60av8tor

It is a little surprising. We don't always get both sides of the story, but it's very difficult for me to believe there wasn't a little more at play in this scenario. The CP in this story is about as good as they get, and his office at the time (IMO based on dealing with some aging parent issues/death) was super accommodating. I forgot how many flights - 7? - but holy crap, if there isn't more to the story, that's really disappointing to read.

But seriously

I don’t know if it’s “common knowledge”, but it’s definitely not true. The CBA absolutely DOES apply to probies. The only significant exception is the discipline section. That is the same set up I’ve seen at every shop I’ve worked for. I’m fairly certain that the commuter policy applies to them as well. The difference is that the company is within their rights to decide that a probie utilizes the commuter policy too much and still fire them.

Commuting here is pretty much like anywhere else. Be a professional and show up for work. If something completely unexpected happens, they’ll understand. If you decide to try and arrive 15 mins before briefing time when ORD was forecasting 18 inches of snow, you’ll probably get a polite talking to. Do that 4 times over two months and you are probably going to get in trouble… and rightfully so.

symbian simian

Not a lot is better at NK than at any legacy. But our commute policy is.
2 flights (yes, 2, because we don't have own metal in too many places, so no difference for own metal). But that's the entire policy. As long as you have 2 flights that arrive before show you are good. No exceptions for weather, load factor, anything. They can both leave at the same time, from different terminals, and arrive 1 minute before show at a different terminal, and as long as you list for both you are good. And you can use the commute policy every trip, and there is nothing the company can do, even if you are on probation. Not enough reason to stay at NK, just saying.

SoFloFlyer

I wasn’t a commuter at NK, but commuting here versus NK takes more effort. Maybe it’s because I’m on probation, but I give myself 3 tries instead of 2. Just one of the things I have to do to make commuting work on year 1. I’m sure it gets better as time goes on, but NK really did have a better commuting policy. That said, you’re right. It’s no where near enough to make anyone stay. I’m definitely glad to be here.

symbian simian

Got a class date, live in UA base, might finally drive to work. Wish I tried 2 years ago, but after not gettting in between '05 till '14 had sort of given up. If they want 4 flights on probation I will give them that. And I also understand the probationary provision, sometimes people slip through that should not, and the union not having to protect those is not always bad. NK for over a decade, haven't missed a commute yet, will give myself way more options if I don't think I will get there. I guess I just prefer language that assumes I am a resposible adult that does not need supervision to do his job the right way....

MaxThrust1

3 people from my new hire class were terminated on probation.

SoFloFlyer

Why?
filler

SoFloFlyer

I totally get it. Like anything in this industry, I bet someone ruined it for the rest of us. Can’t have nice things kinda deal.

jdavk

You’re exactly right. We all want to be treated like adults but there is a surprisingly high percentage of pilots who are incapable of adulting. (I spent way too much time as a full time MEC grievance guy back in the pre merger days.)

ThumbsUp

That’s probably a consequence of casting with a bigger net. You’re just going to end up with people who aren’t fit for the job when you’re hiring this much.