Our "Team" leader out to lunch

[netjetwife]

First for all of you that have stopped quoting Bob/B19 and his constant pile of bullsh!t, thank you. You're welcome. I'd like to add my voice to yours. Fellow board members, B19's anti-union propaganda/posts shouldn't be rewarded with a quote. His lack of credibility and unfair comments prompted Silver's request and I think we should honor it.

Bob/B19 has one agenda and one agenda only. Affect the solidarity of the pilots at Floptions, undermine the effectiveness of our union leadership and the negotiations process, all in order to help Floptions management get of easy and turn out a weak CBA. Bob/B19 is a fraud and his espoused mission is a smoke screen.

You nailed it, Silver. That's why he refuses to discuss the success of the NJ pilotgroup under 1108. His irrelevant, unfair comments have a monotonous tone...FUD..FUD..FUD..that actually causes the Options pilots to dig in their heels as they see the lengths some in management are willing to go to to prevent the two sides from learning to work together. What gall to suggest that he is motivated by concern for pilots. He's one of the most self-serving posters this forum has and his refusal to have an honest, applicable conversation is showing Options pilots exactly what FUD smells like when it hits the screen. Just like bullsh1t! Sure makes me appreciate my boots! Hang in there, guys!! NJW

 

[netjetwife]

Remember he went after the Avantair guys when they were thinking about unionizing. He hasn't kept up with them though, so maybe Avantair ran out of their union busting budget?

Bingo! I kept thinking that I'd heard all of his FUD before. I had tried to offer encouragement to the Avantair pilots after some of them PMed me about their situation. Of course the FUD-Spinner was busy on those threads weaving his sticky web and trying to trap unsuspecting pilots who fall for his BS.... I think you're right, Imac. B19 must be a paid poster for FUD and Harrison. Pilots should avoid him like the plague. Those with union questions would do far better to ask a NJ pilot what 1108 has done for them. Likewise, Options pilots sound relieved to be working on their first contract.

 

[Galaxy]

I dare say that if you had told the NJ pilots 6 years ago that they would have the contract they have today very few of them would have believed you. There is an increasing demand for experienced pilots and service in the airlines seems to be decreasing. I think the problems at Options aren't as dire as you predict, but I do know that it's easy to get discouraged in an uphill battle. I hope that you can take heart from your group's recent show of solidarity. The Options pilotgroup is doing the right thing for your company, yourselves, your families, and your peers in the industry. I admire you all for the stand you are taking. Best Wishes! NJW

NJW,
While it is easy for the pilots to complain about the conditions. The problems we fear is that current mgt has ruined the brand name so badly that is almost impossible to recover from the lack of customer service our FAT (last I checked it was just over 10 per plane) so called support team delivers.
The number of planes that are parked without crews is astounding-everywhere you go there is a BBJ parked and if you check flightaware-its been there a week and when you check the book its been green. The maint dept has been working with its hands tied for years and now a fleet shows its tiring age. It has been years since I have heard a happy owner at FLOPS. Many of those early contract are now coming to an end. Almost 95% of the time they have been screwed over so many times they just wait for their contract to expire-then move on to a frax that will deliver a product-not excuses. You can not attract new business with a bad reputation. You can bring in a few clients if you bring the prices down far enough-but even they will want more for the money. This is why NJA is growing as well as FLEX and CS with FLOPS shrinking. They used to be the second largest frax. They still are but now they only hold a quarter of the market share.
I agree with the solidarity and force "M" to make a move now.
I used to think the US Air pilots were selfish with the Max pay to the end mentality. But now I see their reasoning and after enduring FLOPS for 7 years I have to agree with them--Pay up or get out.

 

[netjetwife]

Galaxy, in 2005 after their contentious contract battle the NJA pilots and managers expressed the same worry regarding their reputation; however, amazing things can happen when a fair contract pulls both sides together. I do understand that things are grim right now at Options, but I believe the spin is recoverable. A contract with the pilots and new ownership of the company may be just the breath of fresh air that is needed. Just kicking loose those who have been dragging the company down can give a huge boost to morale. That's why the NJ pilots fondly recall the departure of Boisture.

Don't under-estimate the power of persuasion your pilot group is gaining by getting the message across loud and clear that they are standing firm together. The recent propaganda boycott brings two popular sayings to mind: Actions speak louder than words and Silence is golden. The following ecard is for the Options group but anyone needing a reminder that uphill battles can be won may find it encouraging.
Regards, NJW

http://www.bluemountain.com/view.pd?i=186775120&m=1932&rr=y&source=bma999

 

[Frac Cap]

I too see uncrewed planes everywhere. That might be partly due to the lack of need for the aircraft due to us loosing customers. I heard we are loosing big contracts because of poor service and the inability to service the customer properly by getting them where they need to be.

When we loose a customer worth millions to the companies bottom line, you would think that would be a wake up call to upper management. They would try to hire more so that we don't have so many aircraft left uncrewed (with two pilots, not just one). Sanjia needs to start singing a different tune, and not just think about his needs, and where our company could fly his family on their next vacation. A true leader and a professional would not put his needs and ego in front of our customers needs. You shouldn't leave our customers without transportation and fly yourself and your family to Cabo. Thats is what is wrong with this company. Letting things like this happen shows no one is left accountable at the top.

I guess I'm digging up old wounds, but I'm getting pissed how fast they are wrecking the place.

 

[netjetwife]

I think upper management was able to sleep on duty because they had blamed problems on the pilots, but now that reality is staring them in the face--across a bargaining table, no less--they're being forced to deal with the mess they've made. The chickens have come home to roost and the new owners will be wise to bring a big broom with them to sweep out all the chicken _ _ _ _ , be it programs, (like chump change wages for professional pilots) or self-serving managers.

GIVE 'EM THE BOOT!

 

[Whoosh!]

Galaxy, in 2005 after their contentious contract battle the NJA pilots and managers expressed the same worry regarding their reputation; however, amazing things can happen when a fair contract pulls both sides together. I do understand that things are grim right now at Options, but I believe the spin is recoverable. A contract with the pilots and new ownership of the company may be just the breath of fresh air that is needed. Just kicking loose those who have been dragging the company down can give a huge boost to morale. That's why the NJ pilots fondly recall the departure of Boisture.

It may be possible that FLOPS recovers but odds certainly aren't in its favor. Yes, a contract would help however, the FLOPS reputation is already severly tarnished and there's still a VERY LONG way to go before the first CBA is reached. Hell, according to the union, mgmt is still investing in an effort to remove the 1108 (B19). This sh1t would have to do a complete 180. Confidence in the company's future is severly lacking among the pilot group as shown by the huge number of guys (senior ones too) that are walking. HIG is an investment company. They're not looking at any long term investment in FLOPS and they've specifically told this to company personnel. It's hard to sell that to potential owners/clients and the numbers are showing it. It would be great if the company could turn around but chances are even if they do stay afloat, they'll end up downsizing significantly and/or morphing into some kind of aircraft management/charter thing. AND, should that be the case, the union would have a lot less leverage in getting a fractional level contract.

 

[Galaxy]

FLOPS has always been right from the start a low cost frax. We had all the bargain basement richers. Any type of celebrety was a weak B lister or even a C lister. FLOPS took a huge hit back when the Dot Commers went belly up and KR had to sell a cash cow to pay them back for the liquidity clause. I agree with woosh. This place is beyond repair and I am sure HIG bought it for less than the assets are worth. The only future here is a charter/mgt company that will rival the suck factor of all the other charter dirtbags. Heck perhaps thats why keep pissing off owners.. It is easier to get them to leave on their own then to have them sue for breach of contract. Fact is the place sucks-even in the begining it was nice place for the pay but we were flying planes with 10K hours on them with new paint and interior. Now, it is the lowest pay for the worst treatment. I think it is time for a fire sale and force M and HIG to make a quick decision. Park em!

 

[bchjetdrvr]

An actual picture of MS/SS & BT all "Out to Lunch"

&

What needs to be done about it.

 

[shanes123]

Galaxy is 110% right..Even if flops survives it wont be as a fractional..Flops has alway been a Flop..The same idiots are there today that were there from the begining. ( with a few Changes). Even if HIG had the sense to clean out the whole place ( which I dont think thats what there plan is) the Brand name is known as the trash of the industry and probably would not survive. Net Jets has alway had Brand name recognition even in the worst of times. THe Smart Pilots at Flops are actively seeking employment else where. The others are watching Babbling Bob Tyler and Brown Nose Timmy Monti rearrange the Deck chairs on the Titanic

 

[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