Skywest Raise?

[Furloughed80]

Hey,

I was just wondering if you guys were supposed to receive some type of raise this year (1% or something like that)? If so, did it happen or not?

Thank you in advance!

 

[Skaff]

Latest rumor that I heard was 1.5% for all pilots, and the performance rewards program that is expected to give us an additional 6-8%.

 

[Bluto]

The latest offer from management was supposedly 1.5% for CRJ pilots only. Brasilia guys get nothing. Aside from the new profit-sharing program which is being billed as a raise.

 

[BluDevAv8r]

I have limited knowledge of the current Skywest profit sharing program. How did it pay out for 2003 and how is it expected to pay out in 2004? I'm aware of the new changes and have seen the presentation but I was just curious what the real pay out per pilot was in the last few years.

Thanks!

-Neal

 

[rattler]

Also, just curious, isn't inflation/cost of living 2.5-3.0 percent anually, shouldn't that be a given, not a raise?

 

[BluDevAv8r]

Also, just curious, isn't inflation/cost of living 2.5-3.0 percent anually, shouldn't that be a given, not a raise?

Rattler,

Some might say that your longevity bump every year accounts for this issue. Others would argue an amendable date (if you have a contract) should account for this issue as well. Semantics I suppose.

-Neal

 

[Bluto]

First, the company and SAPA (the pilot employee representatives) are still negotiating the pay. However, members of the pay committee have suggested that 1.5% for jet pilots only is the company's final offer.

They recently changed the bonus program so that basically pilots will get, on a quarterly basis, W-2 wages x profit margin. They are projecting that profit margin should be in the 7% range. They are spinning this as a 7% raise. Of course, when you apply for a mortgage, try claiming that 7% as income. Good luck. Oh yeah, that bonus program is only available for employees with 2 years or more at the company. So the newhires who survived on $15,000 the first year only have to wait one more year before they are valuable enough to reward with a bonus. 1.5% is an insult. Nothing for the Brasilia pilots is a major insult followed by a slap in the face to the hardest working pilots in the company. I sincerely hope that the Skywest pilot group can show some unity and tell management what they think about this offer.

p.s. Neal, you guys did great work on the contract over there, despite less than ideal conditions.

 

[BluDevAv8r]

First, the company and SAPA (the pilot employee representatives) are still negotiating the pay. However, members of the pay committee have suggested that 1.5% for jet pilots only is the company's final offer.

They recently changed the bonus program so that basically pilots will get, on a quarterly basis, W-2 wages x profit margin. They are projecting that profit margin should be in the 7% range. They are spinning this as a 7% raise. Of course, when you apply for a mortgage, try claiming that 7% as income. Good luck. Oh yeah, that bonus program is only available for employees with 2 years or more at the company. So the newhires who survived on $15,000 the first year only have to wait one more year before they are valuable enough to reward with a bonus. 1.5% is an insult. Nothing for the Brasilia pilots is a major insult followed by a slap in the face to the hardest working pilots in the company. I sincerely hope that the Skywest pilot group can show some unity and tell management what they think about this offer.

p.s. Neal, you guys did great work on the contract over there, despite less than ideal conditions.

Thanks for the kind comments. I'm glad we were also able to give you guys a chance at another carrier when things weren't so great here. Hopefully we can do the same for the Indy guys here over the next few months. If you see Federico out on the line, tell him I say hi.

As an aside, you can most definitely apply profit sharing checks, bonuses, etc, to your income when you apply for a mortgage.

Good luck over there.

-Neal

 

[Skaff]

Talked to a chief pilot and he said the latest is 1.5 for all pilots, not just jet.

 

[avrodriver]

Are you guys sticking with the same pay for 50 to 100 seats?....there was some type of 18 months thing attached to that if i recall....at least that's what they were trying to tell you.

 

[Caveman]

If I'm not mistaken you guys have no say in the matter. You can discuss it and 'negotiate' it all you want but without a binding labor agreement you get what you are told you are getting. Remember the decision last year to arbitrarily stop paying newhires in training? You'll get what the company says you'll get and there ain't jack you can do about it. Wait, I forget....you guys are waiting for ASA to raise the bar so you can ride their coattails. That's IF management decides to keep playing along.

 

[Doberman]

More power to ya ASA. Let's see that big bad union go to town! I bet you can have it all sorted out by dinner time.

All jokes aside, I hope that everything goes your way. And don't think for a minute that people at SW are OK with the pay issues. Infact, our small raise might be a month or two late. I'm sure that you wouldn't let that happen.

 

[Ben Dover]

The sad thing about this pay issue is that SkyWest pilots typically don't realize what they have already given up. Very real concessions that save the company lots of money; hence the pile of money in the companies savings account.

I'm talking about lack of minimum staffing requirements (yes, they always seem to be understaffed). Training out of seniority, saves them tons of cash. Even using jump seat to reposition crews on duty rather than taking a revenue seat in back. All this kind of stuff adds up and save SkyWest lot of $$$. But the pilots don't get it and just kind of throw up their arms and say, well that's the way it's always been.

Don't get me wrong I'm not bashing the company, I just think they should show some respect to the pilots by offering up a little better raise.

 

[tranceport]

so, in summary: company keeps expectations low. pilot gets low expectation fuflilled with future hope of more airplanes and growing pool of pilots.

win win

company keeps union out b/c pay is climbing, albeit meagerly

 

[DirkkDiggler]

The sad thing about this pay issue is that SkyWest pilots typically don't realize what they have already given up. Very real concessions that save the company lots of money; hence the pile of money in the companies savings account.

I'm talking about lack of minimum staffing requirements (yes, they always seem to be understaffed). Training out of seniority, saves them tons of cash. Even using jump seat to reposition crews on duty rather than taking a revenue seat in back. All this kind of stuff adds up and save SkyWest lot of $$$. But the pilots don't get it and just kind of throw up their arms and say, well that's the way it's always been.

Don't get me wrong I'm not bashing the company, I just think they should show some respect to the pilots by offering up a little better raise.

Yeah, I guess the Skywest pilots would be better off if they were paid more and got to sit in a passenger seat rather than a jumpseat. But then they could also be in the same boat as Air Wisconsin, wondering if we're going to still have a job in the future. Gee, I wonder which is a better position to be in?

 

[Ben Dover]

Yeah, I guess the Skywest pilots would be better off if they were paid more and got to sit in a passenger seat rather than a jumpseat. But then they could also be in the same boat as Air Wisconsin, wondering if we're going to still have a job in the future. Gee, I wonder which is a better position to be in?

SkyWest (and every other United Express carrier EXCEPT Air Wisky) has already been in that boat and weathered that storm. Where were you? Air Wisky is the only United Express carrier that HASN'T renegotiated its rates (and wondered if all it's flying will go to Mesa).

 

[Crossky]

SkyWest (and every other United Express carrier EXCEPT Air Wisky) has already been in that boat and weathered that storm. Where were you? Air Wisky is the only United Express carrier that HASN'T renegotiated its rates (and wondered if all it's flying will go to Mesa).

Sorry bud, you're WRONG, three of the four union groups at airwis voted yes for concessions, the company renegotiated it's rate with the rebid in 2003. The bankruptcy court approved airwis to to continue with United, although United didn't. AirWis management then negotiated with United's management an MOU (memo of understanding) under which to operate, the details of which I can't divulge. I think you're saying that AirWis is still receiving payments under the old, higher pay rates, and that is true, it was reported in AvWeek.

The situation is obvious, AirWis management is leveraging United in order to get a secure contract from them, one they can't revoke while in bankruptcy. Secure contract = new, lower rates.

 

[CRJ Driver]

And Mgt put the difference in their pockets, after they screwed us. Our MEC chairman should have his nuts cut off too, for the load of crap he sold to the pilot group.

 

[Crossky]

Oops, I think you violated the 'cone of silence'. What a load of crap that is too, along with our non-alpa attorney's stance on our backpay claim. Probably doesn't matter, all the airlines have their bids in by now, they probably know the details anyway.

Since you started it, I should continue in stating that AirWis has promised to pay back UAL tens of millions (maybe over 100M) of the sum diff between the old and new rates, half of it once AirWis gets a secure contract and the other half when UAL exits bankruptcy. And UAL will lose all that cash if they reject AirWis, and the six partners will have a party with it.

I think I won't be a happy dues paying union member until if, and when, I get hired by a major. ATW base must die!

 

[BID]

Morale is low at SkyWest.

Schedules for Feb just came out and they are still bad. Management however, wants us to pick up extra trips. 50-99 seat pay, big, big mistake. I hope that changes, but it doesn't look good. My greatest fear is we will fly something larger than a 70 seat aircraft. Even to this day, I am shocked this was voted in.

Granted, SkyWest is still a top regional to work for. There are many good things here, but the bottom line is the pilot group is not all too happy. We are tired of the gloom and doom scenario. We are tired of the "It's UAL and DAL's fault our schedules are bad." I know we have to be a competitive regional. It is no secret we can't have our cost too high. It will be bad for tomorrow, but the balance needs be shifted in our favor. When was the last time that happened? Yes, profit sharing, excellent program, but we want an hourly wage increase, not spin.

SAPA vs. a great management team, oh no. Who is the underdog?

Well, as much as I hate to post something negative about my company, that is the way I and many feel here. It will be interesting to see what happens in the next couple of months.

laters

 

[MELIT]

Poor Me

Gloom and doom. You must be kidding. You should be lucky your not walkin the street.

 

[Dave Benjamin]

Gloom and doom. You must be kidding. You should be lucky your not walkin the street.

OK which village is missing an idiot?;-)

SKYW is doing quite well financially. Close to .75 billion in the bank and 3rd most profitable airline (1 point behind Jblu) according to DOT reports. What's next? Should everyone work for free?

 

[maddog805]

Dave, I think you missunderstood MELIT. I think he was simply saying you are lucky to have a job. Period.

 

[Amovolare]

No I don't think Dave missunderstood Melit, Yes we are lucky to have a job, but we should also be able to support our families, I was Flying
for Coex before Skywest, they are both good companies but there's plenty of room for improvement, and I'm not only talking about money.
Airline pilots are professional people and as such should be treated,
of course it's up to us to get what we deserve, united (not the airline)
we could raise the bar, all of the regional pilots together, working with
management (not against) for a better airline to work at.
Am I a dreamer???? hopefully not the only one
Peace
Ciao FEDERICOthe.

P.S. Maybe regulation wasn't all that bad!

 

[BID]

MELIT, I am very happy I have a job. I can't imagine the tough road many others have ahead of them. It could of very easily happened to me. Heck, it still can, but how long should I worry about that?

The fact is, I am at SkyWest. While at SkyWest I have contributed, along with every other employee, to the success of this company and successful it has been.

So my question is, "Is it possible to be thankful for your job and ask what is due at the same time?" We are not talking about UAL + wages here. We need a to seperate the 50-99 seat rates. If we get paid the same for the 50 and 70 seat then it should be at a 70 seat rate. We also need a respectful wage increase. If our mangement wants to reward the pilot group with a BONUS (def. Something given or paid in addition to what is usual or expected) then so be it.

Anyway, this is what is happening at SkyWest right now. We are still trying to find an acceptable agreement. So lets see what happens. SAPA is working hard, but there as many here that do not have faith in the organization, in fact, MELIT, you sound like our SAPA.

 

[ArcticFlier]

As an aside, you can most definitely apply profit sharing checks, bonuses, etc, to your income when you apply for a mortgage.

Good luck over there.

-Neal

Not necessarily. It depends who the lender is. For example, Western Federal Credit Union requires a two year history of bonus income before they apply the average for the two year period. Wells Fargo will immediately, GMAC won't (at least they wouldn't when we applied with them for our previous loan).


AF

 

[MELIT]

OK which village is missing an idiot?

SKYW is doing quite well financially. Close to .75 billion in the bank and 3rd most profitable airline (1 point behind Jblu) according to DOT reports. What's next? Should everyone work for free?

Maybe to some I am an idiot but you my friend are only guessing. I know first hand about you because you are smart enough to use your real name on this forum. So before you start to sling mud make sure you know who you are throwing it at.

Yes Dave missed the point. There is always room for improvement, there always will be. Nobody said work for free so don't go there. But gloom and doom, It could be a hell of alot worse for ya.

See ya on line Dave.

 

[MELIT]

MELIT, I am very happy I have a job. I can't imagine the tough road many others have ahead of them. It could of very easily happened to me. Heck, it still can, but how long should I worry about that?

The fact is, I am at SkyWest. While at SkyWest I have contributed, along with every other employee, to the success of this company and successful it has been.

So my question is, "Is it possible to be thankful for your job and ask what is due at the same time?" We are not talking about UAL + wages here. We need a to seperate the 50-99 seat rates. If we get paid the same for the 50 and 70 seat then it should be at a 70 seat rate. We also need a respectful wage increase. If our mangement wants to reward the pilot group with a BONUS (def. Something given or paid in addition to what is usual or expected) then so be it.

Anyway, this is what is happening at SkyWest right now. We are still trying to find an acceptable agreement. So lets see what happens. SAPA is working hard, but there as many here that do not have faith in the organization, in fact, MELIT, you sound like our SAPA.

Nope, not SAPA.

 

[Dave Benjamin]

Maybe to some I am an idiot but you my friend are only guessing. I know first hand about you because you are smart enough to use your real name on this forum. So before you start to sling mud make sure you know who you are throwing it at.

Yes Dave missed the point. There is always room for improvement, there always will be. Nobody said work for free so don't go there. But gloom and doom, It could be a hell of alot worse for ya.

See ya on line Dave.

The village idiot line was meant in good humor my friend. I use my real name because I'm not afraid to stand by what I say. Since you claim to work with me why don't you PM me and reveal who you are.

I don't understand your thinking at all. Why shouldn't a pilot group base their expectations on how well the company is doing? You don't see the pilots at Southwest giving concessions because their competition is not as well managed as WN. Why should a pilot group at any successful company settle for less than what they are worth or what they have been promised? If a VP or CEO of a company gives an assurance of something is it unreasonable for an employee to take them at their word?

I don't know about you but I've worked extensively outside of aviation. I've never seen another industry quite like this one.

 

[Dave Benjamin]

Dave, I think you missunderstood MELIT. I think he was simply saying you are lucky to have a job. Period.

If that's what he was trying to say that's illogical defeatist thinking. There are some carriers that are struggling where that statement has the ring of truth. I know you Maddog, and we both know SKYW is doing quite well financially.