ClickClickBoom

Strong koolaid aid, indeed. Walk into any crew lounge except SLC and as any pilot this question. 90% will be a stretch.

Jvw700

The majority who post here would not be happy anywhere!

N1234

Let's not forget about the history on all these carriers and rules. Whatever XJT has in place has been like that for a long time. No union voted that in recently. I don't know the history but I am sure there is a story to it.

Yes, it would be nice to have max credit line and min reserves per some rules. But I have a hard time seeing that being bargained for in the current environment. And I am curious to hear if any union recently established any kind of QoL improvements or just drove up the pay scale.

rickair7777

In airlines, to be happy you need to figure how much of each these you need...


1. Money
2. Days Off/Schedule
3. Work Environment (Culture, Stability)

Set those bars (reasonable) and shoot for it. Once you get there, kick back and enjoy, and take the subsequent benefits of seniority as a bonus.

Some people just want 1 & 2, and are willing to put up with anything while actually at work. Others care more about 2 & 3 than one. Only you know the right answer for you.

But don't get caught up in always striving for the next goal in this career. That outlook works great in corporate America or the military. In airlines it's better have a baseline goal and when you get there put on the cruise control and go along for the seniority ride. Too frustrating otherwise to strive while waiting for things beyond your control. Find outside activities as outlets for your energy and ambition.

disillusioned

I been awarded a line less than 88 hours once since the start of 2015. I try to waive minimum but even in the top 30% of my domicile, I usually need between 87-90 hours for required min line value. In that same time frame (15 months) we have been above 10% for our CRJ FO reserves 3 times.

So when we wonder why SW is getting all the flying, it's because they can force it on us for straight pay.

Maybe for some. For me all I want is to have an understanding between myself and the company and have both of us honor that understanding. I can't just pick and choose which parts of the SOP I follow, but it is fine for the company to not follow our "contract" The problem is that SW has always run lean to save money at the expense of our QOL. 117 changed what they could get away with and they are still trying to cram a square peg into a round hole. There are some real easy, quick wins out there. But it's not the way we have always done it.

That's the problem. Everyone is always worried about pay rates. I tried to let everyone know we should work on QOL issues with our last contract. But everyone got all excited about the bonus and extra flying we could get. Well we are getting the extra flying at the expense of PBS blowing up each month and seniority being ignored for upgrades and equipment transitions.

I chose SW for 2 and 3. Granted it helps to have a spouse that works, but I always knew that I wouldn't get filthy rich working for a regional. To make the big money you needed to move on. But there is no benefit to being senior at SW. You still don't get the trips you can hold. You still can't drop down and fly less if you need to for kids/family stuff. You still can't get the equipment/bases you desire if your current base/equipment is understaffed.

It was just sad to stumble across this thread and see that the same thing was happening last year and nothing has changed. Everyone I have talked to that has moved on from SW is happy with the choice. They have more days off and more control even on reserve. Granted that company culture can change just as it did at SW. Culture is a funny thing. Takes a long time to develop but you can lose it in a hurry. Someday SGU will find out how much of the culture has disappeared and realize they are just another regional. Maybe they really feel 90% of the group is perfectly happy. But this is also the same group that felt attrition was so low because all the pilots were happy when there was NO hiring going on. TG should learn a little from the mistakes of KB and try to get a little more engaged with the pilot group.

Jvw700

I agree with disillusioned on the QOL/PBS stuff! My biggest issue is the inability to manipulate our schedules whatsoever!
The next round should focus solely on the QOL issues IMO. That is if we're still around then...

WesternSkies

You obviously were not happy at Eagle. I suggest letting some of the "shiny and new" of SKYW fade then reevaluate because this forum sees these posts on repeat- new guys telling old guys how great it is until they themselves "get sick" of a few things.

Welcome to SKYW. We do have a lot good things going for us, but QOL and seniority needs to be addressed.

Jvw700

My "shiney and new" feeling for this industry faded a long time ago! I think this place is a lot better than most but that doesn't mean I think there isn't room for improvement! It's just not going to come from ALPA...

FTFF

It's going to come from a job offer flying something big, for big bucks, at a union shop, most probably ALPA. Sure as schitt isn't going to come from your little inhouse thing.

Jvw700

That's my point! ALPA best serves Delta and United, not the regionals...