Alaska Pilots

[Q200_FO]

It seems that Bill Ayer announced today that he now wants concessions from you guys. I was just curious what's ALPA's and the AS pilots stance on concessions?

 

[av8instyle]

Hmmm... We're buying airplanes, expanding into new markets, hiring pilots, and not in jeopardy of bankruptcy. I say BS.

(edited for passion)

 

[cessna_street]

hmmmm, you guys just defered the delievery of a couple of jets last week, you're not hiring pilots right now, classes that were scheduled for next year have been cancelled. Now what was it you were saying?

 

[av8instyle]

hmmmm, you guys just defered the delievery of a couple of jets last week, you're not hiring pilots right now, classes that were scheduled for next year have been cancelled. Now what was it you were saying?

The 2 that were deferred were deferred for 10 MONTHS. We have already received several new 737's this year and are still on track to receive several more. The two deferrals were a one time thing and they will be delivered early next year.
We're currently putting our April class through IOE, have been interviewing all year, and have a pool of pilots that we hired to go through class this fall. The only reason they aren't in class now is because summer is very busy and we don't have the instructors.
I'm not sure what classes you are talking about, but I'm curious what you're smoking. It's always interesting to get a perspective from someone on the outside that really doesn't have a clue.
Now, what was it you were saying?

 

[av8instyle]

Oh, by the way...

After the 2 deferrals, we will have a total of 9 new jets on the ramp by the end of this year - FYI

 

[mach none]

The two -900 that were deferred were supposed to be delivered at the end of 04. Now they will be delivered in the middle of 05. Big deal. Just management sabre rattling and trying to hang the grow carrot in our collective faces. I think the company wants the -900X and the deferrals just help them get those instead.

As far as the concessions, we have a process and one of the best negotiating committees we have ever had. Time will tell and things will get interesting. We are not in Ch11, nor is there the threat of Ch11 so we really don't have to talk anyway. We will review their outragous request and counter, if we think that is necessary.

Those at Horizon better get ready, the storm is heading your direction.

 

[sf340flyer]

I talked with my sponsor in Jan. he told me i was on top of the call-for-interview list and to be waiting for a call. My phone hasn't rang yet, just waiting now. If you guys know of interviews going on now, please let me know so I can find out where I stand. Thanks for all the help.

 

[Rhino]

Fall class date rumors???

AV8instyle,

I've heard the same thing from other pilots at Alaska. I will be in the next class that starts, and was wondering if you've heard any "school-house" rumors about what month in the Fall I can expect to start class.

I also heard that the Retirement "A-fund" may be on the chopping block. Ouch!

 

[av8instyle]

I've heard the same thing from other pilots at Alaska. I will be in the next class that starts, and was wondering if you've heard any "school-house" rumors about what month in the Fall I can expect to start class.

Only heard the bid effective date would be Jan 1. So I imagine you'd be in training by then, but who knows what they'll lay on the table with the new "bend over" deal they're proposing.

I also heard that the Retirement "A-fund" may be on the chopping block. Ouch!

It's true that they're asking the union to eliminate it for future new hires. As an alternative, they propose giving 6% to the 401k.
I doubt this will pass.

 

[Rhino]

more rumors on training...

From a friend flying with Alaska,

"We've been told to expect a bid any day now. Supposed
effective date of March '04, which technically means all training
should be done by then. My guess...... bid out on the street sometime this week, for a bid closure and assignment sometime in August. That's the point when they'll know their needs for new hires. I'd be willing to bet that you'll be in class sometime this fall or winter."

I also spoke with Bonnie Carroll today, and she had zero knowledge of a bid. All she had to add was with the current concession talks, she didn't think the classes would be scheduled until an aggreement is reached on the scope of the concessions.

 

[Singlecoil]

The bid is out, effective 1/1/04. It is basically a reshuffling of existing staff due to the closure of the LAX MD-80 base. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like any new hires the way I crunch the numbers. In fact it is showing about 31 fewer pilots on the base position lists than there were in Feb of 03, meaning pilots lost to attrition aren't being replaced.
New airplanes are coming, however, so one would think they would need to run classes sometime this year. Since they want to cancel the A plan retirement fund for all new hires, look for classes to start after that is resolved.