Flexjet Union Drive

[ArtVandalay]

Come on people, lets get this thing turning. Go to www.ibt1108.org/flexjet and register.

 

[twincessna]

Already did it.

 

[GuyBehindTheGuy]

I hear crickets

 

[Peter_Griffin]

Just FYI: You can print out your card without ever even signing on to the system. You can even fax it in if you wish. Any of you brave folk out there can even print out more and place them in FBOs, stock lockers, the HI at the 'boro.

For those of you concerned about logging on to the website: my understanding is that your name and hire date are only used to verify that you are not management or a union buster and then are purged from the system so there is no way for flex management to ever find out who you are. I am not invloved in the union other than being very supportive of it, so take that for what's it's worth.

My sign-up hasn't been approved by the union guys yet, so I don't know if the discussions there are more relevant or not, so we shall see. That tells me they are being careful though, as I first tried signing up with bogus info and was told no dice. Not like I've had the time, which brings me to my next point:

For all of us who have gotten lukewarm over the past several weeks, QOL still sux at flex and a union is more neccessary now than ever. Just like some of you, my resolve and fever have been beaten down by the slew of 15 hour days on 6/3 schedules and first days before 6 and last nights after 10 every single week for the past who knows how long. January was my roughest yet and February looks to beat it by a landslide. But if we had a union we would have solid work rules guys and this would not be happening.

No offense to NJA here, but Flex Pilots, do you really want to let them have it better than us? We have better equipment, better crews, better owners, better profits -- the list goes on and on. Yet despite this they have better schedules, better pay, better bennies, better work rules, better QOL in general and the list goes on and on. That is messed up dudes.

Do a little search and you will find that prior to Nov 2005 NJA pilots were the most disgruntled of them all, now they are the happiest -- what is the only thing that changed for them? A contract fought long and hard for by their UNION.

For those of you who are anti-union, that's okay. But send in your card anyway and then we can have the vote called for and it will all be over with. The union has set a standard of 65% of cards need to be turned in just to call a vote. Sending in a card now DOES NOT constitute a vote -- that election happens later. So whether you are pro-union or anti-union, sending in a card now simply calls the NMB to set up an election. After that we can get into the bitterness of who's right and wrong...

How many of you anti-union guys would like to see this thing fail? Send in a card, get the vote called for and if you're right about your numbers, then election will fail and people like me will have to shut up or leave. Wouldn't that thrill you? If so send in you card -- that is of course unless you are too yellow bellied and fear us pro-union guys might actually win. Put you money where your mouth is.

Let's roll dudes -- the quicker we get to 65% the sooner we will have our answers. All of us.

 

[G4dude]

Just FYI: You can print out your card without ever even signing on to the system. You can even fax it in if you wish. Any of you brave folk out there can even print out more and place them in FBOs, stock lockers, the HI at the 'boro.

For those of you concerned about logging on to the website: my understanding is that your name and hire date are only used to verify that you are not management or a union buster and then are purged from the system so there is no way for flex management to ever find out who you are. I am not invloved in the union other than being very supportive of it, so take that for what's it's worth.

My sign-up hasn't been approved by the union guys yet, so I don't know if the discussions there are more relevant or not, so we shall see. That tells me they are being careful though, as I first tried signing up with bogus info and was told no dice. Not like I've had the time, which brings me to my next point:

For all of us who have gotten lukewarm over the past several weeks, QOL still sux at flex and a union is more neccessary now than ever. Just like some of you, my resolve and fever have been beaten down by the slew of 15 hour days on 6/3 schedules and first days before 6 and last nights after 10 every single week for the past who knows how long. January was my roughest yet and February looks to beat it by a landslide. But if we had a union we would have solid work rules guys and this would not be happening.

No offense to NJA here, but Flex Pilots, do you really want to let them have it better than us? We have better equipment, better crews, better owners, better profits -- the list goes on and on. Yet despite this they have better schedules, better pay, better bennies, better work rules, better QOL in general and the list goes on and on. That is messed up dudes.

Do a little search and you will find that prior to Nov 2005 NJA pilots were the most disgruntled of them all, now they are the happiest -- what is the only thing that changed for them? A contract fought long and hard for by their UNION.

For those of you who are anti-union, that's okay. But send in your card anyway and then we can have the vote called for and it will all be over with. The union has set a standard of 65% of cards need to be turned in just to call a vote. Sending in a card now DOES NOT constitute a vote -- that election happens later. So whether you are pro-union or anti-union, sending in a card now simply calls the NMB to set up an election. After that we can get into the bitterness of who's right and wrong...

How many of you anti-union guys would like to see this thing fail? Send in a card, get the vote called for and if you're right about your numbers, then election will fail and people like me will have to shut up or leave. Wouldn't that thrill you? If so send in you card -- that is of course unless you are too yellow bellied and fear us pro-union guys might actually win. Put you money where your mouth is.

Let's roll dudes -- the quicker we get to 65% the sooner we will have our answers. All of us.

By all means!! Go union! As I fly for NJI, I welcome the possibility that Flexjet becomes less able to compete with us! Makes my company more successful, so GO UNION!

 

[AeroBoy]

G4dude,

In what airplane classes does Flexjet and NJI compete? Doesn't NJI operate only large, long-range business jets, while Flex operates light and midsize business jets? You don't buy a share of a $35M Gulfstream if you only need a share of a $9M Learjet (unless you have a small d!ck, of course).

 

[Peter_Griffin]

Priceless pearls g4?

Hey G4Dude, I know everything I write is like a priceless pearl, a nugget of unwavering wisdom and I am so happy that you agree too! Self effacing humor here as even I know I am full of something other than wisdom...

But seriously dude, why else would you quote an entire 9 paragraph message just to spill out your insignificant drivel. As Aero boy points out, it doesn't even make sense.

I wish all you anti-union tools would just put your money where your mouth is and support a NMB vote call and we can sort it all out then. No more kittyfooting, no more whining and bickering. Let's just call a vote and see where the bodies end up... I am more than willing to admit defeat IF that happens, but why are some of you guys too scared to even go for a vote call? Bunch of sackless koolaid drinking whores. I've had it and I bet almost everyone else has too so let's just STFU and get the vote thing started.

 

[G4dude]

G4dude,

In what airplane classes does Flexjet and NJI compete? Doesn't NJI operate only large, long-range business jets, while Flex operates light and midsize business jets? You don't buy a share of a $35M Gulfstream if you only need a share of a $9M Learjet (unless you have a small d!ck, of course).

Good question. I was thinking of the 604 Challenger, and to a lesser extent the Challenger 300, which is a very good plane with nice range. Plus, it is nice to see NJA do well.

 

[G4dude]

Hey G4Dude, I know everything I write is like a priceless pearl, a nugget of unwavering wisdom and I am so happy that you agree too! Self effacing humor here as even I know I am full of something other than wisdom...

But seriously dude, why else would you quote an entire 9 paragraph message just to spill out your insignificant drivel. As Aero boy points out, it doesn't even make sense.

I wish all you anti-union tools would just put your money where your mouth is and support a NMB vote call and we can sort it all out then. No more kittyfooting, no more whining and bickering. Let's just call a vote and see where the bodies end up... I am more than willing to admit defeat IF that happens, but why are some of you guys too scared to even go for a vote call? Bunch of sackless koolaid drinking whores. I've had it and I bet almost everyone else has too so let's just STFU and get the vote thing started.

I am not anybody's tool, just don't like unions. If Flexjet pilots want one, go for it! NetJets will have an easier time competing, is my point. No offense intended.

 

[Starman]

I am not anybody's tool, just don't like unions. If Flexjet pilots want one, go for it! NetJets will have an easier time competing, is my point. No offense intended.

Better get used to being in one or moving on down the road. 2 years and 9 months to go.

 

[Lostdog65]

It seems to me that within a couple of years, no matter what Frac you go to, it'll be a Union shop. That said, union or no...if you want to fly Frac's then you'll have to cough up the dues.

To quote Agent Smith from The Matrix...

"It is inevitable."

Just my 2cents...good luck guys!

Eric

 

[DO-82 driver]

Don't let the dues scare you.......what we have received in return with Strong Union Local 1108 far out weigh what I have paid in dues.....

Now, Local 284....that's a different story....I want my money back from those idiots!!!!!

 

[FLYLOW22]

Don't let the dues scare you.......what we have received in return with Strong Union Local 1108 far out weigh what I have paid in dues.....

Now, Local 284....that's a different story....I want my money back from those idiots!!!!!

We did get the money back. It is in the 1108 coffers waiting for the next battle.

 

[ArtVandalay]

Actually he said, " That is the sound of inevitability...."

 

[Lostdog65]

You are correct sir...my recall wasn't total! Either way...inevitable as it may be, the union is coming to a Frac near you!

Eric

 

[dime line]

as we speak, march 3, hopefully here at FLOPS

 

[netjetwife]

My birthday is March 6th--no pressure...lol--but a successful outcome for the pilots of Options and Flex would be a wonderful birthday present... It's easy to see there's strength in numbers. Besides that, it's the right, fair thing to do.

PILOTS ARE PROFESSIONALS THAT SHOULD BE TREATED ACCORDINGLY

1108--CHANGING THE FRACTIONAL INDUSTRY, ONE COMPANY AT A TIME

 

[DO-82 driver]

March 6th....Happy 28th!!!!!!!

 

[netjetwife]

Try 45! Our 3 kids are 20, 10 and 5 yrs old. I like to think my years of observation have been good for something besides just getting older. I enjoy sending birthday cards to the older NJ pilots because they tell me how young I am..lol... I think it helps that our oldest son is away at college. Speaking of that (and to make this bit of chit chat fit the motif) being paid like the professionals they are, will make it possible for frac pilots to give their children the education they need to succeed in today's world. The AF salary provided college funds for Nic. We're relieved that the NJ wages will now be able to do the same for Morgan and Anna. The other frac families deserve the same opportunities. When it comes to voting for representation, take a look at your children's college fund--and vote accordingly.

 

[learflyer]

1108--CHANGING THE FRACTIONAL INDUSTRY, ONE COMPANY AT A TIME


I like this statement. This should be adopted as our motto. We ought to have this printed on some t-shirts to wear around the hotels, or hanging from our necks for the owners to see! NJW, you'll charge us flops guys cheap for the royalty rights, correct?

 

[hydrarkt]

J
We have better equipment, better crews, better owners, better profits -- the list goes on and on. Yet despite this they have better schedules, better pay, better bennies, better work rules, better QOL in general and the list goes on and on. That is messed up dudes.

.

I agree with most of what you say but THAT was off... How do you suppose that your crews are better? You owners are better? How do you measure THAT!? Better profits? Geez... I didn't know that NJA posted specific profits. That information would have come in handy during negotiations. You make a good point pushing for a union but you diminish your credibility by making statements like that.

 

[Hawkered]

Personalities and politics aside: let's all get together on these message boards and get the support necessary to succesfully get Options, Flexjet, Avantair on-board as quickly as possible!!

 

[Peter_Griffin]

Don't get your panties in a twist...

I agree with most of what you say but THAT was off... How do you suppose that your crews are better? You owners are better? How do you measure THAT!? Better profits? Geez... I didn't know that NJA posted specific profits. That information would have come in handy during negotiations. You make a good point pushing for a union but you diminish your credibility by making statements like that.

Don't be so easily offended hydrarkt! I did start my start with "no offense to NJA". That statement is just a matter of opinion based on observation and meant purely as a rally shout out to the troops. Simply said if we here at flex did not think that with most things being equal flex wasn't still the better place to be we would have/should have left a long time ago.

I think after you guys help us get a union on the property and raise our QOL and pay, jobs at Flex will once again be the envy of every frac pilot out there -- or at least that is my goal. This is not meant to start some pi$$ing contest, just me dreaming. And we couldn't do it without you -- seriously. Until then take heart in the fact that you are currently the envy job...

Hey I would love if my circumstances would have allowed me to move over to NJA, but fact is I am where I am, recently upgraded and in no position with family and other obligations to be making any downgraded or lateral moves despite whatever the future may hold UNTIL I see this union thing thru. If the union gets voted down then I have no choice but to move on even if it is no longer in aviation. Those are my personal circumstances.

So back when I had offers from several to weigh why did I choose Flex? There were a lot of reasons beyond pay and most of those reasons still apply, hence my statement. If you want examples. let me know and I'd be more than happy to provide. Regardless of where you are dude, I hope for your sake you will always feel it's the best place to be and never settle. I think you know exactly where I am coming from, since you felt the need to jump on it so quick. You guys at NJA have nothing but my respect and gratitude for the trails you are blazing. We might work for different fracs, but we are cut from the same cloth brutha.

Don't be so thin skinned. Besides ya'll hijack almost every thread on this board professing how great you and your company is -- cut me some slack dude. If it rallys the troops a little, I'd say it all over again.

 

[netjetwife]

1108--CHANGING THE FRACTIONAL INDUSTRY, ONE COMPANY AT A TIME


I like this statement. This should be adopted as our motto. We ought to have this printed on some t-shirts to wear around the hotels, or hanging from our necks for the owners to see! NJW, you'll charge us flops guys cheap for the royalty rights, correct?

Very cheap It'll be my donation to the cause. NJ pilots wore their billboard t-shirts proudly. When a recurrent class all wore the polo version for their briefings from management, it was a morale boost for the entire group. I do believe it was the briefest briefing on record!

 

[netjetwife]

Personalities and politics aside: let's all get together on these message boards and get the support necessary to succesfully get Options, Flexjet, Avantair on-board as quickly as possible!!

I couldn't agree more! Peter and Hydra, you guys remind me of sitting in the O'club watching the pilots from different squadrons and listening to their rivalry. It really is just a way to rally the troops. When the pilots deployed, they left as a Wing, all on the same side, fighting the same enemy. I see the frac companies as squadrons and the frac industry as a Wing. We all share the same problems. The pilots--much as those in the AF--wind up assigned to their companies based on circumstances, more than anything. You are all professionals, fighting the same fight for your selves, your fellow pilots, and your families. You have the same enemy--corporate greed. Fight it together and you'll win.

 

[FracAviator]

Does FlexJet every take any pilots back? I'm an Ex-CL604 driver that left on very, very good terms. CP and ACP said I was welcome back, but those could just be words. If a few of the issues that need to be addressed, ARE ADDRESSED reasonably (mainly for me $$$$ and QOL)...then Flex could be a place worth being at again.

 

[FraxJockey]

Does FlexJet every take any pilots back? I'm an Ex-CL604 driver that left on very, very good terms. CP and ACP said I was welcome back, but those could just be words. If a few of the issues that need to be addressed, ARE ADDRESSED reasonably (mainly for me $$$$ and QOL)...then Flex could be a place worth being at again.

I don't see why not. Just have to start back at the bottom like every on else.

 

[pers-headwall]

Sweet sound of crickets!