ATA to furlough?

[mach zero]

Just got an email from the MEC that had a small blurb at the bottom about the possible furlough of 53 pilots. Seems that their new money saving productivity model reduced the need for pilots or something like that.

 

[ATA73Pilot]

The operative word being "possible". The other key phrase from the MEC update:

"However, this is all subject to negotiations and we will know more in the
weeks ahead."

Of course, considering Management's utter lack of a plan to generate revenue and get ATA out of it's financial bind, I'd say any furloughs are just the first in a wave to follow (remember - just an opinion).

The information coming out of the roadshows beginning yesterday is disheartening. The only gameplan they have is further cost-cutting, a reduction in the price of oil, and the failure of another carrier (USAir?) before we hit the brick wall.

The telling quote from our illustrious COO -

"Just look at these rates and tell me you aren't over paid".

Of course, he didn't bother to remove the L10 from the comparison against Jet Blue and Airtran (the L10's costs being completely covered by the military). Nor did he bother to factor in any profit sharing, or the 150% pay above guarantee that JetBlue enjoys.

The other telling info from the CEO himself when asked about ATA's chances if the pilots gave him a blank check......"50/50".

If the information given to us about ATA running out of cash in January is true...then I don't hold out much hope for the airline without a drastic restructuring.

What a senseless waste of good talent and potential.

 

[tz800ca]

What a senseless waste of good talent and potential.

Potential YES. Talent NO. Speaking of the airline of course.

Lets not be stupid twice.

 

[mt2]

MEC email ?

I guess my email from the MEC got lost in cyberspace. Still, I can't help but think how much money furloughing 53 pilots will cost us in the short term. Our lack of a plan has me in a state of shock. Our CEO is in way over his head and our COO is just a plain ass as he has shown in the road shows. Without new blood in those two seats only dumb luck could right this ship.

 

[NZCHooverboy]

I guess I will reveal my identity

The Five Functions of Management are:

-Planning
-Staffing
-Organizing
-Directing
-Controlling

We have a great product and flight crews. Just wish there was some well thought out plan other than having us turn our heads and cough each time management realizes they are incompetent. One of our highly respected captains and check airman told me (when a brand new pup here) that the main problem with ATA management is that they don't have the courage to fire themselves. Maybe we, as a pilot group, albeit labor, can impress upon our founder to get higher wattage in HQ.

 

[75M]

I believe George tried to fire himself at least twice. Once when Stan Pace took over in 1996 and again when he handed the reins to John Tague a few years ago.