Rest assured that all provisions of the CBA will be respected as we work through this process. Finally, I have written to our codeshare partner Korean Airlines advising them that we are in an over-staffed situation and asking for special consideration of Alaska pilots should they have a need for qualified B737 co-pilots. As soon as I have a response I will share it with those who may be interested in working abroad during our downsizing. At this time of uncertainty it is imperative that we communicate often and with specifics. Ask questions, stay informed and I will do my best to keep you up-to-date. Fly safely and have a good week.

Greg

WOW! These guys really aren't so bad afterall!

 

[Ih8AFYesmen]

Yeah, jerking gear and being treated like a 2nd class citizen at KAL would be a real treat.

 

[Mea25000]

I was told GS thinks he can run this airline with a seniority list of 1200 pilots. And with our on time performance and the way our helpful pilot group has been picking up all the open time maybe he is right!

 

[Chief Pilot]

That entire was letter was a load of crap, especially the part about how he's looking out for us by writing to KAL. It's the same old doom and gloom--notice how he's written to KAL about our "over-staffed situation." Greg wants us all to remember that furloughs are still looming--and the number could be considerable.

At least he finally acknowledged that oil going down is a good thing. Couldn't keep up the oil going up=bad, oil going down=bad argument when we all had a good laugh about that one.

 

[Mamma]

That entire was letter was a load of crap, especially the part about how he's looking out for us by writing to KAL. It's the same old doom and gloom--notice how he's written to KAL about our "over-staffed situation." Greg wants us all to remember that furloughs are still looming--and the number could be considerable.

At least he finally acknowledged that oil going down is a good thing. Couldn't keep up the oil going up=bad, oil going down=bad argument when we all had a good laugh about that one.

Gary Beck's bulletin already said oil was still way to expensive. Gregg did noy have to say it this time. They are never happy.

 

[Baze]

It's interesting that they send these memos out during the weekend. Nothing like sending doom & gloom memos on non-business days, just to try to "ruin" people's mood.

AAG money well spent on Ford Harrison lawyers.

 

[Fubijaakr]

Never forget, ALK provides leadership for:

http://www.aircon.org/what_is_aircon/index.htm

 

[Baze]

They should change their moniker to CONAIR.

I thought Gary's memo was interesting. He could have just summed it up in these 4 words: "I don't know anything."

 

[Z_Pilot]

Just FYI-

They canceled the flight attendant furlough.

MEC notified the 9 to expect notification of a November 18th furlough.


ZP

 

[AZFr8tPilot]

Well I guess time will tell.....

AZF

 

[Ih8AFYesmen]

Don't think for a moment that G.S., B.A., Beck, etc. are clueless. They are playing the game to the fullest. Bean counters and lawyers hard at work. They hide behind their motto, "it's just business" so that they can sleep at nights; they are the same people who live in the grey area but we all know that there is no such a place; it's either black or white. Greedy and evil, pure and simple!

 

[AZFr8tPilot]

Definitely a game.....and one I've lost interest in following too closely on a day by day basis. I'll just wait for the letter and stop guessing when that's going to happen based on the current statement of the day from mgt.

On a side note, I found it interesting that they should mention KAL. If I'm not mistaken, it looks as though Korean has a 5 year contract. It was mentioned when I submitted my ELOA request that multi-year contracts on the order of 3-5 years would not be accepted...I suppose a 5 year contract is acceptable if you're furloughed however????

The contract where I am going is only 12 months, so this won't be a problem. I just found the comments regarding KAL intriguing.

 

[turbodriver]

I guess the furloughs will really start once all our Hawaii flying goes to LAX in January and they reduce ANC to 30 lines.......

If this is new to you then read your bulletins.

 

[Mea25000]

This is such a joke. I heard 143 is the new new new number management has come up with and they will start furloughing next month. I don’t think anyone in management has a clue!

 

[ImbracableCrunk]

I have a feeling the 9 number was to just jerk us around.

I feel like the sucker punch is in motion.

 

[Z_Pilot]

I know this is a long shot, but is management preparing for this:

Delta’s focus is head-to-head with AirTran, analyst says
By KELLY YAMANOUCHI

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines is concentrating its growth in Atlanta on markets where it competes head-to-head with AirTran Airways, according to a report from Credit Suisse analyst Daniel McKenzie.

For Delta, Credit Suisse did not rule out further merger and acquisition activity, naming Alaska Air Group and JetBlue Airways as potential targets that would enable Delta to better compete with an “inevitable” Continental-United combination in the future.

 

[Mea25000]

I want DOH just like NWA and maybe that 777 base in SEA

 

[Baze]

I want DOH just like NWA and maybe that 777 base in SEA

Seconded!

As for the new new new new 143 number... That's probably the latest number to come from Ford Harrison.

165, 200, 170, 150-190, 143... What's next?

122? 152.5? 1505?

 

[AZFr8tPilot]

I guess the furloughs will really start once all our Hawaii flying goes to LAX in January and they reduce ANC to 30 lines.......

What I find intriguing is that there has been such an intense focus on reduction. The bulletin regarding the start up of ETOPS in LAX specifically mentioned that it related to positioning the company for "future growth". I thought the only focus was on reduction.

It would be a sad day when they shift the ETOPS completely away from ANC. It has been one of the few advantages of commuting up here from SEA.

Not that I'm trying to make sense of any of this...LOL! I stopped trying to do that a while back.