Please take time to read this!

[Edward Summer]

Ok, here's my strory...

July 2001 I was gratefully hired into a regional at low time. Three days into indoc I had a family emergency and needed to leave class (also encouraged to do so by HR).

Upon leaving, I was informed that I needed to give up my seniority number and that I would be granted a leave of abscence till Sept 1st, 2001. Regional X also had many upcoming class dates - Sept 2001 and Nov 2001. I opted to return for a Nov 2001 class, thus I returned the offer letter for that class. Prior to 9/11, Regional X informed me that they over-hired and now the Nov 01 class would be in January. I was ok with that and would wait my turn.

9/11 then occurred, however Regional X still convened their Sept 17th class which then was furloughed one day later.

So, the two years go by and I did some instructing here and there and flew part 135 to gain about 300+ more hours than I had when I was hired - not much but at least I flew.

During that time, I kept in touch with the folks from HR and told them I was anxious to return. I updated my resume as time went on, and was told both good and bad.

Then, this past August I saw the light at the end of the tunnel. I was asked to fill out an application again and I was asked back for an interview!!! I spoke with a buddy of mine who flies for them and he just thought it was just a formality - anyhow I studied my face off and was prepared for just about anything.
*Regional X took back the 18 or so furloughed folks from Sept 2001 and were hiring a few more bodies for this class date.

Interview day came quickly and I was interviewed by the CP, Dir of Training, Dir of HR, and another gentleman from the training dept. The interview basically covered my past two years and a bunch of scenarios. Not really technical, but decision making and judgement issues. I left the interview not feeling too great - but not feeling too bad. I did think I had my job back, and yes I was ready to take a 50% pay cut.

So, when judgment day came, I was informed that I did'nt make the cut and that I could re-apply in 6 months. A phone call to the Chief the next day allowed me to be told that it's company policy that they cannot comment on interviews after the fact but that competition "is fierce."

I know that competition is fierce, but what about the 18 furloughed pilots from Sept 17th, 2001 - are they current? I'm sure they all didn't all go out and find flying jobs! No, I am not harping on them whatsoever (they deserved their jobs back too), but my point is this - they had recal rights and since I didn't, I lost out on what I worked so hard to achieve.

So, this leaves me feeling a little betrayed and let down. I know that there are no guarantees in life, but what a disapointment. I'd appreciate any comments.

Thanks!
Ed

 

[Beechnut]

Sorry if I sound cranky, but 9-11-2001 f***'d us all over. The furloughed folks have rights as they are employees of the company (unless it's a rare regional that doesn't consider you an employee until after you pass your PC). You are not an employee at anytime. I'm grateful that I got my current job when I did because if I were interviewing for it today, I wouldn't be "qualified." Keep trying, hope all is well with the family and welcome to the airlines. Get use to being aggravated

S.

 

[acaTerry]

I never heard of having to give up your number while on an LOA. And then they go and essentailly fire you, then make you jump hoops only to be told you can not come back?
Screw 'em. You probably do not want to work for someone like that anyway. AT ACA, we got our ID's and all during week one. I know several people who had similar circumstances as you, and they had no troubles.
There are plenty of airlines out there, many of them hiring. Keep flying and find someone else to fly for. Don't be discouraged.

 

[mckpickle]

Its been my experience that you are not an "employee" until training is complete. IE your hire is conditional upon completion of training.

Also I would sugest not using you name. I've seen it burn people on here under the exact same circumstances.

 

[Edward Summer]

Thank you to those folks that replied. I guess I've now prepared myself even more for the continued possibility of disapointment and letdowns.

I'll just get back on the horse and try again.

P.S. This is not my real name!


Ed

 

[sf3boy]

If they are paying you, then you are an employee, whether you completed training or not. Anyway, if they made you give up your number to take a leave for your family, look to a more reputable company to pursue employment with.

 

[WhiteCloud]

If they are paying you, then you are an employee, whether you completed training or not. Anyway, if they made you give up your number to take a leave for your family, look to a more reputable company to pursue employment with.

All I have to add is that you might have some luck if you can get to the HR person or persons that told you how it was going to be and have some documentation to back it up. Maybe that could work to get them to remember the agreement. One thing to remember is that, even after training, as a probationary employee you can be dismissed without cause. That seems to be what happened in actuality but, if they told you different and you have documentation to back it up they may honor it, IF, you get to the right person whoever that may be. Airlines are pretty impersonal from a policy standpoint so you have to get to a real person with some authority and CP's don't always have it.

 

[Heavy Set]

Crap situation. Hey, they did you a favor - you don't want to work for a LAME outfit like that. Keep your chin up and keep plugging away...

 

[blzr]

let me guess, Comair??

 

[Sppedmode]

Sounds like Pinnacle

Sounds like Pinnacle/Express One to me. Especially when you said "coming back at 50% pay. At that time, we were hiring off the street CA's into the Saab and CRJ. After 9-11, I don't believe we hired any more pilots into the left seat for obvious reasons.

 

[WorldSeries]

the airline pilot job can be the most rewarding, but at the same time it can be the most unforgiving. for the professional image that we are suppose to carry and protray, you would think we could expect the same in return. i have a friend who has a non airline job that required no college degree or previous training, and she gets more respect from her employer from day one then some airlines. she had to leave her second day there for her own medical emergency, was gone for 2 weeks, they sent her flowers at the hospital and said come back when you are ready. Where is this kind of respect at the airlines??? the whole thing that your on probation for a year is BS, and they can do what ever to you when ever is crap. When you show up day one you are an employee and deserve respect. now 2 years later she is getting laided off and the company is giving her 3 months severance pay!! they are giving like 200 employees 3 months severance pay and they also recieved xmas bonus each year for around 1500 dollars..Now why is there not some type of similiar treatment for airline pilots, mechanics, dispatchers??? i have yet to see any yearly bonus and when i have been fourloughed twice so far , do you think there was any severance pay???????