OnCenterline

The MEC's latest email mentioned that the company is interested in satellite bases, but the MEC does not appear to like the idea. Taking out all of the politics (they are concerned about adequate representation, which I'm not at all convinced is an adequate excuse for turning this down), does anyone else want to hear how the idea might work, and what the logistics might be?

It seems to me that if there is a way to do something like this, it should not only be considered, but put out for a pilot vote once we know the details.

flygirl135

Not that I have a vote, yet, but I would live to hear the details. Hoping they don't shove it aside without even asking the pilot group first!

cadetdrivr

You hit the nail on the head.

FWIW, word from my reps suggests the concept was not discarded out of hand but rather the company "proposal" was totally lacking in details. Essentially it was "we want to do virtual bases."

The company can't even follow the simple sections of the UPA so specifics will have to be hammered out prior to any further formal discussions, let alone any votes. And that's not even considering that prior company proposals on the same topic eliminated reserves at the "virtual bases." Pilots would have to find somebody to cover their trip prior to calling in sick. Sound like fun?

Why would the company want this? (Hint: what does the elimination of reserves do to manpower requirements?)

A cynic like myself would presume that the company knows this and this latest so-called proposal is simply another item from the labor strategy playbook.

oldmako

Thanks for bringing some intelligent thought to the topic.

These guys are inept at the basics and have been stomping all over the UPA yet now they want to make changes? There are some interesting comments on the other forum which highlight the problems not immediately apparent on the surface with this idea.

flygirl135

Good info... Thanks

CRM114

What do you want to bet that "virtual bases" aren't the same thing as bases for the purposes of a paid move. If I were the MEC I'd decline any offer to participate in solving the companies manpower woes until the current CBA language is running like a well oiled machine.

The devil's in the details, or the lack of.......

CRM114

You mean like at every MEC meeting ever.

CRM114

Have you heard that there's a union on the property? Specifically, ALPA? Ya see the way it works is pilots vote for a representative, the reps then act as the proxy for each pilot.

To whine that you're not getting to vote on single issues is to ignore the reality of the system that we work with and through.

OnCenterline

I'm relatively new to UA, but this is by no means my first rodeo, and I have quite a bit of dealings with ALPA. An MEC can put whatever they want out for a vote, or they can survey it, or they can do a combination.

This is a pretty big issue, and one that could be worth being put out for a vote if it gets to the point of being seriously discussed and developed. It wouldn't--and likely couldn't--benefit everyone or work the way we all want it to, and if it failed, it could be a huge expense. But other carriers have done some form of virtual basing, and I personally believe that in some form or fashion, it can work. It's a bit of outside-the-box thinking, and I like that.

I'd just like to have some idea of what the working concept is, and what the real obstacles are.

Packrat

Several companies have tried satellite basing and it usually doesn't turn out so well. Latest to try...QX with GEG, BOI and MFR bases.