Our "Team" leader out to lunch

[Whoosh!]

More great news....

Did I hear this correctly? Is FLOPS going to start getting rid of the X's?

 

[SilverSurfer]

Head Still In The Sand

Sh!finger and Punjab still have their heads in the sand trying to ignore what is going on all around them.

I looked at the seniority list yesterday and found at least 5 pilots that I know that have left Floptions, I know there must be more, but the total number on the list has not changes in almost two weeks 581. Maybe Sh!tfinger and Punjab think that if they don't let the seniority list reflect accurate numbers that HIG won't know what is going on here. They are still subscribing to the principal that ignoring their screw ups might make them go away. Guess what, we are suffering for almost 4 years of this morons screw ups and are now paying from them.

Our only hope is that someone at HIG will be smart enough to see what is really going on, not believe the horsesh!t that Sh!tfinger and Punjab are feeding them, and ax their a$$. Thats the best chance that Floptions has to survive.

 

[Hobbes]

If you think the 10 pilots resigning in one day the other week was the peak of the departures, it only represents the fat part of the bell curve. I still know a lot of pilots here who are very close to being able to make the call and send the FedEx box.

 

[netjetwife]

On the NJ board pilots have also posted that Options pilots they run into say they're leaving the FLOPS. My husband (who's known for calling it fairly) agrees with you guys that upper management there has been dragging the company down. I realize that's a mixed metaphor..., but it's not my fault the FLOPS won't do their jobs as professionally as the pilots do, flight after flight. Options pilots have made a huge contribution and y'all know precisely who's to blame for the downward trend. When a company can't keep the pilots they already have and others refuse to apply it is crystal clear that the problems start at the top. It's also obvious which side is stalling at the bargaining table. Don't let the out of control egos break your will.

They can only sweep so many FedEx boxes under the rug before new people from HIG start tripping over the strange lumps. The FLOPS would like to make the situation sound much more complicated than it is in order to hide their failures but in reality it all boils down to low pay and unfair work conditions. You hold the moral high ground. Hang in there guys!
Best Wishes to you all,
Netjetwife

PS Ask those who are leaving to include a professionally worded but very clear letter explaining their reasons for departure. It's hard to ignore the truth, especially when you hear it repeated over and over.

 

[shanes123]

you all are giving HIG to much credit. they would have cleaned house already if they were going too..they could care less about the Pilots or any employees. There probably just gearing up for the auction. Flops is worth more in piecies then it ever will be worth whole

 

[Frac Cap]

you all are giving HIG to much credit. they would have cleaned house already if they were going too..they could care less about the Pilots or any employees. There probably just gearing up for the auction. Flops is worth more in piecies then it ever will be worth whole

I politely beg to differ. What does Flops own? We don't own the aircraft, the clients do. They lease the property at CGF. they rent the MX buildings, and the one in MCC I hear was rented very cheaply. But that doesn't even stop them from shutting that place down.

Yes thats right, they just put the word out that MCC is now closing. I think it might be because they can't get any mechanics to work out there. The mechanics were leaving to get a pay raise working for Marta, and that is no joke. They may try to say it is what they planed to do, but I think this is just a way to try to get there numbers where they need to be and what they are doing is just putting their middle finger in the dike before it breaks.

 

[Hobbes]

Yeah most of the mechs in MCC won't give two craps that they are closing. My buddy was out there and TWO mechanics said they won't road trip anymore for the company because after doing road trips all of their valid expenses are returned unpaid. They were NOT happy campers, but then that is status quo at FLOPs top to bottom.

Flops will not survive this year. If they are still around in August I will be shocked.

 

[shanes123]

also the company credit cards are being declined all over the place..they keep saying its a glitch..funny I never have a glitch with my personal credit cards..Guess its cause I pay my bill..Reminds me of the days Ken Ricci was here..he didnt pay his bills either..Shows a lack of cash flow with flops..Not a good sign for longevity..HIG better give Flops a cash infusion..

 

[Frac Cap]

I have not seen or heard of a single, and I mean not a single thing HIG has done for Flops in the way of investment for the future. I was hoping that I would have seen some evidence of cash coming in, like new core aircraft, or new maintenance staff. But I see it is actually the opposite. We are closing a MX base. I am now starting to wounder if they are not going to back us.

 

[netjetwife]

Frac Cap, when does the official change-over take place, or has it already? If it hasn't, maybe they're waiting for the pre-set date? I can certainly appreciate how tense things are for the Options pilots right now, but what can you do other than dig in your heels and keep your chin up? Well, follow your MEC's advice, of course. Just earn the paycheck; we all know that shouldn't require too much effort. If the FLOPS want a motivated pilotgroup willing to go the extra miles then let them put away the sticks and bring out the appropriate carrot$. Good Luck to all of you and your families during this difficult time.
NJW

 

[Whoosh!]

These are all really bad signs for FLOPS. Huge pilot attrition, horrible managers, mx bases closing, airplanes being sold and then leased back for short term cash, airplanes being parked because they don't have the crews, record losses, worst sales numbers in the company's history, bad press, etc, etc. I realize the union and the pilots are doing the right thing but "hanging in there" probably isn't a good idea at this point.... might want to start working on plan B pretty quick. There's an abundance of better jobs for pilots with fractional experience. Almost a no brainer.

 

[netjetwife]

Whoosh, it doesn't see that clear to me. I see it as a tough decision. To me there are valid reasons for wanting to see the fight through to a resolution: a matter of standing on principle; commitment to one's peers; the uneasiness of changing horses in the middle of the stream, wrong time if a move is required, etc. Depending on the pilot, any combination could apply. It's hard to read the leaves when the tea's still swirling. That said, the FLOPS definitely aren't encouraging any of the pilots to stay yet... Thus, my good luck wishes to all referred to those who leave and to those who stay and fight.

In the meantime, even if you're planning to leave, please stand firm (don't do them any favors) right up to your last day--and in your resignation letter, too. Your negotiators and fellow pilots will appreciate the solidarity and the message from angry pilots turning away in disgust will have even more impact.
Best Wishes,
NJW

 

[Frac Cap]

NJW, to answer your question, I am not sure on the exact date. But I believe the final signing was at the end of November. It is already a done deal, unless we are being misled by management again. But as I said before, not a single peep out of HIG, like welcome to the family, or we have big plans for Flops, or any plans for that matter. The once optimistic beginning, has turned to pessimism from the sound of crickets. No new core aircraft, no hiring plans for growth (just 9 for attrition).

The not so visible victims are our families. All our families. From the wifes that don't get the full budget to fill the pantry, to the kids that don't get a college education. I for one am now going into financial lock-down and unfortunately my kids will be the victims on that one with our now canceled family vacation. But I know Baboo will probably take the company jet on yet another family vacation.

I think it is about time HIG make upper management share in some of our cutbacks on their extravagant perks.

just my 1 cent (still can't afford 2)

 

[jonjuan]

Why not leave for NJA and be able to take your family vacation and fund your kids education?

 

[netjetwife]

Frac Cap, I know it's hard to see down the road when you're fighting in the trenches, but I do think that the example you're setting for your children is an all-important lesson on standing up for what's right. Feel free to tell them that I respect and admire your family (the kids included) for the sacrifice y'all are making to try to improve the situation for yourselves, your fellow workers, and the industry. Please keep me posted on how things go for your family.
Best Wishes,
Netjetwife

JJ, Options pilots have invested a lot of time and effort in that company. They shouldn't have to go someplace else. If the NJ pilots had done that instead of making a stand they wouldn't have the contract they now enjoy. The FLOPS need to get their act together and work as hard and as professionally as the pilots do. That means hammering out a contract this spring/summer. Frac pilots essentially do the same job and so huge discrepancies in pay are not right.

 

[netjetwife]

The not so visible victims are our families. All our families. From the wifes that don't get the full budget to fill the pantry, to the kids that don't get a college education. ... just my 1 cent (still can't afford 2)

EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT POST!! If all the pilots will speak out this loudly and clearly the contract battle will end sooner. NJW

 

[Frac Cap]

Why not leave for NJA and be able to take your family vacation and fund your kids education?

My intentions are to make the best choice for my family that I have available to me, with the information that I have at the time. I am currently working to better my vocational options. Just saying someone should go to Net Jets doesn't mean that they will get an interview among all the other applicants. Even with an interview, that doesn't guarantee a job. I know of a lot of really good guys that for whatever reason didn't make the cut. So until I have an opportunity presented to me that is better for my family, I will continue to try to educate management on what they either can't or refuse to see to try to make this a better place.

to borrow some appropriate lyrics, if you can't be with the one you love, love the one your with. We need to try to make this the best place possible with a fair contract.

 

[B19 Flyer]

It's not a battle!

EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT POST!! If all the pilots will speak out this loudly and clearly the contract battle will end sooner. NJW

There you go again with the win-lose scenario.

It's not supposed to be a battle, it's negotiations. That's what all the pro-union propaganda is always spitting out...

If the pilots swallow what you a spitting out and vote a union on to the property, then don't they have to accept what the union leadership is doing?

It's a negotation, not a battle...

Get it right, it's not about winning or losing, because if it's about that, the company has already lost because there is a union on the property.

 

[Whoosh!]

B19, you'll go to the grave fighting unions and not have made a lick of difference. Now, that's a life worth living.

 

[chingaso]

.

Get it right, it's not about winning or losing, because if it's about that, the company has already lost because there is a union on the property.

The company lost when it put in place a CEO that doesn't know anything about aviation. There is a union on the property for no other reason than the fact that Michael Sheeringa was placed in charge. Anything you want to blame on the union, you must first address why it came into reality. Anything you want to blame on the union, you must first blame Michael Sheeringa, who is single-handedly responsible for the union's existence.

He is the sole, primary, number one, singular reason:
-a union was voted in
-why Flight Options is the least profitable fractional provider in the nation
-why the company has historic employee attrition
-why the company has historic owner attrition
-why Flight Options can't attract new pilots
-why the FAA is investigating an infamously corrupt maintenance department
-why the company's reputation has been ruined
-why Cleveland is dysfunctionally incompetent
-why Flight Options employees are the lowest paid in the fractional industry, and the hardest working.

Most pilots didn't want a union at Flight Options. Obviously, things got so bad that it became the lesser of two evils. Michael Sheeringa is the only reason that happened.

To oppose the Union presently, means you support Michael Sheeringa and all of the points made above. To oppose the Union and support Michael Sheeringa means you support pencil-whipping maintenance, it means you support dangerous and abusive scheduling practices, it means you support pitifully low standards of living, it means you support pitifully low pilot wages, it means you support robbing-Peter-to-pay-Paul, it means you support stepping over dollars to pick up dimes, and it means you actually support all of the things that this one man has done to hurt a lot of people and their families.

It is a full-grown man's responsibility to provide and protect his wife and children. Thats the #1. When someone or some thing threatens your wife and kids, you don't sit on your hands, you do something. Since no one would listen to any of the pilots, or take any of them seriously, they were forced to organize in order to get their voices heard and their families better provided for. Period. Its that simple.

The company IS its employees. Nothing more. The company lost when Michael Sheeringa stepped foot on the tarmac out front.

 

[skyismyoffice]

Bravo chingaso!!

 

[Frac Cap]

You also forgot that he almost single handedly killed the company by trying to fire a large group of very senior pilots who's only mistake was being stuck in the Falcon program when he wanted to "park the Falcons, and fire the pilots". It took all the senior management to quickly educate him on aviation and seniority, not to mention common sense before he made that fatal mistake. Attrition would have hit the roof, and moral,the toilet.

 

[FR8DOG777]

Enjoy it while it lasts

I can only hope GOD grants me a five minute pass into the deepest inferno's of hell to squirt a little bottle of lighter fluid on mikey scheeringa, punjab, bobby tyler, and of course b1.9. Congratulations boys you ruined a lot of great men and woman's lives. Job well done. Thanks for the wasted time. SEE YOU IN HELL!

 

[Whoosh!]

That sums it up pretty well.

 

[B19 Flyer]

B19, you'll go to the grave fighting unions and not have made a lick of difference. Now, that's a life worth living.

Tell that to my friend now in an urn in after he killed himself because of a job loss due to an unwarranted union action.

 

[B19 Flyer]

The company lost when it put in place a CEO that doesn't know anything about aviation. There is a union on the property for no other reason than the fact that Michael Sheeringa was placed in charge. Anything you want to blame on the union, you must first address why it came into reality. Anything you want to blame on the union, you must first blame Michael Sheeringa, who is single-handedly responsible for the union's existence.

He is the sole, primary, number one, singular reason:
-a union was voted in
-why Flight Options is the least profitable fractional provider in the nation
-why the company has historic employee attrition
-why the company has historic owner attrition
-why Flight Options can't attract new pilots
-why the FAA is investigating an infamously corrupt maintenance department
-why the company's reputation has been ruined
-why Cleveland is dysfunctionally incompetent
-why Flight Options employees are the lowest paid in the fractional industry, and the hardest working.

Most pilots didn't want a union at Flight Options. Obviously, things got so bad that it became the lesser of two evils. Michael Sheeringa is the only reason that happened.

To oppose the Union presently, means you support Michael Sheeringa and all of the points made above. To oppose the Union and support Michael Sheeringa means you support pencil-whipping maintenance, it means you support dangerous and abusive scheduling practices, it means you support pitifully low standards of living, it means you support pitifully low pilot wages, it means you support robbing-Peter-to-pay-Paul, it means you support stepping over dollars to pick up dimes, and it means you actually support all of the things that this one man has done to hurt a lot of people and their families.

It is a full-grown man's responsibility to provide and protect his wife and children. Thats the #1. When someone or some thing threatens your wife and kids, you don't sit on your hands, you do something. Since no one would listen to any of the pilots, or take any of them seriously, they were forced to organize in order to get their voices heard and their families better provided for. Period. Its that simple.

The company IS its employees. Nothing more. The company lost when Michael Sheeringa stepped foot on the tarmac out front.

Bad management can be changed overnight. Many of the most successful CEOs never had a day in the industry.

Once a union is on the property, the entire company is forever threatened.

 

[Hobbes]

Up awful early this Sunday trying to bust unions aren't we? What's the matter, trying to prove your worth to Ford and Harrison after how awful you have been doing lately?

 

[1folinepilot]

Bad management can be changed overnight.

My God, You actually said something worth while!

HIG needs to immediately get rid of you (Bob Tyler) Michael Scheeringa, Sanjay and a good portion of their yes men middle managers if Flight Options is ever going to stay afloat!

 

[dime line]

Tell that to my friend now in an urn in after he killed himself because of a job loss due to an unwarranted union action.

So your friend was weak and couldn't handle the situation that he had put himself in. So the only cowerdly thing to do is suicide. hmmmm. Don't look for any sympathy here

 

[Whoosh!]

B19, that was a pathetic attempt to draw sympathy for your rediculous cause. Basically, the logic you're trying to pass is: unions = "unwarranted" events = people killing themselves. You're just as mentally ill as your "friend" was.