skyw lowers mins to 850 if you have 200 121

[SKYW Pilot]

He flies for ASA which is the worst performing piece of crap airline out there. . . but at least we are standing up for our profession and fighting for a decent contract. At least we have that.

I think it's great you guys are taking a stand. You've got my support even though you bash the heck out of my airline. I find it really funny, though, how some of these pilots (who probably PFT'd back in the day) talk crap to Skywest pilots. Cracks me up.

 

[Gr82Aviate]

We fly a 90 seat jet? Really? Our 900's only have 76 seats, and we now have an override for the 700/900. I admit, it's not a lot, but it's a step in the right direction. And for the record, I did vote that last pay package down.

A step? Not really...whatever happened to the blended rate we were promised that was supposed to go higher as the percentage of larger A/C grew?

 

[SKYW Pilot]

I want a blended rate as much as the next guy, but when exactly were we promised a blended rate? It's an honest question because I don't remember anybody promising us a blended rate. Was it SAPA, management or both?

 

[McNugent]

I love it when you guys say stuff like this. And I always ask... (and never recieve an answer) ... What incredible regional airline do YOU fly for, Mr McNugent? Please tell me so I can save myself from being a whore and go to your airline!!! I want to be a real airline pilot like you!! PLEASE! Help save me from the horrible Skywest!!!

I work for ASA. I would never call it an "incredible" or even "good" airline but that is no fault to the pilots. We have a great pilot group and the potential to be much more. Since the buyout by Skywest all we have heard is that you are cheaper, and that any future and current flying will be awarded and transferred to the lower cost airline. We had 900's comming but did we get them? Hell no. Why? because you tools will fly a 76 seat airplane for the same rate you'll fly a 50 seat (now you have an override...big freaking deal). Skywest started to transfer 700's, I think the original number was 12. They closed SLC because it didn't make sense to have both airlines be based at the same airport. Then ATL was opened as a Skywest base. Can you see a trend here? This is why ASA pilots are pissed off. We've been lied to and screwed over and over again by both our management and yours. But where's the outrage at Skywest? Who cares! as long as you are growing right? You say you support us but how? I don't see it. By the way no PFT here guy. Sorry to dissapoint.

 

[SKYW Pilot]

I'm glad you didn't PFT... that shows integrity.

Even though I disagreed with our pay agreement that had us flying 70's for 50 rates (and I voted that down too), that was way before ASA was even a gleam in Skywest's eye. What exactly are we supposed to do as a line pilot to support you more? You want me to not fly my trip this weekend and get fired? I'll be out there picketing with you, drumming up support with my fellow coworkers, and voting any pay package down which I think is unfair. Please tell us what else we can do. I can tell you right now, a large amount of our pilots are not happy being whipsawed against the ASA pilots. I wouldn't be suprised to see ALPA voted through this time. It's going to be a close vote like it was in 2000, but it might just go through. The "cost" factor is being used by management for leverage, but pilot cost between our airlines has got to be pretty close. From a payrate standpoint, I only make maybe 1 dollar less than you guys as a six year RJ700 captain. In the 200, I make almost 5 dollars an hour more than you. I'm not familiar with your work rules, so I can't say if you're more expensive in other areas. Have you ever thought that maybe your other costs are higher? Such as Mx and management? There have to be some inefficencies at your airline to account for the cost difference. I'm just asking because I don't know.

We've been lied to by our management too! And how do you know how our pilot group feels? Have you ever worked here before? It's not all partying and happiness because we're growing and ASA's not! Me personally, I'd rather see all the growth at the mainlines.

You know... this is just getting old. Everbody's just pissed at everybody. We're our own worst enemies. There are Delta pilots out there pissed at ASA (and Skywest) becuase you're "taking" their flying. What can you do about that to make the Delta pilots feel better? Management pits us all against each other to keep us weak. As long as we're not unified (as a company pilot group or as a universal pilot group), management has won.

 

[Gr82Aviate]

I want a blended rate as much as the next guy, but when exactly were we promised a blended rate? It's an honest question because I don't remember anybody promising us a blended rate. Was it SAPA, management or both?

Several SAPA reps(including D.C.)were suggesting that it would be offered as a reward for "dealing management an ACE" with our crummy 18 month TA that was supposedly necessary to get the UAL flying...

 

[SKYW Pilot]

Several SAPA reps(including D.C.)were suggesting that it would be offered as a reward for "dealing management an ACE" with our crummy 18 month TA that was supposedly necessary to get the UAL flying...

Ya... SAPA has suggested many things over the years. Promised... no... they can't promise anything. I knew full well that we were never going to see a blended rate. We set the precedent and had to sleep in the bed we made for ourselves.

 

[VeeOne]

I'm glad you didn't PFT... that shows integrity.

Even though I disagreed with our pay agreement that had us flying 70's for 50 rates (and I voted that down too), that was way before ASA was even a gleam in Skywest's eye. What exactly are we supposed to do as a line pilot to support you more? You want me to not fly my trip this weekend and get fired? I'll be out there picketing with you, drumming up support with my fellow coworkers, and voting any pay package down which I think is unfair. Please tell us what else we can do. I can tell you right now, a large amount of our pilots are not happy being whipsawed against the ASA pilots. I wouldn't be suprised to see ALPA voted through this time. It's going to be a close vote like it was in 2000, but it might just go through. The "cost" factor is being used by management for leverage, but pilot cost between our airlines has got to be pretty close. From a payrate standpoint, I only make maybe 1 dollar less than you guys as a six year RJ700 captain. In the 200, I make almost 5 dollars an hour more than you. I'm not familiar with your work rules, so I can't say if you're more expensive in other areas. Have you ever thought that maybe your other costs are higher? Such as Mx and management? There have to be some inefficencies at your airline to account for the cost difference. I'm just asking because I don't know.

We've been lied to by our management too! And how do you know how our pilot group feels? Have you ever worked here before? It's not all partying and happiness because we're growing and ASA's not! Me personally, I'd rather see all the growth at the mainlines.

You know... this is just getting old. Everbody's just pissed at everybody. We're our own worst enemies. There are Delta pilots out there pissed at ASA (and Skywest) becuase you're "taking" their flying. What can you do about that to make the Delta pilots feel better? Management pits us all against each other to keep us weak. As long as we're not unified (as a company pilot group or as a universal pilot group), management has won.

Very thoughtful and poinient post SKYWpilot- but may I suggest this........The support of the SkyWest pilot group is critical to the survival of ASA and it's pilot group. Without YOUR support and the support of your colleagues, we will be pitted against each other until the final liquidation of ASA. It seems that you "get it" and I don't blame the SkyWest pilot group for their current plight and payrates- the vote was not an option, but a "take it" or "leave it" proposition. The support of SkyWest pilots will back ASA's pilots in the form of the union vote. You can directly help by ensuring those you know and fly with understand why SkyWest ALPA is important- not just to SkyWest pilots but ASA pilots as well. This is truly the only option. We aren't trying to grow here- most of us ASA'ers would just be happy keeping what we have NOW. There is enough flying for everybody- but we have to stand together with a unified voice sung from a sound representational body (ALPA). In this case, it could be asked what ALPA may do for US. SkyWest ALPA isn't doom and gloom- as preached contrary by JA. Good luck and I appreciate your outlook.

 

[SKYW Pilot]

Very thoughtful and poinient post SKYWpilot- but may I suggest this........The support of the SkyWest pilot group is critical to the survival of ASA and it's pilot group. Without YOUR support and the support of your colleagues, we will be pitted against each other until the final liquidation of ASA. It seems that you "get it" and I don't blame the SkyWest pilot group for their current plight and payrates- the vote was not an option, but a "take it" or "leave it" proposition. The support of SkyWest pilots will back ASA's pilots in the form of the union vote. You can directly help by ensuring those you know and fly with understand why SkyWest ALPA is important- not just to SkyWest pilots but ASA pilots as well. This is truly the only option. We aren't trying to grow here- most of us ASA'ers would just be happy keeping what we have NOW. There is enough flying for everybody- but we have to stand together with a unified voice sung from a sound representational body (ALPA). In this case, it could be asked what ALPA may do for US. SkyWest ALPA isn't doom and gloom- as preached contrary by JA. Good luck and I appreciate your outlook.

You're 100% correct. I agree.

 

[ROSWELL41]

I am on the fence about the whole SkyWest ALPA vote. In talking to other pilot groups we have superior work rules than most, make more money than most and SkyWest is overall an enjoyable place to work. Why should our pilot group necessarily take the risk of bringing ALPA on the property. I am not anti union in the least, I just dont see what we have to gain/improve by bringing on ALPA.

 

[VeeOne]

I am on the fence about the whole SkyWest ALPA vote. In talking to other pilot groups we have superior work rules than most, make more money than most and SkyWest is overall an enjoyable place to work. Why should our pilot group necessarily take the risk of bringing ALPA on the property. I am not anti union in the least, I just dont see what we have to gain/improve by bringing on ALPA.

While I understand your plight, think about this. Your wages and SOME of your work rules are better than most now, but as others raise the bar, what can you do to force the company to keep up? Also, why NOT bring ALPA on board and support your ASA brothers? As I've said in the post above, we are not out for anyones job or flying, we simply want to keep what we have NOW. Skywest ALPA can help support us in this quest through a unified body that truly represents the pilots, gives them a voice, without the taint of managment propoganda, spin, and agenda. Frankly, I feel it is the right thing to do. We have the oportunity to work as a team here, rather than against each other. Skywest may be a good company, but in the end, its the pilots that have to stand unified and look out for each other. Contrary to what many believe, even if Skywest went ALPA, the work environment won't necessarily change for the worst, which is what JA would have you believe. It is actually possible to have a union that works well with management, if you have good ELECTED reps, and a management willing to take care of their people in a fair, and just manner.

 

[jayme]

Let me guess: you haven't been around long enough to have seen the decline over the past few years, right?

When I started here a senior pilot could bid reserve and be assured he would not fly for the month, or if he wanted to be call-first, he could be assured to break guarantee. The bucket system did away with that.

Then we got PBS shoved down our throat (which works for some, but also has MANY drawbacks).

"Reinterpretation" of cancelled legs policy...

 

[MYFpilot]

I am on the fence about the whole SkyWest ALPA vote. In talking to other pilot groups we have superior work rules than most, make more money than most and SkyWest is overall an enjoyable place to work. Why should our pilot group necessarily take the risk of bringing ALPA on the property. I am not anti union in the least, I just dont see what we have to gain/improve by bringing on ALPA.

As I said before, It's not just about pay. Here's a few thoughts to ponder, I never like what if's, but...

If you were involved in an accident or an incident would you want ALPA or SAPA representing you?

If you had issues with your medical would you want ALPA or SAPA representing you?

If you busted a checkride or PC would you want ALPA or SAPA representing you?

If the current management personnel at SkyWest were to change (actually happening as we speak) would you want ALPA or SAPA representing you?

If a crewmember or passenger injured themselves onboard your aircraft would you want ALPA or SAPA representing you?

If we were to merge seniority lists with ASA would you want ALPA or SAPA representing you?

SAPA elections have a 20% voter turnout. Who would better able to unify the SkyWest pilot group ALPA or SAPA?

Do you like working 5 and 6 days in a row, with only two days off in between, it happens every month with PBS to junior and senior crewmembers alike. Who would be better suited to address scheduling issues, ALPA or SAPA?

I hate paying 150 bucks a month for car and homeowners insurance, but what if?

How much is your ATP or Commercial certificate worth to you? ALPA may not get me a raise? but 2% is cheap career insurance.

Fly Safe!!

 

[strega7]

If you busted a checkride or PC would you want ALPA or SAPA representing you?

Why would either need to be involved? Are you telling me that ALPA will control the training department and how ckeckrides are conducted?

 

[sweptback]

Why would either need to be involved? Are you telling me that ALPA will control the training department and how ckeckrides are conducted?

You can't un-bust a checkride once it's over. But if that busted checkride results in discipline or termination, I'd want somebody to represent me.