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

[Lear70]

1. We are running under 11 pilots per airplane. You guys are over 12. In other words - we could be over staffed.

No, we're not. It looks that way on paper, but we have a much higher level of pilots than most airlines out on mil leave or medical leave that don't show up on that fleet-to-seniority list analysis.

2. The new FAA rest rules aren't going to help. They are going to hurt. How many pilots per day do you need when you can now fly 10 hour turns?

They were going to help us for the way our company flies. Like I said, wasn't sure how it would work with your work rules.

The rest? Who knows... I just fly planes. And it appears my crystal ball is starting to work again... we were making bets on this last year, weren't we? Who was supposed to buy me that beer? I forgot, gotta go back and re-read the threads...

 

[GuppyWN]

Hey man I'll buy you a beer. I'm just trying to replace speculation and assumptions with facts.

Gup

 

[Lear70]

Hey man I'll buy you a beer. I'm just trying to replace speculation and assumptions with facts.

Gup

Heh heh... can't argue with you there.

That's why our pilot group is urging our MEC not to back down from the table with OUR OWN negotiations with AirTran management on our new contract. The sooner we tie up our own contract problems, the better, and it will then be a more realistic playing field to analyze career expectations comparatively with Southwest pilots.

Unfortunately, we don't really have a choice. If we back off negotiations, we do ourselves a disservice by entering SLI negotiations from a weaker negotiating perspective, not to mention our pilots are COMPLETELY uninterested in another year or TWO of this pay scale and work rules.

Like I said, this whole thing is very, very complicated.

Look forward to having that beer with you!

 

[DougCorp-9]

Southwest follks,

What was your increase in TFP for 2009 and 2010. I am looking at your contract and it says those years were variable. Have there been any other adjustments to the TFP rates? Could someone post or PM me the current TFP rates.

Thanks

 

[GuppyWN]

The pay rates are tied to profitability. Q3 numbers come out the 3rd week of October. There is some speculation we could get the full 2% rate increase.

Gup

 

[DougCorp-9]

What did you get in 2009?

 

[GuppyWN]

What did you get in 2009?

I think you're trying to box me in here but I'll play.

Our contract runs from 2006-2011. We didn't ink the deal until fall 2009. We got a raise w/full retro pay on DOR. That left us with 2009 and 2010. Those 2 years were up to 2% raises based on profitability. It looks like we will get SOME raise based on numbers closing on September 30.

So if we kick butt we will be making 4% more next year than we are now. If we don't make targets we will be stuck at $203/hr for 12 year captains.

Gup

 

[StopNTSing]

StopNTSing and Tripower455, I was talking about When I upgraded in around 8-9 years I would expect to make 275K/yr as a CA. I don't think we would have a pay freeze for 8 years. I believe the average CA pay currently is about 240-250K/yr.

Gotcha. Let's hope the rates in the later years produce at least that kind of pay. Inflation isn't staying in check much longer, I fear.

 

[maru657]

Much here has been said about a windfall for SouthWest but the other consideration is that SouthWest has to grow in order to survive.

 

[DougCorp-9]

I think you're trying to box me in here but I'll play.

Our contract runs from 2006-2011. We didn't ink the deal until fall 2009. We got a raise w/full retro pay on DOR. That left us with 2009 and 2010. Those 2 years were up to 2% raises based on profitability. It looks like we will get SOME raise based on numbers closing on September 30.

So if we kick butt we will be making 4% more next year than we are now. If we don't make targets we will be stuck at $203/hr for 12 year captains.

Gup

Not trying to box you in.

Just trying to figure out current TFP. That's what matters in the end right?