captscott26

No one is trying to damage your career, and no one on my committee wants to see the airline overstaffed. However, this is a unionized pilot group, and probably was when you came here, right? If you want to work in an environment where it's every man for himself, where you walk all over your fellow pilots in an attempt to fatten your wallet, well, there are airlines like that hiring. Maybe your career would see less "damage" at JB or VA.

sandlapper223

Looks like the Canadians are launching a ULCC.

Jetlines, Canada's new upstart, takes a huge bet that it can execute the ULCC model | CAPA - Centre for Aviation

Some intrigue is surfacing around a new ultra low-cost airline that aims to debut from a base in Vancouver during summer 2014. Modelled after Spirit and the pioneer of the bare-bones business scheme Ryanair, it would arrive just as new carriers created by Canada’s dominant airlines Air Canada and WestJet hit their stride.

Founders of Canada Jetlines have recently been making the rounds among Canada’s media outlets touting their plan to operate Airbus narrowbodies to under-served and little-served markets, appealing to cost-conscious travellers with low base fares and an extensive a la carte menu that could even include a nanny service.

Given Spirit’s solid financial results since its initial public offering in 2011 and Ryanair’s consistent profitability levels, it was only a matter of time before an aspiring ULCC would sprout up in Canada. Of course the challenge is amply executing the theory that the time is ripe for the ultra low-cost model to succeed in Canada. There will also be many across the border watching closely.

Lobaeux

The business model works, that's apparent. However, it'll be interesting to see how it works in Canada.
Westjet is patterned after JetBlue, founded with the guidance of JetBlue's founders, yet it's not quite a ULCC. Canadian travel though is a little different, and may benefit from an ULCC, but it'll be tough to see if a third "large" carrier can work in Canada.

Plane Ramrod

Seems to be working in Montreal and Toronto.

stage5

that covers the matter pretty well.

Orbit

This airline was union when we both came here. It was also union back when the union gained 200% pay and when the union gained 150% pay for ALL OT!

You play the division game by trying to imply that men like me are anti union. WRONG! We're just anti oppressive union. According to many, MANY, Capts I've flown with, the union worked with the company from 1997 until 2008 and in that time accomplished many things, including an almost doubling of the pay scales. Since then, from what I hear (and see) the union functions for nothing more than making sure no line pilot makes more than a union "volunteer".

captscott26

I, for one, dont care how much money anyone here makes...as long as its done in accordance with the CBA. You see, that document means nothing if we sit around and decide which sections we'd like to follow, and which we'd like to ignore. It's all or nothing. Im quite sure you would be screaming bloody murder if the company violated the CBA and caused you some harm, yet you dont seem to be bothered when the company turns a blind eye to the CBA if it puts more money in YOUR pocket. Its a bit naive of you to think that doesnt affect any of your fellow pilots.

My point on you volunteering is this...If you believe the MEC or elected LEC reps are not representing the pilot group properly, and you also believe that your opinions regarding our "oppressive" union are true and shared by the majority, why not run for an elected position. You'd surely have a enough votes to get elected, right??

RonnyK320

Whoever ran on the premise of getting rid of the Junior Assignment limits probably would win. I know he'd have my vote

This is my 4th union airline, and it's the first one that says to the pilots that even if it makes your life better, and you approve, you may not violate the contract. It's madness if you ask me, but it is what it is.

RK

Sailor

It's easy to point fingers. We all do it. But I agree with Scott, participation its a huge portion of this system. If we thought this was such a bad place, with such a bad contract, what are we doing here?, why are we getting "veteran new hire" pilots flocking this way?, can't blame "nobody's hiring" anymore!....

I'm pretty sure that the other options, (non union) carriers would not make any "ex NK" pilot's carrier any easier or better for that matter.

We visited this stuff several times after the contract, nothing to see here, move along and get ready for the next one.

Sailor

Because it's just that!, a contract.