SWA/Airtran pilot integration thoughts, what will the new list look like?

[scoreboardII]

Lets start the debate and keep it business like please.

Looking for input from current Airtran pilots.

My feelings are the integration of pilot groups should be a ratio between date of hire and current pay, I'm not sure what that would be as I don't have the numbers, anyone?

 

[Flying the Line]

Date of hire, no bump and flush.

 

[StopNTSing]

I think it would be counter-productive to start such a discussion here as it will inevitably degrade into a pointless food fight. I would suggest all SW and AT pilots save those keystrokes for emails to your union reps....that's where it may actually have some benefit.

This will ultimately be decided by an arbitrator....and that's okay. It's just business.

 

[Red Baron]

I think it would be counter-productive to start such a discussion here as it will inevitably degrade into a pointless food fight. I would suggest all SW and AT pilots save those keystrokes for emails to your union reps....that's where it may actually have some benefit.

This will ultimately be decided by an arbitrator....and that's okay. It's just business.

I personally hope it doesn't go to an arbitrator. I do hope our unions find common ground so that we don't have to go down that road. It would benefit both parties to stay out of it, IMHO. Regardless, it should be an interesting ride.

 

[waveflyer]

I think it would be counter-productive to start such a discussion here as it will inevitably degrade into a pointless food fight. I would suggest all SW and AT pilots save those keystrokes for emails to your union reps....that's where it may actually have some benefit.

This will ultimately be decided by an arbitrator....and that's okay. It's just business.

This^^^^

Well said-
Deep breath- make your case to your rep- let them make it to their NC and hopefully redtape won't be too thick and the NC will represent all of us to the arbitrator-
Then live with the result and work hard to make it as successful as possible

In the meantime, don't spend your time worrying- find a couple ways to save extra money if you're junior- that'll be a proactive stress reliever-
And spend lots of time on your favorite non airline gossip hobby- preferably something active

 

[Old Crow]

Yes. Regardless of your position in aviation, this is a good thing for the entire industry. Let's all be professional and respectful of this move toward two good companies joining forces and creating opportunities for those who need good jobs.

 

[Ty Webb]

The most important thing, to me, is quality of life. The payscales are a given ('cept for the 717, but I'm sure they'll be fair).

I want to work at a place where I can enjoy working with other pilots, and not an "east versus west" "redtails versus bluetails" or "corn dog versus tranny". I feel pretty confident that our negotiators and their will come up with something that we can all live with.

To me, the most fair method is some sort of relative seniority- where you are is where you is.

 

[Whataburger]

Only #1 will be happy.

Hopefully we can find an agreement (DAL/NWA) that we can all live with.

 

[scoreboardII]

I disagree with the "leave it to the reps" thought, they are a batch of 5 or 10 folks with blinders on, we are many, the hive mind can come up with better solutions. I'm just saying.

 

[j41driver]

Hopefully we can find an agreement (DAL/NWA) that we can all live with.

What he said.

 

[shagadelic]

where you are is where you is.

A 40% pay raise, 9 more domiciles to choose from, improved 401k, medical, Lubbock overnights, and you keep relative seniority? That sounds pretty close to a windfall to me. A staple won't happen, but neither will relative seniority.

They'll get it figured out, and I'm sure most of us will hate it. But when it's all over, I'll accept it, say welcome aboard, and buy you a beer on our 20 hour Lubbock overnight.

 

[filejw]

I personally hope it doesn't go to an arbitrator. I do hope our unions find common ground so that we don't have to go down that road. It would benefit both parties to stay out of it, IMHO. Regardless, it should be an interesting ride.

Been through 4 mergers all went to arbitration, good luck..

 

[JT12345]

I think it would be counter-productive to start such a discussion here as it will inevitably degrade into a pointless food fight. I would suggest all SW and AT pilots save those keystrokes for emails to your union reps....that's where it may actually have some benefit.

This will ultimately be decided by an arbitrator....and that's okay. It's just business.

What he said.

 

[Red Baron]

Been through 4 mergers all went to arbitration, good luck..

I know, just trying to be optimistic! (kind of like the Cowboys winning the Super Bowl this season)

 

[gt1900]

A 40% pay raise, 9 more domiciles to choose from, improved 401k, medical, Lubbock overnights, and you keep relative seniority? That sounds pretty close to a windfall to me. A staple won't happen, but neither will relative seniority.

They'll get it figured out, and I'm sure most of us will hate it. But when it's all over, I'll accept it, say welcome aboard, and buy you a beer on our 20 hour Lubbock overnight.

Actually, I think AAI's 401K is better, but the rest is spot on! As long as everyone hates it, it will probably work!

 

[shootr]

1-2% better on a 40-50% smaller payscale is not a better retirement. FWIW.

 

[awadrvr]

I say staple all the Tranny guys!!! Most Fos at SWA make more money have a better schedule and benefits then the captains at Airtran.

 

[GuppyWN]

Actually, I think AAI's 401K is better, but the rest is spot on! As long as everyone hates it, it will probably work!

Would you rather have 10.5% of $150k per year or 9.3% of $225k per year?

I will lob one over the net - I will not be happy with relative seniority. Look at what the WN guys stand to gain vs. what the Tranny guys stand to gain.

Debate.

Gup

 

[gt1900]

Correct me if Im wrong. But doesn't SWA's 401K require you to contribute before you see a match? If you maxed out your 401K at $16,500 wouldn't that be the most you could get from SWA as well (unless your over 55)? B funds have no max, and you don't have to contribute anything. It leaves that extra money in my pocket to spend how I choose. IMO, A 10.5% B fund is much better then a 9.3% 401K match, even if the 401K match is based off a higher salary, because you are going to hit the limit at about $160,000 per year. I could be wrong, so If I am, please tell.

BTW.. Can the SWA guys explain how your pay works. Isn't it based of segments, and not time? Is the hourly rate you see on Airline Pilot Central pretty close to what you guys actually see?

 

[shootr]

SWA will continue to match above the federal max. The salary deferral is just not tax free after that point. There's still a max but it's WAY higher than 16.5K...

Oh, we do have profit-sharing, too. Sometimes good...somtimes not as good.

 

[JT12345]

I say staple all the Tranny guys!!! Most Fos at SWA make more money have a better schedule and benefits then the captains at Airtran.

Troll alert!


Btw, it is against the laws past by the United States Congress.

 

[shootr]

A staple is not against the law. It may not be what happens but "no staple" is not what B/M and A/M say. Do your research.

 

[shagadelic]

IMO, A 10.5% B fund is much better then a 9.3% 401K match, even if the 401K match is based off a higher salary, because you are going to hit the limit at about $160,000 per year. I could be wrong, so If I am, please tell.

They match 9.3% up to 16,500, then it starts going into a 401a-17 excess fund (still at 9.3%). I believe (just going off memory) the total from all sources, profit sharing, 401k match, 401 contributions, and 401a-17 this year can't be more than $49,000. So if we have a huge profit sharing, some could get a check back...that used to happen a lot, not so much anymore. I'm well passed the 16,500 company match and in to the excess, but won't hit the limit, I'm sure.

 

[MCDU]

DOH. No bump no flush.

M

 

[gt1900]

They match 9.3% up to 16,500, then it starts going into a 401a-17 excess fund (still at 9.3%). I believe (just going off memory) the total from all sources, profit sharing, 401k match, 401 contributions, and 401a-17 this year can't be more than $49,000. So if we have a huge profit sharing, some could get a check back...that used to happen a lot, not so much anymore. I'm well passed the 16,500 company match and in to the excess, but won't hit the limit, I'm sure.

Thanks.. Clear as mud! ;-)

 

[shagadelic]

The answer is yes, we get a match of 9.3 even passed the 16500 cap.

 

[Ky.BrownBourbn]

Correct me if Im wrong. But doesn't SWA's 401K require you to contribute before you see a match? If you maxed out your 401K at $16,500 wouldn't that be the most you could get from SWA as well (unless your over 55)? B funds have no max, and you don't have to contribute anything. It leaves that extra money in my pocket to spend how I choose. IMO, A 10.5% B fund is much better then a 9.3% 401K match, even if the 401K match is based off a higher salary, because you are going to hit the limit at about $160,000 per year. I could be wrong, so If I am, please tell.

BTW.. Can the SWA guys explain how your pay works. Isn't it based of segments, and not time? Is the hourly rate you see on Airline Pilot Central pretty close to what you guys actually see?

I hit the 16.5 cap in Aug., Co. is still contributing!
KBB

 

[gt1900]

If a person hits the $16,500 max, is the amount you contribute over $16,500 taxed at a normal rate similiar to an IRA? Obviously Ive never had to worry about it, otherwise I would know.. Thanks in advance.

 

[shagadelic]

I hit the 16.5 cap in Aug., Co. is still contributing!

I think they are talking about the $16500 match from the company, not what you contributed. They will match up to 16500, then it goes in to the excess fund. You won't see the excess funds deposited until March, I think, and I have no idea why.

If a person hits the $16,500 max, is the amount you contribute over $16,500 taxed at a normal rate similiar to an IRA? Obviously Ive never had to worry about it, otherwise I would know.. Thanks in advance.

You can't contribute beyond 16500. But they company can match beyond 16500 as long as the total from all sources doesnt go beyond 49000. To get the 16500 from the company, you'll have to make 177,000. After that, it will go into the excess fund.

 

[bizicmo]

It should go by last 4 digits of your social security. 3000's first, then 7000's, 1000's, 5000's, 4000's, 0000's, 9000's, 2000's, 6000's and last 8000's. Also you should be able to move up and down with the people directly next to you by winning a best of three challenge. The best of 3 challenge can come from this list: 40 yard sprint, max reps of 135 bench press, a game of Risk, a best of 3 series of rock/scissors/paper, hot dog eating contest, a race around the world by boat, drinking contest of some kind or contest of who can jump off the highest platform and survive. If the 2 contestants can't come to an agreement on the challenges then the challenge selection goes to an arbitrator.