Skywest and Military Reservists

[Hugh Jorgan]

I received this email from an acquaintance recently. Any pilots ever get this kind of treatment?


"Well, after five years of service I finally quit my job at SkyWest airlines. It was not really what I wanted to do, but the company's lack of support for the military and my call to duty after September 11th really left me no choice. For you that don't know what happened let me just give you a brief account on what happened.
after September 11th, I was working in the Visalia airport, I got recalled back to active duty. although my former manager would like to think I was out having a good time, I was standing post for up to 14 hours a day. Believe me it was no fun! Prior to my demobilization I contacted my manager several times to try to come back to work. At that time she informed me that they did not hold my job and I would have to transfer to Fresno. The company claimed it was the same driving distance. Anyone who has lived here knows that is not the case. I did get a lawyer and did get my job back at the Visalia station. But, once you try to sue someone your working conditions are never quite what they were before.
Once I did return to work, my work day consisted of lots of filing. The unwillingness of the station to retrain me to take my position of supervisor back was none. I was belittled and harassed for the simple fact that I was a reservist. My managers comments (such as no one made you join the reserves) angered me. To find out that my job was there the whole time but me coming back to the station would mean her son in law would have to transfer to Fresno. I did report that to human resources and he was of course transferred but not without a heavy price for me to pay.
I went for a debrief AT (additional training) shortly after returning to work, I was under orders and was approved for military leave. At the same time I put in for a promotion to assistant manager in Fresno. If I would have known all the drama that would have caused I would not have done it. A day, not a month or week, I received a letter from SkyWest stating that since I showed interest in Fresno that they were going to transfer me with no promotion or raise in pay. I once again called to complain to human resources where they stated that I was putting a hardship on the Visalia station by being in the reserves.
Basically I got screwed over, I quit two weeks ago. I thought that I would just be able to let it go, but I am still very upset at the fact that a company would not support the military at all. I am asking all my friends, coworkers, fellow military to take the time to forward this to anyone they know and to take the time to email SkyWest and tell them that if given the choice you will not fly their airline due to lack of support for reservist. I am not the only one. SkyWest has other reservist in their employment who have it just as hard as I did. This might one day help them out."

 

[MEI96]

That just sucks! Did your friend report this to the ESGR. If he was able to document all the actions that he and SkyWest has taken, SkyWest or any employer for that matter will have to pay a hefty fine for making it tough on reservists. The ESGR website and the unit's JAG office will have plenty of information on dealing with issues like that.

That kind of stuff is really illegal. I used to work for a financial management company before flying for SkyWest and at my financial management company we would always take care of those who were activated because we knew about the repercussions. This was the first time I heard of this happening at SkyWest, hopefully its not a trend that will continue.

 

[CaptainBrazilia]

I know several pilot-reservists that were called up shortly before the Iraq war began and are still there now. Once a month or so, we get an "update" from BH that sometimes lists the names of the folks that are still giving their time and sweat to their country. Not once have I heard anything but kudos for these folks from the company.

 

[MYFpilot]

Sounds like it's more of a problem with the individual manager and not the company. I have a friend (CRJ FO) who serves as a Marine reservist and has had no problems. In-fact a few months back the SkyWest employee newspaper published the names of all the employees serving in the military/reserves in the US and overseas, thanking them for their service to our country.

 

[sstearns2]

.....

I know of several pilots that were recalled or are reservists that have not had any problems with Skywest. I imagine that there is more to this story than we are being told. The law probably allows for a company to give a returning military person their old job back within a certain distance. Visalia is a very small station whereas Fresno is a large station.

Scott

 

[Jeepman]

I haven't heard of that rumor. I can't picture the company doing that to someone unless something else has happened. I don't think were getting the whole story here.

 

[Hugh Jorgan]

I don't think were getting the whole story here.

That thought crossed my mind. Sounds isolated. Just curious.

 

[TankerPuke]

I too would like to know the WHOLE story. I have been activated 2 times in the last 2 years. Both times for 7+ months and SkyWest has been nothing but gracious and over the top accomodating. I have been absolutely impressed with how I (and my fellow Guard / Reservists) have been treated. There are actually 3 of us SkyWest pukes in my home unit with more to come.

Granted, it is the law, but how you approach the issue as an employer speaks volumes about your company. Kudos to SkyWest, all the other supportive airlines (and there are many), and to my fellow Guard / Reserve pukes!!! GO GUARD

PUKE