More Furlough Rumblings at Flex

[Nolife]

Unfortunately that post about rumors is correct. Everyone swore up and down that the first round of layoffs wouldn't happen but the rumor mill was proved right in every way.

Another round of layoffs might sound the death knell for flex by driving business to other companies who are perceived to be financially healthier.

 

[smartelephant]

I spoke with one of the long time dispatchers last night, and he told me that current flying levels are 50% of what they have been historically. And not just because of summer. Outside of NJA who could be financially healthier since flex as the backing of Bombardier? I understand flex should stand on it's own, but why not a cash infusion from the mothership instead of just closing the doors?

 

[unclepetey]

I've heard conflicting things from my buddies at the company. Some say they are very busy, some not. But I think recalls are unlikely. If they had an increase in flying they can put people back on 16 day lines. That would be much easier than recalling and training pilots.

 

[Ex-Flex]

as long as management gets their's.....why would they care?

I bet they all got a raise.

of course they did, any a hefty bonus too

 

[Flex-ible]

I think the answer to recalls is 'dreamin' although I would like to have it happen dont get me wrong...

But so many of the planes are parked or idle, look at flightaware 606fx sitting in FLL for 25days, 605fx sat in ICT for 10 days, 433fx ADS 52days , 431fx ADS 60days, 429fx parked TUS 30days ago, 430fx parked TUS 100days ago, 510fx (all all 300's prior) parked TUS , 511fx FLL for 28days 512fx ADS for 10days, ...the list goes on and on it doesnt look good for the recall wish at all!

But ouch 608fx leaving BUR for ADS at 1.24am PDT right now, thats not nice, I feel sorry for that crew!

The 300's you mentioned are among the oldest ones left. Maybe they are for sale, or parked because they reached the hour limits in the contract.

Let's hope the crew from 608FX was Dallas based and on their last day!

I am rooting for the training slots needed for recall....please.....

 

[Photoflight]

was told that it was mentioned in the puzzle palace that we are still 5 to 10% overstaffed.

Fingers crossed that its all lies as I'll be one of the first to go.

 

[haulingthemail]

......makes one wonder about this new CAFO's, what does that mean? a way to decrease crews by making everyone a CA when needed?

 

[Rouge Warrior]

Go to ADS and look at some of the planes parked back by the cherry ramp. Recalls I don't think so, I think they know the current rebound in the markets are a false positive and are getting ready for more furloughs. The initial saving from the original furloughs hid the cash hemorrhage now its time for more savings.

 

[bunman45]

I sent an email to Fred asking him straight up about layoffs and he just replied to me that he does not see a need for more pilot reductions at this time and that Tom was correct when he said there would be no more planned pilot furloughs this year. So there you have it.

 

[unclepetey]

I sent an email to Fred asking him straight up about layoffs and he just replied to me that he does not see a need for more pilot reductions at this time and that Tom was correct when he said there would be no more planned pilot furloughs this year. So there you have it.

Thanks for the update. However, we have heard this "at this time" talk before and look where we are now.

So I wonder what this rumor is about then. Maybe some of the geriatrics are finally "retiring".

 

[jetmaster727]

way to go Bun. That's what we need more of. Step up and ask the man. Enough already with the rumors. You guys are all pessimists! Hell I just got an email asking for OT so I don't think furloughs are in the offing. Also one of our guys saw Globals in our colors. Put that in your pipe and smoke it!

 

[RNObased]

way to go Bun. That's what we need more of. Step up and ask the man. Enough already with the rumors. You guys are all pessimists! Hell I just got an email asking for OT so I don't think furloughs are in the offing. Also one of our guys saw Globals in our colors. Put that in your pipe and smoke it!

Did it have FX on the tail???

 

[av8trinabarrel]

I sent an email to Fred asking him straight up about layoffs and he just replied to me that he does not see a need for more pilot reductions at this time and that Tom was correct when he said there would be no more planned pilot furloughs this year. So there you have it.

Best of luck to you guys. Coming from someone on the bottom of the NJA list, I sincerely hope you are right and nobody else gets escorted off the property.

P.S.- Please discontinue spreading factual information on FI...You will be banned for spreading such jibberish.

 

[dime line]

Do you actually think he will tell you guys the truth about future plans about layoffs?

 

[FastJP4]

Do you actually think he will tell you guys the truth about future plans about layoffs?

Bingo. You need to know the background of what the "leader" is saying. The background is horrendous from a company profitability perspective and from a pilot relations perspective. If he continues to hold true to form, expect a consistant decline in all aspects of the company - and for him to jump ship with his pocket lined parachute just before the SHTF.

You'll have as much luck in finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow as you will in getting an honest answer from Fred Greed.

 

[flex*wife]

FR for president:he can sell BS better than any politician

......makes one wonder about this new CAFO's, what does that mean? a way to decrease crews by making everyone a CA when needed?

Ding Ding Ding.... and the furloughed guy gets the gold bar for being most on target...

READ, or RE-READ the FOM revisions that came JUST last week regarding FOs as CAs and think for yourselves.

I betcha the training slots are to upgrade/checkride all remaining FOs to CAs as neccessary so Flex can get around the captain heavy seniority list costing that's costing them way too much $$. That way on any given day they are only paying 1/2 the pilots capt pay regardless of their seniority position... Expect the announcement you will be paid at your seat/position on any given day rate to be forthcoming...

Rumor has it the 60's and 45's are doubled captained on the majority of planes and it's happening quite a bit on the Challengers as well.

And you silly boys still don't think you need a union. Mark my words only the top 25% of each fleet will be safe from the the paycheck reduction scandal about to hit guys who have been here 4, 5,6 even 7 years...

At least it's not furloughs or permanenr downgrades... Congrats tho to FR on the slick move to make junior timers feel all good about becoming captains and staving off yet ANOTHER union drive.

I'm in a bad mood today -- make my day by disagreeing with the obvious.

 

[unclepetey]

They are up to something for sure. But I think what they are doing is using the guys that they downgraded as captains on some days. Not making everyone a "captain." Plus, that would require more than the rumored 60 slots as there are currently about 250 CA in a pilot group of about 378.

 

[Dooker]

And you silly boys still don't think you need a union.

Well put, indeed.

Biggest bunch of chumps and suckers in aviation work at Flex--ESPECIALLY among the upper reaches of the seniority list.

 

[FastJP4]

Well put, indeed.

Biggest bunch of chumps and suckers in aviation work at Flex--ESPECIALLY among the upper reaches of the seniority list.

I'll second that. They should consider renaming it for the top 200 - ChumpJet.

 

[flex*wife]

They are up to something for sure. But I think what they are doing is using the guys that they downgraded as captains on some days. Not making everyone a "captain." Plus, that would require more than the rumored 60 slots as there are currently about 250 CA in a pilot group of about 378.

Flexjet simply cannot afford another furlough -- bad for morale and business. But they have to cut the bleed somehow, someway. Upgrading everyone to CA status is a slick way of slamming the hammer. More than anything they need to worry about the mid pack pilots (lear captains) earning capt pay for FO days so I still think my theory is correct. The cost savings will be astronomical. According to your own numbers they are 80 or so captains heavy and downgrades would look horrible right now.

(ADDED) Remember they are captain heavy not FO heavy -- so your idea doesn't make sense right now even though I would MUCH prefer that to be the case. (ADDED)

Also, using your own #s = 60 is 1/2 of the 120 or so you pointed out. Half now, half Oct, right before busy season. Somethings brewing, mark my words. Makes sense to me that they could only reasonly do 60 a month anyway...

As you can tell, I'm not a fan of the plan... Dishonesty and manipulation wrapped in a silver bow might as well be wrapped in dog poo for all it's worth.