Interesting Rumors

[swamt]

Some interesting rumers are going around. We have been hearing about a "C" check line coming to Dallas. Now hearing this could wind up being 2 lines of "C" checks. Also heard that we may start a 4th line of structures since we are buying AirTran. Appearently the purchase will put us over the number of aircraft to generate the 4th line of structures maintenance. With all this being done we are hearing of hiring starting in January of 2011. Checked the co. web site and there is a list of about 12-20 mechanics that are coming in to take the test. This current list is the second list posted, not sure how many were on the previous list. For some of you that don't know; The co. gets referals from employees, and they pick from a stack of resumes. Then a list of mechanics are brought in to take a general test, once they pass the test then the co. will set up the interview. The interview proccess will be done by 3 people in 3 seperate interviews, 1 by an H.R. employee, 1 by a maintenance supervisor, and one by a maintenance mechanic. At least this is how it was done the last time we hired, which BTW has been a long time ago, as far as a large number of hirings. I believe this is the start of the growth SWA has been talking about. The numbers going around are anywhere between 30-90 mechanics next year. Good luck to all that apply...

 

[Bob Owens]

Some interesting rumers are going around. We have been hearing about a "C" check line coming to Dallas. Now hearing this could wind up being 2 lines of "C" checks. Also heard that we may start a 4th line of structures since we are buying AirTran. Appearently the purchase will put us over the number of aircraft to generate the 4th line of structures maintenance. With all this being done we are hearing of hiring starting in January of 2011. Checked the co. web site and there is a list of about 12-20 mechanics that are coming in to take the test. This current list is the second list posted, not sure how many were on the previous list. For some of you that don't know; The co. gets referals from employees, and they pick from a stack of resumes. Then a list of mechanics are brought in to take a general test, once they pass the test then the co. will set up the interview. The interview proccess will be done by 3 people in 3 seperate interviews, 1 by an H.R. employee, 1 by a maintenance supervisor, and one by a maintenance mechanic. At least this is how it was done the last time we hired, which BTW has been a long time ago, as far as a large number of hirings. I believe this is the start of the growth SWA has been talking about. The numbers going around are anywhere between 30-90 mechanics next year. Good luck to all that apply...

Glad to hear it.
But, here's where things can get messy. Lets say they hire an AirTran guy. What would his seniority be? AA continued hiring after purchasing TWA, but they laid off people from TWA-LLC and they hired others off the street, only to lay off those people once TWA integrated. It was a mess. They should hold off till they settle the Air Tran guys in, however you guys decide to do it.

 

[swamt]

Glad to hear it.
But, here's where things can get messy. Lets say they hire an AirTran guy. What would his seniority be? AA continued hiring after purchasing TWA, but they laid off people from TWA-LLC and they hired others off the street, only to lay off those people once TWA integrated. It was a mess. They should hold off till they settle the Air Tran guys in, however you guys decide to do it.

I assume you mean hire an AirTran mech. prior to merger. Guess this mech. would hold his DOH senority. After merger will some of the current AT mechs. fall behind the recently hired SWA mech. Not sure, all depends on how lately AT has hired mechs. Also depends on the formula that will be agreed upon or enforced upon. Hard to say at this point.

 

[787nightmare]

And from what I hear about that "test"...if you don't know the 73 pretty well, you be S-O-L.
Good luck with getting past the interview too. I've interviewed with WN several times over my career. Never have cracked to code.

Tough, tough deal to get in WN...then you gotta put up with the "hazing"(read: ####) the WN mechs dish out while you're on probation...why in the hell would your co-workers do that crap to a poor dude that's a new hire anyway??
I work with a guy that used to work for WN(at Boeing)-he said some stations are worse than others-but I'll understand why anybody would want to give a newhire a hard time.
Like he don't have enough to deal with! jeezzzz..

 

[lineguy43]

And from what I hear about that "test"...if you don't know the 73 pretty well, you be S-O-L.
Good luck with getting past the interview too. I've interviewed with WN several times over my career. Never have cracked to code.

Tough, tough deal to get in WN...then you gotta put up with the "hazing"(read: ####) the WN mechs dish out while you're on probation...why in the hell would your co-workers do that crap to a poor dude that's a new hire anyway??
I work with a guy that used to work for WN(at Boeing)-he said some stations are worse than others-but I'll understand why anybody would want to give a newhire a hard time.
Like he don't have enough to deal with! jeezzzz..

Yep heard that too from a friend. He knows an old-timer hired by SWA and he told me they play that crap F'g with him after he was hired while on probation and this wasn't the company it was the mechanics.. Whats up with that SWAAMT? You guys like to play games ? Well let me tell you I worked for NWA for almost 20 years and walked the line and we suffered the ultimate sacrifice and lost my career but held my head high with dignity because we stood our ground at a high price I admit. Then to start over after losing all that only to have you clowns f'k with me? No thanks! keep your SWA job. Now at Fx and no one played that crap here and making 45 an hr and I am right at 5 years here. So tell me why I would want to work at SWA again?

 

[swamt]

Yep heard that too from a friend. He knows an old-timer hired by SWA and he told me they play that crap F'g with him after he was hired while on probation and this wasn't the company it was the mechanics.. Whats up with that SWAAMT? You guys like to play games ? Well let me tell you I worked for NWA for almost 20 years and walked the line and we suffered the ultimate sacrifice and lost my career but held my head high with dignity because we stood our ground at a high price I admit. Then to start over after losing all that only to have you clowns f'k with me? No thanks! keep your SWA job. Now at Fx and no one played that crap here and making 45 an hr and I am right at 5 years here. So tell me why I would want to work at SWA again?

To answer your question, job security, end of story. I don't believe you are at 45 per hour after 5 yrs. at Fed Ex. Hell, UPS is not at 45 yet. Now, all the crap you guys are hearing from other mechs. about probation at SWA is all BS. If you come hear and can't do the job, then yes, you very well may be released. However, only the co. can dismiss someone. Although, all mechanics, as well as supervisors, managers and directors will give input and evaluations as they see them, for anyone on probation. On another note: we are not here to carry anyone, if you cannot do the job, then you need to go. We are not going to carry someone for the next 30-40 years. As fas as the hazing; There is no hazing going on here at SWA. Just alot of fun. If you all call that hazing, then so be it. With all this said I will end with what your wives will tell you; IF YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE HEAT, THEN GET OUT OF THE KITCHEN!!!! No whining boys. Pull your pants up and get busy. Later

 

[xUT]

Yea, you guys are tons O'fun;
Airport Prank Still Doesn't Fly

"Marcie continued to cry and felt completely embarrassed and humiliated as the three police officers took her away from the crowded Southwest ticket counter [and] escorted her in front of the crowded Northwest Airlines ticket counter toward the elevator," the report said.

As she was being escorted out of the airport, one of Fuerschbach's co-workers yelled out, "Congratulations for being off probation," the report said. Nearby co-workers broke out into applause and one of her colleagues pinned her lapel with Southwest wings.

But after the officers released her from the handcuffs, the complaint said, Fuerschbach, now 48, continued to "cry uncontrollably" and had to take ibuprofen and Tums to ease her discomfort. She was allowed to leave work early. After she returned to work the next day, she "began to sob" in front of her co-workers. Fuerschbach later sought counseling for the incident.

"It was meant as a celebration and we regret that the prank was interpreted as anything other than that," said Southwest spokesman Ed Stewart, adding that Fuerschbach's co-workers were "completely shocked" by her reaction and that the airline was "just trying to make an employee feel welcomed." It could not be determined if the supervisor was disciplined for staging the prank.

Thank GOD I don't have to work with 'fun people' like this... :angry:

 

[swamt]

Yea, you guys are tons O'fun;
Airport Prank Still Doesn't Fly



Thank GOD I don't have to work with 'fun people' like this... :angry:

That was nothing. BTW I only speak of the mechanics on probation. Mechanics can tend to handle alot more. Also, we would never do something out in the public eye, so not to embarrass someone to that extent. But I will say this, the event you posted was very minor comparred to what goes on in maintenance.

 

[lineguy43]

To answer your question, job security, end of story. I don't believe you are at 45 per hour after 5 yrs. at Fed Ex. Hell, UPS is not at 45 yet. Now, all the crap you guys are hearing from other mechs. about probation at SWA is all BS. If you come hear and can't do the job, then yes, you very well may be released. However, only the co. can dismiss someone. Although, all mechanics, as well as supervisors, managers and directors will give input and evaluations as they see them, for anyone on probation. On another note: we are not here to carry anyone, if you cannot do the job, then you need to go. We are not going to carry someone for the next 30-40 years. As fas as the hazing; There is no hazing going on here at SWA. Just alot of fun. If you all call that hazing, then so be it. With all this said I will end with what your wives will tell you; IF YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE HEAT, THEN GET OUT OF THE KITCHEN!!!! No whining boys. Pull your pants up and get busy. Later

Well that last post I made was out of anger I will admit. I will very readily admit SWA is a sought after place of employment. But I have heard more than one story of B.S. going on during probation. But in reality there is really no "job security" in the airline business no matter what you believe. However, if I was to ever work in pax airlines again or if I was to leave FX. SWA would be the only company I would leave FX for. These days I feel cargo is a better bet as far as security but like I said nothing is a given. As for my salary I did embellish a little by about .50 cents and hr. My pay is directly tied to lead mechanic pay and thats what they are making here. As far as pulling my weight well you guys kinda have it made with only one a/c type. I have to know here and at NW we had multiple a/c types we worked throughout the day and at NW as much as 5 different types sometimes. Its easy to be an expert if the only a/c you ever have to work is a 737. I do agree with you about "carrying" someone. I have that right now and had it at NW also a lot of old timers who cant keep up with the technology cant do the required work and yet get top dollar. But you do work for a great company no doubt about it. But I am past the point of wanting to work on airplanes anymore and like sitting behind a desk if I was ever to want to apply to SWA it would be for a non-wrenching desk job.

 

[swamt]

Well that last post I made was out of anger I will admit. I will very readily admit SWA is a sought after place of employment. But I have heard more than one story of B.S. going on during probation. But in reality there is really no "job security" in the airline business no matter what you believe. However, if I was to ever work in pax airlines again or if I was to leave FX. SWA would be the only company I would leave FX for. These days I feel cargo is a better bet as far as security but like I said nothing is a given. As for my salary I did embellish a little by about .50 cents and hr. My pay is directly tied to lead mechanic pay and thats what they are making here. As far as pulling my weight well you guys kinda have it made with only one a/c type. I have to know here and at NW we had multiple a/c types we worked throughout the day and at NW as much as 5 different types sometimes. Its easy to be an expert if the only a/c you ever have to work is a 737. I do agree with you about "carrying" someone. I have that right now and had it at NW also a lot of old timers who cant keep up with the technology cant do the required work and yet get top dollar. But you do work for a great company no doubt about it. But I am past the point of wanting to work on airplanes anymore and like sitting behind a desk if I was ever to want to apply to SWA it would be for a non-wrenching desk job.

I don't doubt you about the stories you are hearing. We have lost alot of excellent mechanics on probation as well as some very lame ones. One excellent mechanic was released for taking too long of breaks, and never could be found in his work area. Another for not following manual to a "T". On the lame side, a mech. didn't know how to set up torque wrench, then twisted the bolt in half cranking down on it b/c he said he never felt the "click". Another mech was released for glueing fasteners in place. It goes on and on as you already know. All I do know is the probation at SWA is alot easier than it was when I was hired. We were required to purchase beer and goodies every week. Run and get tools, and hand tools to the SWA mechanic we were put with for the day. Get coffee, water, and YES the Kool-aid you all hear about. You never went to break until the last mechanic left the A/C, if one stayed, you stayed, and offered to help so he could take a break. If you did end up getting to take a break then you better be the first one back from break. And of course for every month you made on probation it was cake and ice cream for the entire crew. Once you have passed probation, a victory dinner was always in order for all crews on the shift you did your probation. Yes these dinners have gotten very expensive. Steak, patatoes, salads, and other sides. Our probie dinner ran $600.00 many years ago. Now days the fellas like to cater them out. To this day we still buy pizza, beer and goodies on our anniversary's. It's all about having good times, yes it is at ones expense, however, you give them 3 months and you got 30 years. Although probation is now 6 months... Most of the guys take it in stride and have fun with it, there are a few that take it personal and try running to the sups and managers with not much success. There was a couple of times some of the fellas took it maybe a little far, and since then it has all not been as fun as it use to be, or as tough as it use to be. It was the hardest 3 months I have ever worked, sometimes we never took a break.. Hopefully next year we will start to see some more probies come in, we sure do miss the goodies every week, not to mention a new mech to do all the work for us. Rock on probies, we love you guys!

 

[lineguy43]

I don't believe you are at 45 per hour after 5 yrs. at Fed Ex. Hell, UPS is not at 45 yet.

They have bumped the pay for next year here. As you can see as of Mar 7 excluding shift premimums the lead pay here now base+lic will be $ 46.05. Here is the latest and greatest if you are interested.

Maintenance Hourly Pay Schedule
Effective 03/07/2011

3% Increase to All Steps Effective 03/07/2011
Increase to AMT License Premiums from $6.99 to $7.20
Increase ASE and SORT/FAC Certification from $3.09 to $3.18
Increase Electrician Premium from $3.69 to $3.80
Increase HVAC Premiums from $2.77 to $2.85
Increase Lead Differential from $1.85 to $2.10 above top step

First Next Next Next Next
Pay 6 Months 6 Months 6 Months 6 Months 12 Months
Code Job step one step two step three step four step five Maximum
88 Warehouse Helper 13.95

50 Aircraft Cleaner 10.72 11.05 11.63 12.84 13.65 16.82
52 Lead Aircraft Cleaner 18.92

84 Appr Tool Room Attendant 10.48 10.98 11.75
51 Tool Room Attendant 12.61 13.26 13.99 15.01 16.24 18.95
62 Lead Tool Room Attendant 21.05

51 A/C Services Attendant 12.61 13.26 13.99 15.01 16.24 18.95
62 Lead Aircraft Svc Attd 21.05

51 Fabricator 12.61 13.26 13.99 15.01 16.24 18.95
55 Sr Fabricator 19.34 19.72 20.12 20.52 20.93 21.55
56 Lead Fabricator 23.65

67 Apprentice Fueler A/C 12.98 13.50 14.34
85 Fueler A/C 14.75 15.32 15.90 16.46 17.70 21.56
64 Lead Fueler A/C 23.66

86 Supply Clerk 12.31 12.90 13.58 14.37 15.65
53 Senior Supply Clerk 16.12 16.69 17.24 18.13 19.39 22.61
63 Lead Supply Clerk 24.71

66 Technician Trainee 15.43 15.90 16.38 16.89 17.40 17.94
57 Technician 19.45 19.82 20.20 20.59 21.39
60 Senior Technician 22.43 23.31 24.26 25.22 27.24 29.55
61 Lead Technician 31.65

Premiums: Rate Effective Date
Line 0.15 10/31/1977
*2nd Shift 0.35 1/2/1983
*3rd Shift 0.50 1/2/1983
RII 1.25 9/1/1993
Licenses: (Maximum of two)
Air Frame 7.20 3/7/2011
Powerplant 7.20 3/7/2011
FCC General Radio, Telephone Operator 7.20 3/7/2011
Journeyman Electrical 3.80 3/7/2011
Unlimited Refrigeration 2.85 3/7/2011
First Class Steam 2.85 3/7/2011
ASE Master Certification 3.18 3/7/2011
SORT/FAC Certification 3.18 3/7/2011
Differentials: (Included in base rate)
Lead 2.10 3/7/2011
* only available to employees with pre-03/01/2003 permanent hire date

Top

Content Owned and Maintained by: Compensation Administration Revision Date:Tuesday December 14 2010

Copyright © 2009. FedEx Corporation. All rights reserved. Maintained by Human Resources. This site contains information and procedures applicable only to employees of Federal Express Corporation (FedEx Express). Employees of other affiliated FedEx companies should refer to the site applicable to their respective affiliated company.

 

[swamt]

They have bumped the pay for next year here. As you can see as of Mar 7 excluding shift premimums the lead pay here now base+lic will be $ 46.05. Here is the latest and greatest if you are interested.

Maintenance Hourly Pay Schedule
Effective 03/07/2011

3% Increase to All Steps Effective 03/07/2011
Increase to AMT License Premiums from $6.99 to $7.20
Increase ASE and SORT/FAC Certification from $3.09 to $3.18
Increase Electrician Premium from $3.69 to $3.80
Increase HVAC Premiums from $2.77 to $2.85
Increase Lead Differential from $1.85 to $2.10 above top step

First Next Next Next Next
Pay 6 Months 6 Months 6 Months 6 Months 12 Months
Code Job step one step two step three step four step five Maximum
88 Warehouse Helper 13.95

50 Aircraft Cleaner 10.72 11.05 11.63 12.84 13.65 16.82
52 Lead Aircraft Cleaner 18.92

84 Appr Tool Room Attendant 10.48 10.98 11.75
51 Tool Room Attendant 12.61 13.26 13.99 15.01 16.24 18.95
62 Lead Tool Room Attendant 21.05

51 A/C Services Attendant 12.61 13.26 13.99 15.01 16.24 18.95
62 Lead Aircraft Svc Attd 21.05

51 Fabricator 12.61 13.26 13.99 15.01 16.24 18.95
55 Sr Fabricator 19.34 19.72 20.12 20.52 20.93 21.55
56 Lead Fabricator 23.65

67 Apprentice Fueler A/C 12.98 13.50 14.34
85 Fueler A/C 14.75 15.32 15.90 16.46 17.70 21.56
64 Lead Fueler A/C 23.66

86 Supply Clerk 12.31 12.90 13.58 14.37 15.65
53 Senior Supply Clerk 16.12 16.69 17.24 18.13 19.39 22.61
63 Lead Supply Clerk 24.71

66 Technician Trainee 15.43 15.90 16.38 16.89 17.40 17.94
57 Technician 19.45 19.82 20.20 20.59 21.39
60 Senior Technician 22.43 23.31 24.26 25.22 27.24 29.55
61 Lead Technician 31.65

Premiums: Rate Effective Date
Line 0.15 10/31/1977
*2nd Shift 0.35 1/2/1983
*3rd Shift 0.50 1/2/1983
RII 1.25 9/1/1993
Licenses: (Maximum of two)
Air Frame 7.20 3/7/2011
Powerplant 7.20 3/7/2011
FCC General Radio, Telephone Operator 7.20 3/7/2011
Journeyman Electrical 3.80 3/7/2011
Unlimited Refrigeration 2.85 3/7/2011
First Class Steam 2.85 3/7/2011
ASE Master Certification 3.18 3/7/2011
SORT/FAC Certification 3.18 3/7/2011
Differentials: (Included in base rate)
Lead 2.10 3/7/2011
* only available to employees with pre-03/01/2003 permanent hire date

Top

Content Owned and Maintained by: Compensation Administration Revision Date:Tuesday December 14 2010

Copyright © 2009. FedEx Corporation. All rights reserved. Maintained by Human Resources. This site contains information and procedures applicable only to employees of Federal Express Corporation (FedEx Express). Employees of other affiliated FedEx companies should refer to the site applicable to their respective affiliated company.

Couple of questions. Was this new increase just offered from the co.? Or is there some sort of pay scale they follow every year? Sorry for the confusion, but when I stated that UPS wasn't even at 45 I did mean the regular A/C mechs. not leads or inspectors. However, very glad to hear you guys are getting raises in 2011. I don't have our contract handy but I do believe when you all get your raises in 2011 you will be the same as our lead mechs here. Contract is on line though. Our contract will be due 8-2012. I'm sure the co. will ask for yet another extention, but I guess we will see. One last question, I think UPS only does A and B checks in house, and all C checks are done outside. What is the largest maint. checks you all do at FX??

 

[lineguy43]

Couple of questions. Was this new increase just offered from the co.? Or is there some sort of pay scale they follow every year? Sorry for the confusion, but when I stated that UPS wasn't even at 45 I did mean the regular A/C mechs. not leads or inspectors. However, very glad to hear you guys are getting raises in 2011. I don't have our contract handy but I do believe when you all get your raises in 2011 you will be the same as our lead mechs here. Contract is on line though. Our contract will be due 8-2012. I'm sure the co. will ask for yet another extention, but I guess we will see. One last question, I think UPS only does A and B checks in house, and all C checks are done outside. What is the largest maint. checks you all do at FX??

We have a few C checks I think LAX does them but for the most part A and B checks. I am not at work but will look when I go back. As far as the pay they pretty much have a 3 or 4% raise every year they also( as well as I do) get annual bonuses as well. The line/hanger guys get what they call FPP frontline performance pay on top of salary. Problem here is that last year when the whole industry was losing money they cut pay and bonuses for salaried and stopped the 401k match but all the outside hourly guys only lost the 401k match and nothing else..That aggravated me. When I was union I was not immune from paycuts but they did spread the misery across the board they don't seem to do that here. They pick and choose who will suffer and I think that was a direct response to keep the mechanics happy and not start a card drive. But they are back to making huge profits so everything was restored. Its funny here that a lot of the mechanics seem to think they got their top dollar because they are worth it..lol ..They can't wrap their head around the fact that union mechanics namely AMFA at NWA are the reason they make the money they do now. Got to reading Bob Owens post that he makes 32 an hr. Thats an abomination. I always thought the iam was the worst union out there until I started looking at the twu. Problem with airline unions and I know I don't have to tell you is that damn RLA. Airlines will drag out contracts forcing employees to take essentially a pay freeze and most often when a contract is settled they have a small signing bonus at best and never any retro..If they were forced to pay retro I think they would settle contracts a lot sooner than they do. If you get a chance please post the current pay rates for SWA I am curious.

 

[swamt]

We have a few C checks I think LAX does them but for the most part A and B checks. I am not at work but will look when I go back. As far as the pay they pretty much have a 3 or 4% raise every year they also( as well as I do) get annual bonuses as well. The line/hanger guys get what they call FPP frontline performance pay on top of salary. Problem here is that last year when the whole industry was losing money they cut pay and bonuses for salaried and stopped the 401k match but all the outside hourly guys only lost the 401k match and nothing else..That aggravated me. When I was union I was not immune from paycuts but they did spread the misery across the board they don't seem to do that here. They pick and choose who will suffer and I think that was a direct response to keep the mechanics happy and not start a card drive. But they are back to making huge profits so everything was restored. Its funny here that a lot of the mechanics seem to think they got their top dollar because they are worth it..lol ..They can't wrap their head around the fact that union mechanics namely AMFA at NWA are the reason they make the money they do now. Got to reading Bob Owens post that he makes 32 an hr. Thats an abomination. I always thought the iam was the worst union out there until I started looking at the twu. Problem with airline unions and I know I don't have to tell you is that damn RLA. Airlines will drag out contracts forcing employees to take essentially a pay freeze and most often when a contract is settled they have a small signing bonus at best and never any retro..If they were forced to pay retro I think they would settle contracts a lot sooner than they do. If you get a chance please post the current pay rates for SWA I am curious.

I think your right about the fact your co. will make certain moves so not to get the mechs to start a card drive. Delta and JB does the same thing. After my last post I did search and find a contract here at the house. Here's our current pay scale:

All my postings will be for a topped out mech. Meaning the highest paid mech. Graveyard mech, over 12 years (longevity goes to 12 yrs here) Also note we do have a 5 yr scale with a thereafter step on 6th year.

As of 8-16-09 a 12 yr mech earns 36.02 base, 1.30 long., .63 shift diff., and 4.00 for 2 lic. @ 2.00 each. Grand tot is $41.95 per hr
For an inspector or lead mech= 38.18 base, -----------------------fill in this area with the same above--------- Grand tot is $44.11 per hr
For a lead inspector = 40.34 base --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Grand tot is $46.27 per hour

As of 8-16-10 Base for mech.= 37.10-------------Grand tot is 43.03
Inspector/Lead= 39.33-------------Grand tot is 45.26
Lead Inspector= 41.55-------------Grand tot is 47.48

As of 8-16-11 Base for mech= 38.21--------------Grand tot is 44.14
Inspector/Lead= 40.50--------------Grand tot is 46.43
Lead inspector= 42.80--------------Grand tot is 48.73

As of 8-16-12 Base for mech= 38.59--------------Grand tot is 44.52
Inspector/Lead= 40.91---------------Grand tot is 46.84
Lead Inspector= 43.22---------------Grand tot is 49.15

On top of our rates we get a productivity bonuses of 1% of tot income.
401K match is 7.3% dollar for dollar.
We also get proffit sharing which varies of course but it has averaged about 5-6k every year. Hopefully this will start getting into the 7-10k range with future growth.

 

[Bob Owens]

Lineguy, you get $7.20 per license? In other words $14.40 for your A&P? Thats nearly the base starting wage that AA was offering in the TA that was rejected ($15.18). Do you think AA management is out of touch?