Flight Options union robs the first officers is this ok?

[netjetwife]

I don't work at FLOPs, so you guys can do what you want. But that is some horrible pay they are offering. That is so far from the industry average it is depressing. If I was there I'd vote no and send them back to the table.

Obviously, like Japhy, I have no direct connection to the Flt Ops group, but I do share his interest and concern based on the fact that all our families in the frac industry share a lot of common ground and can be (and have been) affected by what happens to one another. That said, I must say that his observation is my initial reaction also. And it's hard to see past that 5 year possibility...probability duration...yuk! But every detail must be looked at.

I trust that the Flt Ops pilots and families will give their TA the thorough scrutiny its provisions call for and your leaders' efforts deserve. You all have a lot of studying to do. Good luck! As you weigh the pros and cons, don't forget to celebrate the fact that you are taking control of your destiny just by voting!

Kudos on reaching this milestone,
NJW

 

[HazMat]

NJW I understand your concern and understand why you have reappeared. Management at NJ will certainly use the OPs TA as a benchmark. Could lead to future problems.

 

[netjetwife]

Haz, while that is a possible scenario for every pilotgroup, I'm confident that the top managers at NJ have come to value the contribution of the pilots, seeing firsthand that a respected, motivated group is more productive and makes a better partner... in goods times -- and bad.

My primary focus is on the pilots and families that will have to live and work directly under this TA for what could well be over 5 years. That understood, it is true that my posts allude to the impact that it could have on the rest of the industry. I think there could be more future problems for those pilots who are at-will employees, working without an agreed upon legally binding set of rules and pay. That sector of the frac community has always been more at risk. Events like this just have a way of highlighting that reality. Best of luck to all our families! NJW

P.S. On a lighter note, you get half credit for recognizing the problem and noticing that we're all in this together...

 

[AceCrackshot]

The Information Operations Campaign from the Union was always that the FOs were going to be screwed...which in itself was a fascinating thing considering that the original union-guys at FLOPS were heavily OVERREPRESENTED by Beechjet FOs.

 

[993_Pilot]

...I'm confident that the top managers at NJ have come to value the contribution of the pilots, seeing firsthand that a respected, motivated group is more productive and makes a better partner... in goods times -- and bad.

My primary focus is on the pilots and families that will have to live and work directly under this TA for what could well be over 5 years...

Unfortunately, if this TA is ratified, it won't be because the majority are happy with it and feel like it is what they deserve. Flops management will probably be even more unhappy about the contract, because I they will have a lot of unmotivated, disgruntled pilots with work rules/protections and grievance procedures.

 

[netjetwife]

That's why the 5 year plus duration is such a concern, IMO. Putting up with an unsatisfactory deal for 2 yrs, 3 max, would be a lot easier--not to mention, fairer. Unfortunately, some managers are slow to realize that the stick approach causes more problems in the long run. When that's the case, (and it does appear that way, even to an outsider like me) then making sure they fully realize that the pilot group is tired of disrespectful treatment seems to me to be the best method of education. The way I see it, a handful of pilots across the table can't get the message across like a determined pilot-group voting down a lop-sided TA. The term "lop-sided" is my own personal opinion from the outside; those of you in 1108 may see it differently.

Obviously, such a big decision requires lots of discussion on the 1108 board and at your kitchen tables. Having been thru the process, I know it takes a lot of time and thought and, to some degree, even crystal-ball gazing. But your future depends on it so it is definitely worth it! Best wishes as you work on adding up the pros and cons. NJW