Mesaba's race to the Bottom

[Mesabi Miner]

Let's all hold on for a minute and pipe down... Sometimes I honestly have to remind myself to do the same thing. My comments:

1. The lawsuit threat for collecting training costs from furloughed/notified furloughed pilot is real. Are they gonna see any of that money paid? No. FO's, don't pay it.

2. We haven't signed anything. Now is OUR chance to stall on a new contract. Management did it to us on our last one, now it's time to repay the favor. ALPA has NOT received the financial data they've requested from the company in order to even consider concessions.

3. Management's proposal of the other day is ridiculous and management knows that. They're just trying to ruff us up. In addition, they're asking for, say, 20%, in order that we come back with say, 10%. That's not gonna happen here. I don't know of one XJ pilot that will agree to anything over 0%. Too many 6+ year FO's, no career advancement, and they want to take away our slim salary too? Ughh... Nope.

4. Mr. Paul Foley, CEO of MAIR must go. He collects $700,000 per year for "managing" a holdings company that essentially does nothing. His salary is nearly double that of Doug Steenland, of NWA. Why? Would I feel different if Mr. Foley had established new flying for XJ? Absolutely! But last I heard, the only thing he's achieved is acquiring Big Sky, our multi-million dollar thorn in the side. Nothing personal against our Big Sky flight deck brothers.

Just a few thoughts. I would personally urge everyone at XJ to polish up the logbooks and think about other options. I hope it doesn't come to that, but I do hope that our MEC has the marbles to finally say "NO!" and threaten (even if deemed illegal by an 1113c judge) to STRIKE.

MM

Not ONE cent.

 

[YourPilotFriend]

Foriegn mainline pilots make good money, in fact, give me their pay rates. It's outsourcing jobs that are mainline to regionals at significantly lower pay rates that's the problem; hence the NewCo threat. You can't have a nation wide list of alpa pilots, there will still be pilots and airlines going low cost non-ALPA. You need one solid list at each company with strong scope that prevents them from going to regionals in the first place. If NWA were to put together the list, how long do you think it would take for the other carriers to follow suit. We need to control how pilots get into this business just like doctors do. Then pilots won't be so willing to go out and fly for 17K a year when they know, it won't get them anywhere.

 

[filejw]

I'm not so sure you need a nation wide list but a nation wide contract with the same amendable date.That would be the start.Have to negotiation thu the Air Transport Association or similar that would be a start.Everybody with the same work rules and pay.

 

[another cfii]

Exactely, if we arent careful and stick together we will beocme expendable to the lowest bidder. We will be outsourced and flights will no longer be flown by American Pilots. Just like the flight attendants at NW with flights originating in Asia with Asian attendants. Its only a matter of time till it becomes standard practice.

Actually NW has been outsourcing FA on their Asia routes for a long time. If you hop on their flights originating from NRT to any asia destinations, it usually has more than a few asian FA. Though those FAs are not allowed to do any flying into the states, i.e. "protecting" the jobs of those FA in mainland.

 

[PeanuckleCRJ]

I believe there are only 2 "mainland" flight attendants on each flight orginating out of NRT to stations beyond... been that way for years.

 

[MesabaDriver]

Yes, but how long before they allow them to touch mainland soil. Trust me if NW can save some money they will find another way around the job security of the current FA's. You think they care about our security or anyone but their own. I would be willing to say in the next ten years if not soon you will see US part 121/129 carriers originating flights to the US from foriegn countries that will hurt American based carriers. Its comming.

 

[xjhawk]

hey mesabi miner, good post! i agree! How could the delta bankruptcy judge be ready to give Comair a pay decrease to that above us while our company is asking our judge to put us at the lowest in the industry! I have already heard one of my friends at the company say...."at least we will get new jets and be a captain in a year or two" That sort of attitude will be our doom. People, talk to your fellow pilots, we cannot accept any reduction from our last "growth" contract. The company wanted 6 years, i saw we give it to them! I beleive this is a scare tactic, but tehy did a good job, i am lookin at not being a pilot anymore if this or any reduction is in order! those rates would be great for newco huh? amazing the rates go to 110 seats!

 

[YourPilotFriend]

Thats just it if you agree to fly a/c with 110 seats at 13% less than 50 seats, you guys are NewCo. Management will do whatever it takes to get that flying to Mesaba. All you current Mesaba pilots will get the boot anyway as NWA pilots take those positions. Either way you lose, that why i've been trying to get you guys to side with mainline. If that happens, only some of you will lose, the top guys will have to go to other carriers to survive, while the younger guys will have to ride out the storm a little longer.

NWA piots are willing to go to Mesaba pay rates on NewCo a/c. They believe that if they keep scope they can get their money back easily. Yeah i will be going to NewCo either way, although i'd rather see you younger guys be brought up to the mainline early. Once those young guys hit the mainline list, their attitude towards pay rates will change. The slide will stop.

 

[N590MA]

Wheels-up,
Yea it's true. Our joke of a management team wants to hold the 21 pilots they furloughed to a training contract of $21,000 if they find another job. There is a huge question of whether this is even legal. I say FOOK up, if they put those pilots on the street they can hold them to this job.

We are so short of line pilots right now with all the down grades in training and the fo's leaving they are TRYING to junior man every body they can. I don't think they are having much luck!!!

Thanks goes to our MEC and the MECs at express jet and air wisconsin for working out a deal to give our furloughed pilot preferential interviews.

 

[N813CA]

would you go find the cheapest doctor