iahflyr

I agree for the most part. See my responses above.

scrapdog

You're completely missing my point. I'm not calling you out because you're furloughed, involuntary or voluntary. For all the involuntary furloughs, I don't know the pain, but I'm sure it sucks and my hat is off to you. I'm not biased to anyone's situation in all honesty.

What I'm asking, is why on every post do you state you're a voluntary furlough? Why is that necessary, i.e. what gives? It doesn't give credibility to your posts, unless I'm completely missing something. What gives credibility is factual data in an unbiased situation. I just don't understand why you must post your scenario everytime you write, that's all...

scrapdog

Got it, thanks.

lolwut

Negotiating capital spend bringing scope back in isn't just spent to get rid of those RJs with no benefit to most of the group of pilots.

Less / smaller RJs means potentially more jets at mainline. More jets means more pilots. More pilots means you get to bring those furloughs back (and do some hiring) and that all the pilots on the list enjoy a higher percentage on the seniority list. That means the option of better QOL, or being able to bid better paying seats or equipment.

I'm sure most everyone knows that, but its good to remind those few who don't think scope affects them at all since they're senior enough that they don't have to worry about losing their jobs over it. Bringing back scope helps EVERYONE. It could put you in that captain seat or in that widebody seat. Or get you off reserve. All those could result in some pretty big QOL or pay increases that you're not even directly negotiating for.

SKMarz

I certainly can't speak for Lee, but from an outside point of view, I would guess that he points out that he is a voluntary furlough because it shows he elected to leave vs. being shown the door (for many, it's the second time in 11 years). Apparently he is in the enviable position to sit on the sidelines until/when the time should come that things improve enough to make it worth his while to come back, so perhaps he feels he is less emotionally involved in the process and can view things a little more objectively. Obviously I don't know, just guessing.

Those who were forced out the door and either don't have a job, or have one that is less than ideal are especially eager to have the JCBA preserve SCOPE, restore work rules and pay and put them back in the cockpit. Whether furloughed or currently working, one only has to look at the abundance of heated posts related to this merger to see that opinions are strong and, for some, emotions are running a little high.

captainL

What??? We deserve industry standard????? F that. Last I checked we are now flying for the largest airline with the most synergies and routes and blah blah blah. Smisek certainly didn't get industry standard with his package. I fully expect darn near industry leading. I don't hear any southwest pilots complaining about the money they make inhibiting their future career. Maybe I am not understanding you here and I apologize.

iahflyr

We should be paid what we're worth. The airline industry had a big downturn over the past decade so we took paycuts. Now the economy is starting to improve and we deserve a raise. But I do not expect UAL 2000. I do not expect a massive 25-30% raise. I expect a modest raise like what Delta and Northwest pilots got after the merger. I DO NOT expect our contract to be way out of the league of American, Delta, and US Air (some of our biggest competitors).

The fact is that when your company is doing good and making money, you have a better chance of receiving increased compensation. Just look at FedEx, UPS, and Southwest. They routinely make money, so they earn more. It's really that simple. I'd like my airline to make money too because that more than anything guarantees job stability, advancement opportunities, and the opportunity for increased pay. I don't want to choke the golden goose. If United starts making big money consistently, then we can (and should) ask for more money. But right now, I DO NOT expect our contract to be very industry leading.

JMD16

FWIW I am also on vol furlough with about 70 above me. Would guess at least 50-100 below me were volunteers also.

bearcat

I don't want to thread drift, but I am glad you are not on the JNC. All eyes are on us. A LEADING contract is the only acceptable contract. The cost of a pilot is the cost of a pilot. MGT lined their pockets with cash and will bail in a few years. We are here for decades. MGT has been stealing from front line employees for decades. We are NOT WN, FEX, UPS. This is the new UAL. I'm tired of paying money to come to work and being treated like a third class citizen. I have been trained by the military and the airlines and my additions to the right seat of this merged airline come at a premium. My family has paid also. If we can make money in the worst economy in decades, then we can be paid appropriately.

SKMarz

Also, several who took a voluntary furlough had it eventually turn into an involuntary furlough.