ASA parking planes???

[Speedtape]

Well, no, why should he? His fiduciary responsibility is to the shareholders of his company. Indirectly, from what I've seen at ASA over the last few months, anyways, he seems to understand that taking care of the employees who create the revenue is a good way of taking care of the people who own the stock. (This could change in a heartbeat, I know.)

It's up to us as employees to give SKYW a positive return on their investment in our most recent contract. Frankly, ever since the RLA became a part of our lives, the best/only job protection we have is to make ourselves the best pilot group, frankly, for the money, available.

Retort to the Retort (using the same number system):

2. Having one seniority list COULD be in our (Skywest's and ASA's) best interest. However, there is very little interest by the Skywest pilot group. By the same token, there is probably not even close to a majority of ASA pilots who desire one list. And finally, the CEO of Inc. has no desire to attempt one list. My points will be simple regarding each party, but not complete. Skywest pilots see an advantage to staying non-ALPA (overwhelmingly.) Part of the reason, is that a majority do not want one list and saw ALPA as a threat to keeping one list--theirs! They are leveraging their non-unionism to compete against us to get growth--from Inc. The plan works quite well.

Secondly, most ASA pilots do not want one list. They only have to look at USAir/AmericaWest and Delta/Northwest to confirm their position. The unknown and the pain to get gain
is enough of a reason--with uncertainty of reward not guaranteed.

The CEO and corporate vision is to maintain 2 certificates--for liability and financial reasons. Although that concept does not mean that one list could still not occur, it takes 2 willing partners (both pilot groups) and an Officiator (MGMT) to consumate the marriage. Everyone has their own interests to protect, and the safer position is to maintain status quo.

Keeping 2 separate companies also gives the advantage of selling off or selling back one of the Companies, should the opportunity or the need arise.

3. I am not sure where you get the "antagonizing Skywest pilots" idea. I have made no such statement or have that predjudice. The Skywest pilots have to do what is in their best interest. Similarly, the ASA pilots have to do the same. Yes, we are in competition by the very nature of our two lists. As of today and in the short past, we are a threat to each other. Maybe, someday, that will not be the case.

In regard to what has happened in the last 7 months, credit goes to three parties. First, there is the installation of Skywest MGMT at ASA, which has established the processes and tools we need to do our job. No surprise there, Skywest has a proven track record in these areas.

Secondly, our employees have risen to the challenge and used the tools and processes to bring about this change. The employees at this company have always been untapped and in many areas, have always succeeded despite having NO MGMT! There really wasn't any miracles performed, just better managment of all available resources. Yes, as a result, morale has risen and the work and challenges continue and always will--and our employees will meet the challenges and excel in performance. It wasn't Rocket Science.

Finally, credit also goes to our mainline partner for taking over the ramp and improving the operation. In reality, this is a major reason that we have any opportunity to succeed.

 

[HoserASA]

In regard to what has happened in the last 7 months, First, there is the installation of Skywest MGMT at ASA,
Secondly, our employees have risen to the challenge
Finally, credit also goes to our mainline partner for taking over the ramp and improving the operation.

Disagree! Getting a contract is the primary reason for our recent success.

SKYW mgt didn't really do a thing to change things here for two years or so until BH arrived. So far the pilot group is buying what he's selling. Let's hope it stays that way.

DAL taking over the ramp? Hmmm, I'd have to say yes if it weren't for concourse D and E not being on the same page as concourse C. Working out of D is nothing like A or B, nor C for that matter. Remember, DAL owned us for years and did nothing to change things here, except stick us with incompetent mgt such as SB and BL.

Hoser
Roll Tide!

 

[Speedtape]

Disagree! Getting a contract is the primary reason for our recent success.

Nothing would have improved until the contract was settled--agreed. However, since the contract, things have improved because of the change in processes and leadership. Had B.L. and his cast of characters remained, would the same results have occurred?

SKYW mgt didn't really do a thing to change things here for two years or so until BH arrived. So far the pilot group is buying what he's selling. Let's hope it stays that way.

This is true, but they didn't do anything for at least two reasons. As you so clearly stated, we didn't have a contract. Also, they needed time to assess what the real problem was. They got a hint when they visited the crew lounge. As you know, they are still cleaning house, and there probably is one or more left to go. The pilot group is buying into the program because they are seeing MGMT followthrough and results. In addition, the pilots like the MGMT flush and can believe that things are really changing.

DAL taking over the ramp? Hmmm, I'd have to say yes if it weren't for concourse D and E not being on the same page as concourse C. Working out of D is nothing like A or B, nor C for that matter. Remember, DAL owned us for years and did nothing to change things here, except stick us with incompetent mgt such as SB and BL.

There has been change and improvements on all concourses. Is it perfect, yet? Let's just say it is a work in progress! However, no one can say that it's not better most of the time today, as compared with even some of the time a little over a year ago.

Hoser

 

[FightingIrish]

I've got a question for Speedtape since he seems to be well connected and informed. Is there anything we can do to protect our jobs with our contract? In other words, is the "scope" section really that important. Also, do you think we should try and get a single list? I have mixed emotions.

 

[FishandFly]

Speedtape,

In your initial list of reasons why ASA is doing well, the fact that we now have a contract did not come up.

Considering that almost every ASA pilot knows that the reason for our new found success is primarily the contract and little else, how did you end up on the other end of the spectrum?

 

[XPOO]

As posted by a SkyWest Airlines VP:

As a point of interest, July Air Traveler Consumer Report -- Lowest Number of Customer Complaints showed ASA as #1 and SkyWest as #2 for having the least complaints per 100k customers in the industry.

 

[thesource]

Delta

Ok, I'll tell the ten or so friends of mine, some of whome were furlouhged for 5 years from Delta that you assured me that Deltas no furlough clause was, in fact, worth the paper it was written on.

 

[Speedtape]

Speedtape,

In your initial list of reasons why ASA is doing well, the fact that we now have a contract did not come up.

Considering that almost every ASA pilot knows that the reason for our new found success is primarily the contract and little else, how did you end up on the other end of the spectrum?

As posted, subsequent to Hoser's post, yes, nothing would have changed until the contract was complete. That is a no brainer. No one would question the importance of the contract conclusion. The pilots would not have invested or engaged in any changes. Likewise, from a risk standpoint, I am quite sure that Inc. was not ready to invest or engage in what would have been perceived as an unknown and unstable environment as a result of the then Labor/MGMT relations. The conclusion of the contract changed these conditions.

My question to you is: Do you think that the operational performance would have improved to the level that it is today, soley based on the settlement of the contract? Then, could B.L. and his cast of characters have led this employee group and company to the operational changes and level that it is at today? Aside of the contract element, what is different in our daily operation as compared to post contract '98? The simple answer is better MGMT Leadership, a proactive plan with tweeking and followthrough, relevant measurement tools that can be viewed by all on a daily basis, better open door policy, engaging front-line workers in the development of the processes, performance bonuses for all, recognition of employee value in achieving the goals, praise, rise in morale as a result of new MGMT attitudes towards the employees, rise in morale in seeing the results, and an increased pride in our efforts and the teamwork that is working. These elements perpetuate a continuing cylce of operational improvement.

In summary, nothing was going to happen until the contract was settled. However, the settlement of the contract did not bring about the specific changes. The improvements in operational performance are being achieved by effective leadership--that which we have never seen!

 

[Cpt Oveur]

Reduction bid of 83 positions. Even if they don't park airplanes, that doesn't look good at all.

 

[Speedtape]

I've got a question for Speedtape since he seems to be well connected and informed. Is there anything we can do to protect our jobs with our contract? In other words, is the "scope" section really that important. Also, do you think we should try and get a single list? I have mixed emotions.

Speedtape is just a line pilot and no more connected than any other line pilot. Speedtape simply attempts to engage in the process so that he can stay informed. He interacts with his reps and others on the MEC whenever he can and interacts with his fellow pilots on Pilot issues. He understands that knowledge is power and that discussion/debate of relevant issues is necessary to distill information for new understanding and to confirm or modify his position/opinions.

My humble opinion to your questions:

1. We can best protect our jobs by knowing our contract--especially the scheduling section. The contract is our "working agreement." Studying and knowing the "working agreement" is imperative to assure that it is followed properly--by the company, but also by the pilot, as we have mutual duties.

2. Is the scope section really that important? The simple answer is YES! One only has to look at the recent attempt by Skywest, Inc. to purchase ConExpress. For good or bad, apparently, the contract scope was a severe impediment to the success of the attempt to buy their company. However, scope is usually like swiss cheese, it always has holes in it. But it is better to have it, than not have it.

3. Single List? The simple answer is, it would be in the best interest of the Skywest and ASA pilots to have a single list for the longterm. However, most Skywest pilots do not want a single list for fear that they may lose seniority--the unknown. They feel that they have an advantage for growth under Inc., because they are non-union and will get the growth. Why should they share that with ASA with one list?

 

[Smacktard]

Reduction bid of 83 positions. Even if they don't park airplanes, that doesn't look good at all.

It's not like the ATR displacements weren't known.

 

[wms]

As posted by a SkyWest Airlines VP:

As a point of interest, July Air Traveler Consumer Report -- Lowest Number of Customer Complaints showed ASA as #1 and SkyWest as #2 for having the least complaints per 100k customers in the industry.

Bring on the Pizza!!!

 

[McNugent]

Speedtape is just a line pilot and no more connected than any other line pilot. Speedtape simply attempts to engage in the process so that he can stay informed. He interacts with his reps and others on the MEC whenever he can and interacts with his fellow pilots on Pilot issues. He understands that knowledge is power and that discussion/debate of relevant issues is necessary to distill information for new understanding and to confirm or modify his position/opinions.

Does Speedtape always refer to himself in the 3rd person?

 

[CFI2766]

There has been change and improvements on all concourses. Is it perfect, yet? Let's just say it is a work in progress! However, no one can say that it's not better most of the time today, as compared with even some of the time a little over a year ago.


I live on 'D'. It is well below a 'work in progress' with regards to operational effectiveness, much less efficiency. Frankly, I'm amazed that ASA/Delta hasn't had a fatality of a paying customer because of the incompetence of gate agents and rampers on D. It is an accident waiting to happen.

There may very well be improvements elsewhere, but the current state of the ramp on D is well below where it was left when ASA was responsible for ramp ops at the very end. Granted, summers past were a disaster everywhere in the 'hood, but 'D' worked, and worked well just before mother Delta took over.


Could ASA have achieved its current success with the prior managerial team in place? I highly doubt it.

 

[CFI2766]

Reduction bid of 83 positions. Even if they don't park airplanes, that doesn't look good at all.

There's more than 83 pilots on the ATR. Hmmmmm...

Keeping 4 of them, perhaps?