Skywest hiring ASA pilots

[flyforfood77777]

Neato, Skywest doesn't even have to worry about working the wipsaw. They can just make things crappier at ASA and not only gradually get their airplanes, but their fed-up (understandably so) pilots as well. It is great to see a company (Skywest) that has done so much for regional career nationwide continue helping out. However, I have heard the vast majority of people who work there love it (unless you are a dissisent who supports unionizing), and Skywest is unquestionably one of the most stable airlines out there.

 

[pilotbrain]

Whats the gouge?

Do ASA pilots get 2nd yr pay for sure, or is this rumor?

Are they doing a full interview or partial?

What are the facts?


Is ORD a junior base and is it commutable?

Friend of mine just started ground school this week.....everyone is getting Denver or Colorado Springs.

 

[shamrock]

Friend of mine just started ground school this week.....everyone is getting Denver or Colorado Springs.

If I didn't have the seniority at ASA one of those bases might sway me to make the jump.

 

[CJA]

Oh things are so wonderful at Skywest! Just a regular Nirvana of an airline! Soooo much better than that other suck-hole that Skywest Inc. owns, ASA. It will ALWAYS be like this. Peace, love, joy and happiness for everyone in SLC. After all, our F.O.'s make more than a 10 year RJ Captain at ASA. Why I even read where one Skywest F.O. made 60K last year. What a wonderful life!
What a crock o' shut! Wake up people! Wait 'til ASA pilots sign their concessionary contract and see what happens to your happy arse! Why do you think Skywest pilots are so happy right now while ASA pilots are so bitchy? Can you say whipsaw? Go ahead, call me a malcontent, if you stick around you will eat your words. Airline management DOES NOT give a crap about you, only the numbers, padding their pockets!

 

[US Flyer]

So whats the latest on the ALPA vote at Skywest? Someone at ASA told me that the recent vote for ALPA on property would have passed if some late ballots had been turned in before the deadline. Anyone know if this fact or fiction?

I like the Skywest pilots I've met and have nothing against you guys, but do believe the previous post is correct in his assumption that this is all just business to J.A. He is a tough businessman and good salesman at convincing the workgroups that there is no "whipsaw" going on.

I've never been more motivated to leave the ATL puzzle palace behind me, things seem to be really out of control here with absolutely NO ONE at the helm in management.

 

[CJA]

Absolutely nothing against the Skywest pilots, you are a good group. But imagine the frustration of spending years at your airline, helping to build it in to what it is only to watch it all be yanked out from under you. That is the frustration of your counterparts at ASA.

 

[WhatsUpNow?]

Did anyone that interviewed at Skywest in the first week of September hear back from the company, either way. I think they were hiring for a Oct 2nd class 30 EMB120, and 39 CRJ? Thanks in advance

Interviewed Sept 6th was notified today by Cassidy. Called this morning. Offered Oct 2nd CRJ class.

 

[rickair7777]

Absolutely nothing against the Skywest pilots, you are a good group. But imagine the frustration of spending years at your airline, helping to build it in to what it is only to watch it all be yanked out from under you. That is the frustration of your counterparts at ASA.

Understood 100%

 

[rickair7777]

So whats the latest on the ALPA vote at Skywest? Someone at ASA told me that the recent vote for ALPA on property would have passed if some late ballots had been turned in before the deadline. Anyone know if this fact or fiction?

I like the Skywest pilots I've met and have nothing against you guys, but do believe the previous post is correct in his assumption that this is all just business to J.A. He is a tough businessman and good salesman at convincing the workgroups that there is no "whipsaw" going on.

I've never been more motivated to leave the ATL puzzle palace behind me, things seem to be really out of control here with absolutely NO ONE at the helm in management.

I seriously doubt that whipsaw is high on JA's list of management tools...obviously he can do it with ASA in the short term if he desires, but if he were to turn it around on SKW he would get "ALPA on Board!" in about a milisecond....and a milisecond after that he would get a combined ASA/SKW list. Whipsaw is just not practical.

The SLC thing does make business sense...one company running two regionals at the same domicile does not really make sense, even though the displacements suck. Hopefully the LA thing will really take off for ASA.

 

[sweptback]

I seriously doubt that whipsaw is high on JA's list of management tools...obviously he can do it with ASA in the short term if he desires, but if he were to turn it around on SKW he would get "ALPA on Board!" in about a milisecond....and a milisecond after that he would get a combined ASA/SKW list. Whipsaw is just not practical.

One thing I keep reading on this board is that SkyWest pilots are convinced that they are invincible to the whipsaw. That could not be further from the truth... once the ASA contract is settled it will be SkyWest's turn.

The fact that you have the union threat only works if you intend to use it. If you guys vote down a union for the 3rd time, JA and the gang will realize that the pilot group isn't serious and it will be open season.

The SLC thing does make business sense...one company running two regionals at the same domicile does not really make sense, even though the displacements suck. Hopefully the LA thing will really take off for ASA.

I agree, as do most ASA pilots I've spoken to. What doesn't make sense is the transferring of airplanes. That is just to spook us, plain and simple.

 

[SkyWstman]

I was surprised you guys have not actualy struck yet. I don't know the process but from what I've read from other posts it looks like you have to jump through lots of hoops before you can do anything. If it can be held up indefinitly where is the power. Alpa could do the same thing with us. If we can't shoot the gun without permission, what good is a strike threat?

 

[rickair7777]

One thing I keep reading on this board is that SkyWest pilots are convinced that they are invincible to the whipsaw. That could not be further from the truth... once the ASA contract is settled it will be SkyWest's turn.

Invincible, of course not. It's just that the current strategic situation is not conducive to a whipsaw against SKW. If that were to change and JA were to take advantage of such a change, well lots of people would become pro-alpa real quick.

 

[Turkey Shoot]

Invincible, of course not. It's just that the current strategic situation is not conducive to a whipsaw against SKW. If that were to change and JA were to take advantage of such a change, well lots of people would become pro-alpa real quick.

But if JA can deal with ALPA and lower hisoverall cost with the SW don't you think he'll do it? It's business, plain and simple. Make so you get more investors and grow your business. Make no mistake, if there's a buck to be made, you guys will be next. Even if means a union there.

 

[JoeMerchant]

Why are union pilots leaving a union property to work for a non-union carrier? Is ALPA delivering? If not, why not?

 

[Crash Pad]

Ok I read the ASA pilots saying the whipsaw will come back. SKYW pilots are making more than us and thus cost more. It would be smarter to give ASA more jets or just reduce SKYW pilot pay on a whim... they can do that when you don't have a union.

The reason is that this is about union busting and has nothing to do with cost or whipsaws. Jerry doesn't want to deal with unions... so he is getting rid of the unions.

I also read ASA people saying that closing SLC is just common sense. Will you realise the situation when SKYW comes to ATL? You know that is in the works.

I don't think concessions will help ASA. I'm not sure what would save this ship.

 

[SkyNation]

Why are union pilots leaving a union property to work for a non-union carrier? Is ALPA delivering? If not, why not?

great question, one I've yet to hear a good answer for. the only attempt was someone claiming that they are all 'infiltrating' SkyWest so they can vote in ALPA. riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiigght.........

 

[JoeMerchant]

great question, one I've yet to hear a good answer for. the only attempt was someone claiming that they are all 'infiltrating' SkyWest so they can vote in ALPA. riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiigght.........

The ASA pilots going to Skywest won't be voting for ALPA.... another smart move by Jerry. ALPA has just shown up to a gunfight with a knife.....

 

[amcnd]

Absolutely nothing against the Skywest pilots, you are a good group. But imagine the frustration of spending years at your airline, helping to build it in to what it is only to watch it all be yanked out from under you. That is the frustration of your counterparts at ASA.

Been there with Eagle!! But you start over and make the best of it and hope your next airline is better? So far so good for me!!

 

[BuzzSaw]

Joe Merchant,

Are you sleeping with JA?? You sure like him a lot.

"He's so wonderful, smart and brillant!!"

BuzzSaw

 

[JoeMerchant]

Joe Merchant,

Are you sleeping with JA?? You sure like him a lot.

"He's so wonderful, smart and brillant!!"

BuzzSaw

He is smarter than ALPA, and I would rather work for him than anyone else in the regional industry. Sorry if I don't walk around saying ALPA is "so wonderful, smart, and brilliant"....

 

[front9]

Originally Posted by outtahere
So what happens to the ASA guys that go over when we go through DOH integration?

BUWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA...OUTHOUSE YOU CRACK ME UP. Seriously though, when we STAPLE your butt to the bottom of our list those guys that jumped ship will be your capt.

 

[SnowBoardBum]

What doesn't make sense is the transferring of airplanes. That is just to spook us, plain and simple.

Really...I hope you don't think that.
It makes perfect sense to transfer 700's to SkyWest from a business standpoint. ASA compared to SkyWest is more expensive in operating the 700. Why wouldn't they. They can consolidate there SLC operation which will aid in reducing overall expenses to SKYW Inc.

The airline execs don't give a damn about you! All they want to do is maximize profit and line their, shareholders and the boards pockets green. Will we see SkyWest flying out of ATL you bet we will. Does this mean the end of ASA no way. That'll never happen. ASA isn't going away. SKYW Inc. will do all it can to change your perception on the industry and your airline specifically, in a attempt to lower your costs. It happening right now right in front of you. Is it union busting, possibly. It doesn't matter that you are union and SkyWest is non-union. They(airline execs) have total control. You as pilots have very little control. So you strike...ok....me as an airline exec...I don't give a damn...you cant stick it to me! Ive already made more millions then you, your kids and their kids will ever see in a lifetime. Do you think they lose sleep over that, over your well being, no!

No one cares about you(your management or your union board members) or any other pilot out there. You are merely a money making replaceable tool. You are easily influenced and your perception is skewed.

I'm not a pessimist. Although my post may seem that way. If pilots could truly have a body that represented them as a whole, without money clouding the situation, we would all be better off. Unfortunately money corrupts even the best and most idealistic ones. There is the problem, Corporate America.

I'm ready
Take you best shot!

Bum

 

[Bizjet]

Joe Merchant,

Are you sleeping with JA?? You sure like him a lot.

"He's so wonderful, smart and brillant!!"

BuzzSaw

If you saw what he is sleeping with you would probably empathize with him if he was sleeping with JA.:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

 

[Turkey Shoot]

[/i]

BUWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA...OUTHOUSE YOU CRACK ME UP. Seriously though, when we STAPLE your butt to the bottom of our list those guys that jumped ship will be your capt.

I doubt this rather strongly occurring. JA has a happy pilot group. Why staple a bunch and get them very pissed and chance a vote of ALPA? There will be some grief on both sides but a percentage merger will be more likely.

 

[outtahere]

great question, one I've yet to hear a good answer for. the only attempt was someone claiming that they are all 'infiltrating' SkyWest so they can vote in ALPA. riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiigght.........

How about this. Most if not all of the people transfering to Skywest are the ones who attended these pilot mills and virtually bought their jobs to try and skip the line. As soon as they realized they would not be able to upgrade here as soon as they hit 1500 hrs. they try to "change lanes" and skip the line once again. While on one hand this may seem logical, think about driving on the interstate and changing lanes frequently, eventually you wind up behind everyone. Kind of like what will happen with a merger between the two companies. There are no fast lanes in this industry, some way, some how, you will end up paying your due.

 

[mbd]

At this point it is about control.

Skywest management has never had to deal with union negotiations and has been able run the company anyway it wanted - for the last 25 years. Just like most normal US companies.

This is partly the reason for their success, being able to change operations quickly to market conditions.

Also, like most successful companies they realize the importance of a happy work group to the bottom line.

Initially, Skywest was optimistic about ASAs future as part of Skywest. They probably even hoped for a culture change at ASA. Negotiations have gone nowhere and Skywest has lost control of ASA. ASA is now a big frustration.

In all negotiations it is important to have a BATNA - your Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement.

Skywest’s best alternative is to delay, shrink, and transfer assets and if there is a strike, settle, shrink, and transfer assets.

Skywest’s BATNA will cost more in the short term but they would retain control for the long term. What is that long term control worth to Skywest?

What is ALPA’s BATNA?

 

[blackhawk911]

Union threat

Why are union pilots leaving a union property to work for a non-union carrier?

The threat of bringing a union on property is more powerful than the union itself.

 

[Dave Benjamin]

However, I have heard the vast majority of people who work there love it (unless you are a dissisent who supports unionizing), and Skywest is unquestionably one of the most stable airlines out there.

Maybe you should stick to subjects you know something about.

Being in favor of unionization doesn't make someone an unhappy employee. In fact many pro-union pilots set a very high standard for themselves and are model employees. They do their utmost to get the job done in an efficent manner. There are some very respected senior check airmen that are in favor of unionization that could hardly be called "dissidents."

You're one of those people who operates under the falae assumption that pro-union equates to "anti - company." That's a myth. In fact do you realize that the most unionized airline is Southwest? How do you view managment-labor relations at Southwest? Are all those pro-union pilots a bunch of dissidents trying to screw the company?

Like I said before. Stick to subjects you know somethng about.

 

[Dave Benjamin]

Really...I hope you don't think that.
It makes perfect sense to transfer 700's to SkyWest from a business standpoint. ASA compared to SkyWest is more expensive in operating the 700. Why wouldn't they. They can consolidate there SLC operation which will aid in reducing overall expenses to SKYW Inc.

I'm ready
Take you best shot!

Bum

OK. A while back we were all discussing the DOT reports that revealed that pre-tax profit margins at ASA were higher than SkyWest. If you compare total compensation even in the 70's I think you'll find that SKYW pilots arent' any cheaper. There's a lot more to it than just hourly rates although many of the kids on this forum can't get around that. It all boils down to what shows up on the W-2. If an ASA guy gets paid 2.5 hours for the same amount of work that a SKYW pilot gets paid 3.75 hours for who do you think comes out ahead?

As far as the SLC operation went it didn't make any sense to maintain two pilot domiciles, one large, one quite small, at the same airport. Nor would it make any sense to have two domiciles in ATL so I doubt you'll ever see a SKYW domicile in ATL.

 

[SnowBoardBum]

After doing some research on the DOT site I found the costs per ASM for the two airlines. You are correct thank you for pointing that out to me. They were the same for the 1st qtr of '05 but after that SkyWest has been higher. Those numbers arent a/c specific though. Do we really know the operating costs of the 700 alone for both carriers? Id be interested in seeing the data. If you know where it is could you direct me to it? I understand your "total compensation" aspect of the pilot pay, I would like to see some company recorded financial data on the costs.

I still think you'll see SkyWest a/c in ATL. Not a domicile, but a/c flowing through.