Warren Buffet report on Netjets

[fly4funcrj]

There will always be a few rotten apples whether there is a union or not. If/when we get rid of these pilots, netjets will become even better.

 

[knowone]

Just to be clear, the Union NEVER endorsed or called for ANYTHING illegal to happen.

Everyone knows the union never endorsed for anything illegal to be done, but you would have to be naive to believe that the same grounding items always happened every day on every aircraft type.

Also isn't it amazing that after the contract was done that the airplanes became more efficient. Was it because NetJets hired in a better maintenance staff?

Now back to the present, it is great to hear that the union and management are working together again (rather than against each other) and allowing the pilot group to enjoy some of the profits.

 

[gunfyter]

Just shows how much more efficient the new CBA ws than the 1998 CBA

 

[netjetwife]

...the fact remains that many union pilots' behavior in response to management is what kept profits from happening. Fact? I beg to differ. You have it backwards, G4. There were poor decisions made by Boisture/management that had nothing to do with pilots. Selling off the core fleet while promoting the Marquis Card caused problems and hurt profits. Overbooking charter flights to cover the holidays only to have NJA pilots sit around FBOs while vendor$ flew their pax was a waste of money. Ignoring pilotgroup efforts to save money in daily operations is a costly mistake. I am not disputing either the cause of union discontent or the validity of the feelings of the union folks. Thank you for that. Also, as we all know within the company, union official policy regarding such misbehavior by many crews during those fractious times is not the subject, merely the behavior itself. Human nature as it applies to labor relations has been studied by behavior experts and some truths have emerged. Low morale lowers productivity and high turn over has a steep price tag. The behavior (of management) caused the lack of profits. Period. Short-sighted, penny-wise/pound-foolish decisions made by Boisture hurt profits and morale. Labor experts advise managers that a motivated workforce is necessary for success. That point was again made by an author/consultant NJA recently brought to CMH. I am very glad y'all got the deal you did, (Thanks, the pilots earned every dollar of it.) although the higher pay will open the lower end of the fractional market to bottom feeder newcomer companies, because there are pilots willing to fly for peanuts, unfortunately. Are you suggesting pilots should not raise the bar.. Every worker would rather get the going rate than be underpaid. Again you have it backwards, G4. The NJA contract sent the Options pilots to the bargaining table to pull up their wages and both times ('05 and '07) CS has found it in their best interest to offer their pilots more money. Meanwhile, the civil discourse is quite enjoyable, ... And on that point we both agree.

Good luck on the upcoming announcement at NJI.

 

[Some guy]

$547 million sounds like a big deal but when you look at the assets employed and total revenues, it is not so awesome.

Which assets? Are you talking about the owner's airplanes? NJ only owns 1 fractional aircraft. NJ leases the buildings in CMH. For not having hardly any owned assets, I think $250 mil is pretty good.

SG

 

[netjetwife]

Not to mention that the owners would have a valid complaint if NJA made too much money off of planes they're only supposed to be managing. Recall the owners who got upset about too many Marquis Card pax flying in their planes? If memory serves, NJA have to give some owners free flights to soothe their ruffled feathers. Apparently, in the frac business opinions on acceptable profit margins are taken seriously. If WB and RS are pleased, I dare say the peanut gallery should be as well.

Disclaimer for the word-twisters out there: "peanut gallery" is a term used half in jest. I do respect the fact that each of us has the right to an opinion, but I doubt that many posting here are as qualified as WB and RS to comment on the profitability of NJA.

 

[steelersrule74]

The reason NetJets is now profitable is that finally the NJA pilots are behaving like professional pilots instead of like professional union thugs. I am very happy about this, but for the union pilots to congratulate themselves for not misbehaving is disengenuous to say the least. In my opinion.

respectfully, i suggest that what you term as 'professional pilots' most others would refer to as whores. you know, those willing to eat sh$t, fly broken airplanes, apply for gov't assistance all for the privilege of flying a jet. there are plenty of crappy airlines that would love to have the 'professional pilot' that you believe in. I wonder how much money they're making?

now, being at NJI is a better situation than most. I wonder if you ever had to fight for what you currently have, what would your definition of 'professional pilot' be then? However since you acknowledge that the Union did in fact possess the power to drive a new contract, I'm curious as to what your preferred method is to increase pay, benefits and schedules by the amount we accomplished? I hope it's more than 'pretty please'......

 

[fischman]

Everyone knows the union never endorsed for anything illegal to be done, but you would have to be naive to believe that the same grounding items always happened every day on every aircraft type. Who says that happened? I can speak for my fleet only, but the planes are old and require a great deal of attention. They still do.

Also isn't it amazing that after the contract was done that the airplanes became more efficient. Was it because NetJets hired in a better maintenance staff? See what happens when you spend a lot of money on maintenence? The planes don't break down as often. AMAZING!

Now back to the present, it is great to hear that the union and management are working together again (rather than against each other) and allowing the pilot group to enjoy some of the profits.

I'm not sure what you want to hear? All I can tell you is that I refused to fly illegal airplanes in 2005, and I refuse to fly illegal planes now in 2008. Guess what? I won't fly them in 2009 either. To do so is to provide our owners a disservice and I will not do that.

 

[netjetwife]

Not to mention that the owners would have a valid complaint if NJA made too much money off of planes they're only supposed to be managing. Recall the owners who got upset about too many Marquis Card pax flying in their planes? If memory serves, NJA may have had to give some owners free flights to soothe their ruffled feathers. Apparently, in the frac business opinions on acceptable profit margins are taken seriously. If WB and RS are pleased, I dare say the peanut gallery should be as well.
quote]

Spell checker doesn't catch everything..:0 Obviously, I don't have access to NJA records, and I'm just going off of distant memory. Suffice it to say that owners were displeased over the Marquis situation-- and rightfully so.

There are other ways outside of actual flying, preflighting, etc to get your message across. Overtime is voluntary and no one should be surprised that overworked/underpaid pilots would do nothing more than is required in their contract. Higher motivation comes with better pay and working conditions, as experts will tell you and as the last 2+ years at NJA will confirm. Well treated/compensated pilots are much more willing to pull overtime and help the Company keep vendor costs down. That's another win/win situation that comes from working with a pilotgroup instead of against them. NJW

 

[gutshotdraw]

Good luck on the upcoming announcement at NJI.

What? Do we start wearing our crappy new black uniforms next week? What?

 

[Sky Captain]

The reason NetJets is now profitable is that finally the NJA pilots are behaving like professional pilots instead of like professional union thugs. I am very happy about this, but for the union pilots to congratulate themselves for not misbehaving is disengenuous to say the least. In my opinion.

Your opinion is insulting and incorrect. You should be ashamed of your post.

NJA management actions were IRRESPONSIBLE and RECKLESS during good faith bargaining with the Union. Their MISMANAGEMENT caused the near collapse at NJA. Their management skills (or lack thereof) gave them confidence to expose the company, and its ablility to make profits, by engaging in lengthy (2001 to 2005) and adversarial negotiations. Management's responsibility is to way all options, pros & cons, and cost-benefits to their plan of action.

Their plan: act unprofessionally by dragging out negotiations with the pilots and hope that the delays would weaken their resolve. The result: they GAMBLED and LOST!!!

Put the blame where it lies: management. The Pilots acted like PROFESSIONALS. Its just BUSINESS. And that's something RTS can relate to and, in my opinion, what lead to RTS's respect for the IBT 1108 PILOTS. And yes, we EARNED it!!!

 

[Sky Captain]

Also isn't it amazing that after the contract was done that the airplanes became more efficient. Was it because NetJets hired in a better maintenance staff?

It could be the totally new MEL we have now which covers many of the past issues as well as the new MCO program which allows us to fly the airplanes under certain conditions. Both of which we did not have prior to 2005.

Do not ASSume things that you are not 100% sure of...

 

[netjetwife]

What? Do we start wearing our crappy new black uniforms next week? What?

Gutshotdraw, don't ask me....
G4 dude is the one you should see...

 

[B19 Flyer]

The result: they GAMBLED and LOST!!!

To the union members, it's all about winning and losing. Not a single word about fairness for NJ and the rest of the employees. To you and the union mongers, NJ gambled and lost.

When Eastern shut down, the union still claimed they won. They sure showed Lorenzo a thing or two, didn't they?

 

[wolfpackpilot]

Good luck on the upcoming announcement at NJI.

Flame Bait....


Or

Is your husband who is an elected union official leaking confidential information out through you? An offense both immoral and illegal. But I'm sure you know this being the resident legal expert around here.

 

[B19 Flyer]

Flame Bait....


Or

Is your husband who is an elected union official leaking confidential information out through you? An offense both immoral and illegal. But I'm sure you know this being the resident legal expert around here.

She's the self proclaimed non-pilot union expert who's knows everything because her husband is a pilot.

Her husband is a "volunteer" that collects a stipend because he loses so much time on union chores and not flying revenue for Uncle Warren and the company that signs his paycheck that his pay must be augumented to make up for the difference. (oops, I guess that means he's a paid union employee).

As a fierce supporter of unions winning contracts, volunteerism with pay and complete backing of pilots because other NJ employees didn't invest properly in their careers, she's somebody that everybody can take solace in knowing she's there to help. (Just like the IRS.)

 

[HiSpeedFlyer]

HEY EVERYBODY, LOOKY HERE!!

It seems like B19 just popped his head out of his hole again......uke:

 

[fischman]

Flame Bait....


Or

Is your husband who is an elected union official leaking confidential information out through you? An offense both immoral and illegal. But I'm sure you know this being the resident legal expert around here.

Guess what wolfpackpilot? I think she was being genuine. She was actually wishing the pilots at NJI GOOD LUCK. I know it is weird, but there are actually still nice people out there.

 

[Guitar Guy]

Guess what wolfpackpilot? I think she was being genuine. She was actually wishing the pilots at NJI GOOD LUCK. I know it is weird, but there are actually still nice people out there.

I second fischman. Having met and known NJW and her husband for several years, I'm certain that she means "good luck" in a positive manner.

 

[netjetwife]

Wolf, you're wrong on both counts and it doesn't take an expert to follow along closely-- in Union affairs or a message board. Background info: I had responded to G4dude who said in post #39 "Meanwhile, the civil discourse is quite enjoyable, and we at NJI are waiting for Gulfstream's announcement of their new plane, the 600 series, I suppose. Secret stuff, how intriguing!"

I don't know anything about changes, announcements, etc at NJI, (first I heard of one) but that isn't a requirement to wish the pilots there luck... Perhaps you and B19 should check previous posts on a thread before you jump in and falsely attack someone making a friendly gesture. Here's your sign....

Obviously, civil discourse isn't practiced by all who post here, but to the majority of neighborly, respectful board members I offer my appreciation and a simple wish that all is well with you and yours. NJW

If a poisonous word-twister with a forked tongue slithers out of its Fud hole to block your path ... give it the boot!