Upgrade and union questions

[Caboclo]

Disregarding Pinnacle's street captain program, are any other regionals currently upgrading out of seniority? Ie, if a 5000 hour pilot signs on in the right seat, will he have to wait till the 500 hour pilot in the previous class upgrades before his turn comes?

Also, does the new hire have to start paying union dues from the first day of class, or is there a probation period before he's considered a union member?

 

[DoinTime]

Pinnacle's street captain program? We don't have a "program". Upgrades are awarded to pilots near the bottom of the list because there are no pilots qualified or willing to put in a bid. As more senior FOs bid captain they continue to push you down the bid list until your seniority number catches up with your position. At Pinnacle you'd have about 600 FO's keeping you on the bottom of the bid list for years to come.

Its generally the same across the industry.

ALPA probation is one year and it is dues free.

 

[Caboclo]

So during the year probation, the union does not cover you? The company can fire you at will, etc?

 

[Nevets]

So during the year probation, the union does not cover you? The company can fire you at will, etc?

You are afforded all the privileges and protections of the contract except for the ability for arbitration.

 

[DoinTime]

You are afforded all the privileges and protections of the contract except for the ability for arbitration.

More specifically, the "just cause" provision regarding termination does not apply to you. Every other contract provision is available to you in full force including binding resolution in arbitration.

I believe Compass has a provision where the company waives probation for their captains.

 

[Nevets]

More specifically, the "just cause" provision regarding termination does not apply to you. Every other contract provision is available to you in full force including binding resolution in arbitration.

I believe Compass has a provision where the company waives probation for their captains.

Yes, that is more accurate. The only thing you cannot arbitrate is the "just cause" clause. Thanks clarifying that for me.