I went to that interview (used to fly for EOI as well) for the 727 left seat positions they keep advertising for - can't get very many current and qualified takers... here's why:
During the interview we specifically asked about RVSM and the 727's. Long answer short, the 727's are going to start going away - 2 in 2004 for heavy D checks that will NOT be done, the rest probably early 2005 when RVSM comes into effect (finally). They don't think they're going to get another reprieve on it.
We then specifically asked if they were going to cross-train their 727 guys over to the 757 / MD80. Answer... NO. Reason being, it's MUCH cheaper to train someone who's current and qualified within the last three years - only takes two weeks and 1/4 the sim time. They are also finding plenty of MD80 and 757 qualified people out there to fill those slots. Lastly, the contract only requires them to take two guys out of the 727 for every 757 or MD80 class they run and they will only do the minimum required so they can save $$$ (pretty sh*tty IMHO).
We asked them about any changes to the contract to allow for integration of the 727 guys, they simply said it probably wouldn't happen. The company wants to get an hourly pay rate in place instead of the salary at guarantee, albeit at A-scale wages. It would be great for the senior 1/4, second 1/4 would stay pretty much the same, the bottom half would end up LOSING pay over the deal, and they still won't bring in the F/E's. The bottom half of the seniority list combined with the F/E's saying no to the deal is keeping it from happening and probably won't change.
For me, that was pretty much the end of the interview. I spent the rest of the time B.S.ing with Bill about Mayo, the company, other EOI guys, just good times in general. When I left, I thanked them for the interview and told them if they ever wanted to put me into the left seat of the MD80 or 757 I'd happily reconsider, but otherwise wouldn't leave a stable job for something that would PROBABLY be gone in a year. Just "wouldn't be PRUDENT".
