rickair7777

The math didn't work out on that years ago. Maybe it would with 4500 pilots.

But the company would probably cut sapa off instantly if such a move got faction.

WesternSkies

ALPA is a conflict of interest.
They need us to stay right where we are or their (major partner) pilots will need to take a pay cut.
Sure they’d still be profitable but simply being profitable doesn’t work for Wall Street.
They’ve been able give lip service to the regional plight so far, as wages get pushed higher by the *market* that may change.

RemoveB4Flight

I would rather pay extra to our own self funded union than to ALPA. And I would do so if given the opportunity.

CaptSwift

Self fund SAPA! I love hearing that. I’d love seeing that. What’s the next step on making that happen?

Bravix

5% of your paycheck for less benefits than ALPA.

Throwing out random numbers to make a point, but the point is accurate. It would be cost prohibitive to self-fund a union.

If people think there's a conflict of interest with ALPA, then they either don't understand ALPA's structure, the airline union system, or both.

The only logical path to take with unions would be to go ALPA.

That said, ALPA won't do us any good so long as the pilot group is on a Koolaid IV. The same reason that there isn't a conflict of interest is the same reason that it might not do us any good. Its all up to the MEC, which is comprised of our pilot group. Our pilot group sucks at pushing the company for change. So nothing would probably change, unless joining a union actually invigorated the pilot group.

Bravix

SAPA isn't a union, which means no contract. To be clear, what do you mean when you say self-fund? You mean pay out like we would to a union, but without the "protections" of a contract? Without all of the other benefits that come from a proper union? You just want to pay these guy's salaries and hope they magically change their tune?

The only way that would work is if you required all SAPA members to work out of the junior bases. Now there's a novel idea. They can still live in Salt Lake, they just need to *gasp* commute! Thus staying informed on junior crew issues AND commuter issues. Edit: And can't bid above 35% either! Otherwise they might be bidding 5% and get too comfortable with their schedules, forgetting what its like for everyone else.

We can all dream...

If you meant unionizing SAPA, see previous post. Its cost prohibitive. ALPA benefits from economies of scale. We'd get WAY more bang for our buck with ALPA. All the benefits are basically subsidized by the higher wages of legacy carriers. Which brings about the conflict of interest complaint. However, all decisions come from our local MEC.

CaptSwift

Either way, I am an advocate for better representation that has legal backing.

In this market it’s naive to not want that and utilize the increasing leverage that the pilot group has towards increasing pay and QOL.

I had a friend recently reach out and address how crappy their QOL is at SkyMid-West..

We are in a position to address that with better representation!

hawk21

Earnings report in 20 minutes. Can't wait to hear Mr. CEO tell investors we are properly staffed again just like every other earnings report Q&A session.

amcnd

Define proper staffing. We talking company idea of it or pilots idea of it...?? Two different interpretations...

hawk21

When flights cancel for staffing and they have to re flow pilots to cover sick calls, etc we are not properly staffed for either interpretation.

West coast 175 is a different airline. I'm talking about SkyMidWest mostly.