In defense of USA Jet

[iaflyer]

I worked at USA Jet for a period of time - PilotYIP is correct, the training and MX was great.

What he doesn't mention is that many of those benefits (additional days off, guaranteed days off, etc) were a result of lots of people leaving in the 2000-2004 timeframe and a union drive in 2003. I'm sorry that USA Jet couldn't be competitive, but I think that has more to do with the investment groups wanting their monetary returns and to cut the losses than the flight ops management holding the line on training and benefits.

Also, it's easy to claim "low pilot turnover" when the company is constantly shrinking - when I got there in 2000 there were 26 airplanes (not counting the corporate airplanes) on the property - now there are less than 10. Morale is very low I hear and people are trying to leave.

I wish USA Jet could of competed better - they have plenty of opportunity, but they chose to not expand outside their comfort zone until it was too late. The management from the top down was a bunch of yes-men who could not challenge the "wisdom" of Active-Aero decision makers.

The only exception was PilotYip - really, I'm not blowing smoke here. He had a number of smart ideas that, had management listened to him, would of done the company well - some were off the wall and I thought odd (Squadrons anyone?) but others were well thought out but shot down by Active Aero because they didn't think of them. Sure, he was a cheerleader but if that's what it takes to keep the job, where are the pompoms?

 

[phr8dawg]

Aviation employees are expendable. There is always another starry-eyed kid who wants to be a pilot. The industry knows it. We don't have the unity to really do anything about it so the exploitation will continue until autoflight grounds all of us. I will then climb into my post-apocalyptic steam-powered ultralight and just disappear.........

 

[Way2Broke]

If you have ever managed any business of consequence, you would know why one never gives advance warning or notice of shut downs or terminations. In big companies, it often means security comes to your office and escorts you to the door checking everything you are taking.

Apparently you are not familiar with the federal laws that require notice.

 

[tjsatter]

If you have ever managed any business of consequence, you would know why one never gives advance warning or notice of shut downs or terminations. In big companies, it often means security comes to your office and escorts you to the door checking everything you are taking.

True, Very, very True. I hope folks take note of this type of behavior when they are considering how to manage their own careers especially in re the myth of "2 weeks notice" thing. It's my policy on any job I've ever left (voluntarily on my initiative that is not to give ANY notice but just walk out at the necessary time. I once saw a guy at a previous job screw himself out of a job he really wanted because of misguided loyalty and the belief that he "owed" the company some notice. You don't owe them shiite I tried to tell him; how much notice would they give you?

tj

 

[Way2Broke]

True, Very, very True. I hope folks take note of this type of behavior when they are considering how to manage their own careers especially in re the myth of "2 weeks notice" thing. It's my policy on any job I've ever left (voluntarily on my initiative that is not to give ANY notice but just walk out at the necessary time. I once saw a guy at a previous job screw himself out of a job he really wanted because of misguided loyalty and the belief that he "owed" the company some notice. You don't owe them shiite I tried to tell him; how much notice would they give you?

tj

Just like if a company is required by law to give you notice, and can be held liable if they do not give notice, you are risking a not eligible for re-hire if you do not give the company notice. I agree, though, if you are working for a operator that might screw you over, then no notice is prudent. Unlike a employer, a employee is not bound by law to provide notice.

 

[fleaflickerjoe]

Just like if a company is required by law to give you notice, and can be held liable if they do not give notice, you are risking a not eligible for re-hire if you do not give the company notice. I agree, though, if you are working for a operator that might screw you over, then no notice is prudent. Unlike a employer, a employee is not bound by law to provide notice.

Like it or not, what do can you do about it? It's kinda like being broke up with...you just have to lick your wounds and move on. Good luck to all yall guy's finding new jobs, its tough times out here but don't waste anytime with the past. Thats my .02

Big D

 

[PilotwQuestions]

There are things that you can do.
http://www.doleta.gov/programs/factsht/warn.htm

 

[tjsatter]

I don't believe employers, in general, are required to give any notice at all. There are specific, individual cases where contractual issues are involved but this is not federal law. "At Will" is a more general mode of employment for most folks, most of the time.

tj

 

[Amish RakeFight]

Apparently you are not familiar with the federal laws that require notice.

Not true.

There is something called "At Will Employment," meaning the employer or employee may terminate the employment at any time without any notice whatsoever.

 

[fleaflickerjoe]

Not true.

There is something called "At Will Employment," meaning the employer or employee may terminate the employment at any time without any notice whatsoever.

If you want to pay a lawer to flight this battle, rest assured that he/she will be the only one that walks away with any $. They always have and always will!

Good luck!

Big D