Pinnacle Buying Colgan

[dingo222]

its very true. The colgans have kept the union off the property for 40 years. But under the colgan's, pilots didnt need a union. The pilots knew exactly what they were getting into, and the colgans over time proved that they could be trusted. They had just as much interest in the company as the pilots becuase it was a family owned business. They were fair, and respected for that. They didn't pull tricks like some other airlines do. Yeah, ppl got hosed on certain items, whch wasn't right.

 

[redflyer65]

I'm glad to hear that it has worked out in the past, but unfortunately, this PCL management can not be trusted. They have outright lied to us MULTIPLE times when it has come to contract negotiations. You be the judge.

 

[Dirty Sanchez]

I think that what you don't understand about Colgan is only the top 50 pilots have been here more than 6 years. As someone said, "Colgan is like a Part 121 Air Net type operation". People stay here, get their 2 types and a couple of types and move on. This has been going on since 1992 when Chuck senior and his son bought the operating certificate back from the failed Presidential Airways.
Having said all that you are going to see anywhere from outright militant attitudes of wanting to have ALPA show up tommorow complete with lanyards to total apathy. Of course, this will be like a bell curve with alot of people just waiting too see which way to jump. If the turboprop flying remains with the CJC side then I think you will have a non-issue. Looking at your payscales and our's. Can it get much worse? I think that both sides have a vested interest, but Colgan pilots are the one's with the least leverage and no protection. There is nothing to stop the new ownership from completely scrapping our way of operating (i.e., outbasing and short upgrades). If a whipsaw takes place, than it won't be on Colgan's pilot group. We are the pawns in this high stakes game of airline monopoly where the stakes aren't play money, but the careers and families of the pilots caught in the middle. Let's hope that management has some respect for the hard-work that we put into this job. If not, to hell with them and I'm going to go drive a truck.

Relax. It will only cost you less than 2 percent of your $48/hour!

 

[vtchaz]

Relax. It will only cost you less than 2 percent of your $48/hour!

Because they've done so much for you guys with your less than 2% you give them...

In fact doesn't your company consistently go against your contract and when called on it respond with "file a grievance with your union and we'll get to it in a few years"??? Don't tell me they don't because I know otherwise from my friends at 9E.

Sounds pretty effective to me...

No Thanks, I think we'll stick with the devil we know.

 

[Grinder10]

Good point. 9E management/scheduling does violate the contract often, but there is the grievance process to rectify the problem. Just imagine what they would do if they didn't have any "binding" rules to play by. It's completely up to the Colgan pilot group if they want to organize or not. We are just trying to give our new stepbrothers a heads up on how best to deal with the crap that PT likes to hand out. You work for an uncaring corporation now, not a family. You've never met a devil like this.

 

[flyboy006]

Who the hell makes $48 over here at Colgan.. Not me.. maybe if i made something like that i would consider 2% but seeing what they have done for you so far i would still pass..

 

[se1776]

http://yahoo.reuters.com/news/artic...01-18_16-22-00_WNAS7613&type=comktNews&rpc=44

 

[Smarta$$]

Because they've done so much for you guys with your less than 2% you give them...

In fact doesn't your company consistently go against your contract and when called on it respond with "file a grievance with your union and we'll get to it in a few years"??? Don't tell me they don't because I know otherwise from my friends at 9E.

Sounds pretty effective to me...

No Thanks, I think we'll stick with the devil we know.

Let me try to understand your arguement. You are aware that the company that now owns you and will integrate system operational control over you has a reputation for not following their agreed too scheduling rules. Yet you feel that you are better off going up against said company on your own? You guys need to understand that things have changed. The status quo will not be the same for long. What did not seem neccesary weeks ago is very neccesary NOW. If you don't see that things have changed you need to get your head out of the sand.

 

[ts770]

So you expect the company to look out for your best interest? Good luck with that.

By the way, get your head out of the sand.

I'm not stupid enough to think the company OR union has my best interest in mind. They're both all about the money. If you think the union really cares about you keeping a job try asking the folks at Eastern or NWA. Having been screwed by a union and Coex in the past, I'll take my chances deciding for myself where I work and keep putting what I would've paid in union dues into the bank.

 

[GEORGE DUBYA]

Let me get this straight a 2nd year fo at Pinnacle makes 24 dollars an hour and a 2nd year Fo makes 23 dollars an hour at Colgan and how does a union help us?

 

[SELCAL checks]

Let me get this straight a 2nd year fo at Pinnacle makes 24 dollars an hour and a 2nd year Fo makes 23 dollars an hour at Colgan and how does a union help us?

Because without a union, Pinnacle can lower that to 18/hour tonight... with nothing more than a memo.

Because without a union, Pinnacle can decide to bring on a new aircraft type and IMPOSE a payrate with you, instead of negotiating a fair one with you.... with nothing more than a memo.

Pinnacle can and WILL (maybe not this week, or next month, but soon), make changes to your quality of life... and you are powerless.

The only vote you have currently is one cast with a resignation letter. You have no power, no protection, and basically no rights.

If you all remain a seperate entity, and vote in a union. The union will consist of YOU! Colgan pilots! You will negotiate a fair contract, you will have the resources of ALPA at your disposal to enforce the contract. You will have the power to avoid being used as a pawn in the whipsaw game. The days of working for a small, family owned business ended yesterday. Pinnacle didn't buy Colgan in order to operate 40 or 50+ airplanes, you are about to become a sizable regional airline.

I've worked for union and non-union carriers. Never in my life did I ever imagine such an anti-labor management group existed, but the devil does exist... and he resides on Nonconnah Blvd. I hope you all make an informed decision, instead of relying on what the status quo has been under the Colgan family. Remember, Colgan isn't calling the shots anymore.

 

[redflyer65]

Here's the deal. The Pinnacle pilot group agreement specifically calls for scope provisions with anyone that is above PCL Airlines. That company is now PCL Corporation. Therefore, all flying done at PCL Corp is to be done by the PCL pilot list. Colgan pilots will eventually be integrated, whether management wants it or not. I think we haven't heard much from ALPA because they are getting ready to file their lawsuit in Federal Court. Then we will hear something.

 

[TurboAWD]

As a 9E pilot, I can not imagine anyone here is stupid enough to look down on a Colgan pilot. If there are any, believe me, they will be shown the error of their thinking.

As for Colgan pilots getting screwed in an integration process, think again. Attrition is so high at both companies that upgrades will continue to go junior at both operations for a long time. The Colgan operation now has access to more capital to fund expansion (Q400, etc). Fences would prevent anyone from being kicked out of their base/seat. If a Colgan pilot wanted the oportunity to fly a bigger aircraft for more $$$, they would have the oportunity to bid for it, while keeping logevity for pay and not having to start over at the bottom of someones list.

Anyone that blames the low pay or contractual issues at 9E on ALPA is flat wrong. They are working hard to improve things, and mgmt is working hard NOT to improve things. If it wasn't for our contract and representation, I gaurentee that our health insurance prices would have doubled (with less coverage), our CA pay would have been cut, everyone would be on reserve esentially all of the time, and anyone who stood up to the BS would loose their job.

To Colgan pilots: Nice to meet you. Looking forward to working with you on running safe airlines and getting the contract we both deserve. Hope WE can get the Q400, I used to fly the 100/200/300 and it's a great airplane. The jet isn't really as much fun to fly, but it does have some perks.

See you around,
Turbo

 

[GEORGE DUBYA]

I think I am going to throw up

 

[Lear70]

Because without a union, Pinnacle can lower that to 18/hour tonight... with nothing more than a memo.

Because without a union, Pinnacle can decide to bring on a new aircraft type and IMPOSE a payrate with you, instead of negotiating a fair one with you.... with nothing more than a memo.

Pinnacle can and WILL (maybe not this week, or next month, but soon), make changes to your quality of life... and you are powerless.

The only vote you have currently is one cast with a resignation letter. You have no power, no protection, and basically no rights.

BINGO!

Dubya, I hope you were taking notes.