The CS response to NJ ammended contract

[Stinkbug]

After reading flagshipper's factual comments, I am not sure how many CS pilots could be happy either if they are aware of the differences in packages.

I guess that merit-based culture better be well liked because something will be needed to keep attrition levels from skyrocketing...

You know something, not one CS pilot came on board without knowing what the compensation package entailed. It's barely been two weeks since NJ's new deal and now all of a sudden CS is a crappy place to work? News flash, nothing's changed at CS over the years, except for the better. I realize that all opinions are welcome on here, but you sure do comment a lot about conditions at all the fractionals...yet you don't work for any of them? Seems kind of pesumptuous

 

[On Your Six]

You know something, not one CS pilot came on board without knowing what the compensation package entailed. It's barely been two weeks since NJ's new deal and now all of a sudden CS is a crappy place to work? News flash, nothing's changed at CS over the years, except for the better. I realize that all opinions are welcome on here, but you sure do comment a lot about conditions at all the fractionals...yet you don't work for any of them? Seems kind of pesumptuous

CS is not a crappy place to work. It could be even better on a relative basis if certain aspects improved (health care costs, a slightly better wage package, crew meals relief, etc.). I appreciate what you are saying but I have friends at each of the major fractionals (except FLOPS) and I hear plenty of opinions from people who work there.

In case you didn't notice, it is a tight labor market. Frankly, it surprises me that CS's management could be so bold as to shut the door on any improvements in the near term. Would they prefer to hire Netjets rejects? I am sure things will improve at CS over time and bring the packages closer together, but I just didn't like the tone of the distributed message - it sounded arrogant to me. Experienced pilots have many choices - Netjets, the legacy carriers, LCCs, great Part 91 opportunities, etc. Sure, age 65 throws a monkey wrench into the situation but it is too soon to tell what will happen regarding recruitment.

If CS wants to continue to compete for the very "best" pilots out there (as it states in its corporate video), it will need to offer a strongly competitive package - otherwise they can expect 2nd tier employees who couldn't get hired elsewhere. That's the reality of the situation. Sorry if the truth hurts sometimes. It's a tight labor market and great pilots will gravitate to the best opportunities. Unfortunately, big disparities between the "important factors" considered by employees like health care costs and standard wages can also cause resentment among front-line employees - and that ain't good in a service business where attitude and "going that extra mile" is so important. Thank God you guys have the meritocracy to ensure everyone acts "in line." Even justified resentment won't be tolerated and you will sit in the right seat of your Bravo for the next 5 years...

 

[Stinkbug]

Even justified resentment won't be tolerated and you will sit in the right seat of your Bravo for the next 5 years...

Again, you don't work here so you're not qualified to say that. I don't know anyone who likes the merit system but I also don't know anyone who has been held back from normal progression who didn't actually have GLARING problems

 

[On Your Six]

Again, you don't work here so you're not qualified to say that. I don't know anyone who likes the merit system but I also don't know anyone who has been held back from normal progression who didn't actually have GLARING problems

So, people who question authority (not in a major way) or who raise "sensitive" competitive issues won't have problems going forward? They will progress as smoothly as the quiet, head-nodding people? I guess subjectivity never plays a role in upgrade decisions there.

My point is that CS is a good place to work and it could be even better if a few things were improved. My friend who is there likes it but he was dismayed with your management's handling of the situation.

 

[blueridge71]

News flash, nothing's changed at CS over the years, except for the better.

That is largely true (cough cough) (standby)(cough cough), but the reality is that competitive wages in the fractional market changed drastically December 10. What was a good wage is now not so great.

The discrepancy for first year FOs on the 7/7 schedule is roughly $20,000 if health insurance is included. You'd have to have your head firmly implanted in the sand (or elsewhere) to believe that isn't going to make a difference, both for new hires and current FOs.

 

[flagshipper]

You may not be able to tell from my post but I do like CS and it is better than 90 percent of all other aviation jobs but as mentioned by on your six what I do find disturbing is management's attitude as shown in the original post. If I can make 20k more a year doing the same amount of work (or even less with more vacation) then I would be stupid not to. All they brag about is our "5 star pilots" yet we are headed to the bottom in ways of compensation and overall morale.Try telling potential owners we have the best pilots when they are making 40 percent less money. It is just bad business.

 

[Stinkbug]

I hope you and a lot more do leave....the more that leave, the better the chance that management will do something about it. I just think it's an interesting premise that just because NJ increased salaries two weeks ago CS is now bottom of the barrel...

You may not be able to tell from my post but I do like CS and it is better than 90 percent of all other aviation jobs but as mentioned by on your six what I do find disturbing is management's attitude as shown in the original post. If I can make 20k more a year doing the same amount of work (or even less with more vacation) then I would be stupid not to. All they brag about is our "5 star pilots" yet we are headed to the bottom in ways of compensation and overall morale.Try telling potential owners we have the best pilots when they are making 40 percent less money. It is just bad business.