What the Skywest OC won't tell you

[Rez O. Lewshun]

R.O.L. . . you can do better than that; I know you can.

Here it comes...

I suppose the easiest counter is that the US Military is 100% voluntary.

At least initially...

Once 51% of pilots at a carrier vote in ALPA, the other 49% are forced to join (or they can quit, hardly practical). "Drafted", if you will. Hardly popular, whether in the military or in the labor force. Everyone will be subject to another huge layer of regulation and bureaucracy, which is not exactly freedom.

ALPA is regulation and bureaucracy? Maybe... but unlike the MIL and Slywest management... it is democracy... the 49% still have a voice... and if effective can use the same 50% + 1 tactic that got them into the this "union" mess to get them out... regardless...they are going to have to become involved...

Now..if you are advocating that sheep or sheepeople have the right to just graze the sod and be left alone then that opens a huge door to debate... Are pilots sheepeople would be my first question... Well? Are they?

I'm a big believer in majority rule though. A group wants to shoot itself in the foot and go ALPA, more power to them.

You are a big believer in maj. rule untill you are the minority....

Yeah...democracy sucks doesn't it... you like corporate dictatorships don't you?

Just don't call that more "freedom".

What would you call free will, elections and representation?

 

[John Pennekamp]

The campaign started with a goal of getting 70% of the pilots to sign authorization cards.

The petition was filed with cards signed by less than 50% of the pilots.

What are the chances ALPA is going to be voted in?

I think apples are tasty. I don't care for bananas. Based on this, what are the chances I like peaches? What does this say about the chances of me planting an avocado tree in my yard? Sheesh!

 

[Gr82Aviate]

Right- and the flipside to that argument is that many pilots who get to that point- then also get real motivated to move on -equaling another vote lost. Which is great for me- but i still have a LOT of friends there who have no desire to leave, or b/c so much domestic flying has been relegated to us- won't be able to.

A lot has been written on this thread about happiness = union or not union. Most of those arguments come down to whether or not you believe a union has hampered growth opportunities for your airline- I tend to believe management's ability to run an airline has much more to do with the opportunities we get than the pilot contract. I want to earn my check- but frankly- i did @ skywest- and more. Not one quarter with less than $30million profit in 5 years!- and they can't keep pay up with inflation?

The only thing i don't understand is how there is a debate left?

Management had their chance to follow through on their promises with SAPA as the "representative". They chose not to. That's not your fault. You are more than justified in stepping up your negotiating power.

Inflation since 2002 is 19%. That's the raise you'll need to stay even w/ 50 seat pay in 2002- EVEN THOUGH SKYWEST HAS ALMOST TRIPLED IN SIZE FLYING AIRPLANES w/52% more capacity. You have value now- it's up to you to turn it into something and stop the suppression from SAPA.

The last COLA we got was in 2000, so I think break even is closer to 25%, and then at least another 14% for the 4 years they alloted us either 0 or 1%...since current real inflation(not core)is estimated to be running at about 3.5% per year!