ShyGuy

We have a ton of commuters from SE US / Florida/Georgia. They are spread across the bases JFK, SFO, and LAX.

full of luv

Alrighty then, where should Danodano go to "hook up" with these many commuters? Do they regularly hang out at establishments of ill repute?

PilotGoggles

I've heard standing in the parking lot of headquarters with a big sign is your best chance

full of luv

Great idea, and sign should read:

"I love virgins, now hire me!"

Danodano

Anyone KPNS, KMOB, or KJAN area?? Do like the posted Virgins sign idea, not sure how far it would go to get you hired though!! :-)

NextFlightHome

Several of my co-workers and I have written rec letters for qualified pilots who would fit in very well here. Not a single person we've written a letter of rec for has received a phone call.
Letters do not necessarily help (I didn't have one) job fairs do help. Other than that, their hiring practices are a mystery.

------------------------------------------------------

Separate issue: Union... I'm on the fence. Totally 100% undecided.

Cons: I have a very bitter taste in my mouth from being a regional carrier with ALPA for a long time. In addition, this is the same union that helped lobby with Delta and others to try to stop VX from every getting off the ground. Furthermore, the bulk of ALPA's funds come from legacy carriers who COMPETE with us. Again, I'd find myself working with a union who has a huge conflict of interest. 2% of my salary goes out the window (before 401k funds) just as I'm starting to make some real money. I also love our culture here at VX, if ALPA steps in, things are going to go downhill quickly. No raises for years (a contract will not come quickly) and I've seen how unions can instill a sense of entitlement/righteousness with the pilot group. United's letter is valid, however, I don't want their culture/workplace.

Pros: Safety nets... insurance, job protection (from undue discipline), bargaining power. Also fixing parts of our work rules that have needed fixing for a long time but never have been. (DHD pay, duty rigs, other types of soft credit, better reserve rules, etc...)

I have not been online for very long either which doesn't help. I've been hosed a few times, dealt with some crap, but I've also been having a great time! Love the crews, destinations, hotels, airplanes, etc... I literally go back and forth on my decision sometimes within minutes.

I have not voted yet and will probably wait until the last minute... If I had to vote right here, right now, I'd have no idea how to vote

full of luv

I'm far from an ALPA rah rah supporter, but quite literally, when bargaining, isn't it each group negotiating for themselves with ALPA's support of lawyers, accountants, professionals that help the negotiating team?

Seems to me that of course ALPA and mainline would have tried to stand in the way of VA "starting up" at SFO. Someday when another yet to be born USLC (ultra super low cost) airline starts up at SFO with handouts from the city and backing of international investors, you'll be right there with them crying foul.

But now that VA is a going concern, why not work to make it a proud corner of the profession where people earn a fair wage, and going with ALPA does not ensure a long time to contract, DALPA has had success negotiating with mgmt on time. If both sides want to negotiate, it could be done in a week. If either side feels time is on their side, well then the process is rigged for delay. Either way, at least your on some timeline instead of a direct engagement model which is entirely controlled by the company.

Lastly, VA is not a regional. Regionals are low cost CONTRACTORS. That is why they have no leverage because mgmt has pressure to keep costs low or lose the contract. They are what the airlines would be if scope clauses didn't exist.
Best of luck, and fly safe.

gvinflight

Definately job fairs Dan. I would suggest OBAP and AeroCrew Solutions, but make sure that VX will be at those fairs. I know they were at OBAP over the past several years and were there again this year as well. Make it a point to go there and talk to all the reps, making sure you get to meet each one including the HR gals.

Otherwise, look around here, and don't hesitate to pm folks! Best of luck to you bud, it really is a great company to work for. We are in an interesting position right now with the vote going on, but it is a great company.

Speaking of which, the vote huh...It is rather interesting. I do have to say that both sides present some good information. I did vote last night, figured I was tired of waiting...

PilotGoggles

In regards to job protection and insurance, does anyone have any knowledge of a Virgin pilot being terminated? Particularly, in an instance where ALPA could have saved his/her job.

Yetifan

I was wondering if anyone has interviewed this month (may)? If so, what was the latest info on what they're doing?

Thanks!