Sumtinwong

I spoke with one of the negotiators and was told that the company has been really receptive to a number of demands. The negotiator had an air about him as to say he felt as though he was breaking through. I think they may be on a number of issues. I asked however if they had spoke about pay. He said they had not yet. JO said that growth and not pay was their focus. Mark my words, the company will not break much on pay at all, which is ridiculous. I don't know what managements issue is with paying at least industry average or better yet at livable wage, but they seem dead set on increasing their profit margins by keeping employee wages low. I am not familiar with the contracts that Mesa makes with mainline but my understanding is that we are in fact not much less expensive than our competitors. So where is the money going?

squawkoff

I've been asking the same question myself. In my opinion there's not much to negotiate because if they want growth they have to have pilots. If they continue to keep pay and benefits where they are, Mesa will die a slow death as there won't be any pilots to fly their airplanes. Why is it that other non-wholly owned regionals (Skywest, Republic, Expressjet, etc.) that are contracted with the same mainline carriers Mesa is can pay their pilots so much better and provide better benefits? It's one of three things. Either Mesa is not being truthful about the money they have or they're not any good at managing money or they're poor negotiators and are leaving money on the table in their negotiation with mainline. We're not asking for anything extravagant. We're just asking for industry average and that may not be enough to attract pilots because the day is coming (if it's not already here) when the only pilots that are possibly available will already be with another regional. You can't entice them to jump ship from their regional to Mesa for the same or lower pay and benefits. However, there's one way that is very enticing and that's the coveted TPIC time. If Mesa can get more airplanes and have true growth then they will be able to get a few to make the jump. But will enough jump to fill the seats of the new planes? And let's not forget that legacy airlines haven't ramped up hiring yet.

I fear that Mesa will be the next Republic in that they waited too late to interpret the writing on the wall. The pilot market has changed from just 5 years ago. It's a whole new ball game and Mesa better figure that out.

stbloc

Sounds miserable. Live 3/4 of the month in a roach motel for Walmart wages yet I am thinking of applying only because of IAH. What's wrong with me?

Sumtinwong

I don't personally hate it here, I think its important that people have the facts before coming here just as they should before going anywhere else. It depends on your goals. If you are financially able to have the base you want with relatively quick movement then you might be alright with Mesa. Very little reserve time if any, and somewhat quick upgrades. The upgrade train is gone for the Ejet right now for new hires. The CRJ is there for the picking once you get the 1000 121 hours. Of course that could all change in a day. There are wide spread rumors that another batch of Ejets are in the works. Its not too speculative either since our CEO says that's his main goal, steady growth in the company.

It comes down to getting the facts and making the best choice that works for you. I'm an 18 month upgrade myself having gotten 2 type ratings in the past 2 years. Overall, because things panned out for me, i'm happy with my decision to come here. Timing is everything. The attitudes on this forum whether it be from a Mesa person on from another regional person are very much the minority.

20sx

If you don't like it, you can always leave. There are other airlines that offer a bonus to come and wil pay for your training contract (do they still have one) at Mesa.

The hotel while in training is nice and at a good location, with a free breakfast. Don't know if there is more than one, but that's what I saw the new hires staying at in July.

Lastly, Houston has some decent attrition lately, and I would think that would continue.

stbloc

What is average 3-4 year captain making? Is it really 60k?

Hou757

I think you've gotten enough info about how bad Mesa is. Don't go there just thinking you will get a quick upgrade. Many have chased the upgrade only to be VERY dissapointed. It's the regionals but go somewhere that will pay you more of what you deserve and will provide you with descent contracts. I will say the hotels are mostly all excellent at XJT.

Navmode

3rd year CA 79 seat rate- $65.24
4th year CA 79 seat rate- $67.21

Multiply that by 75.83 hours of monthly guarantee, add about $450/month in per diem (if you hold a line), and you have your ballpark before tax top line numbers of $5,397 and $5,546.

If you're on reserve, your guarantee will be worth ~$7.50 less per hour below guarantee that you don't fly. If you're on the erj, your flying is paid at $60.67 and $62.52 for years 3 and 4 respectively.

iFlyRC

As a 3rd year CA, mostly on reserve, my gross w2 was low 60's.
4th Year CA, and a line holder, I am hoping it is closer to high 60's. My friends over on the E-jet make more than I do, just the United system has better schedules.

stbloc

When others say they make close to 100k at other regionals is that a bunch of smoke? Or is it the better contracts that is the difference.