The Path Ahead

[USA320Pilot]

Since last Thursday ALPA members have been embroiled in debate on whether or not it was appropriate for the RC4 to reject the RJ Scope Relief TA and then direct the Negotiating Committee to re-engage management seeking 13 additional returns.

While discussing this important point US Airways' PSA division has taken delivery of its first CRJ700, which the company now has a lease expense, but the aircraft cannot be flown and obtain revenue, until the scope issues are resolved. Once we get past the RJ Scope agreement, the next step will be for the company and its unions to negotiate new labor accords, which Dave Siegel said would begin in April.

During his webcast to employees Siegel indicated US Airways will counter the Southwest "enemy" in a manner similar to America West's revival, which is a strong indicator that the company expects the Phoenix-based airline to be the new labor CBA benchmarks.

According to Dow Jones "I can stand up here and say that I didn't ask for enough" concessions from employees, Siegel said during an employee presentation. "We're going to have to pay our people differently. We're going to have to improve our productivity. And we're going to have to look at what benefits we offer."

Siegel went so far as to encourage employees to leave the company if new work contracts aren't agreeable, rather than to fight the change. "If it doesn't work, I'd encourage you to support the change, and then go on and find something else," he said. "It's better to have a job when you're trying to find another job."

In my opinion, we all share disappointment and frustration at what has happened to our profession, but Siegel’s comments about reaching an agreement and then deciding our future is valid. It’s clear with the number of furloughees accepting J4J positions the job market is poor. Therefore, I believe for the naysayers it would be better to accept the new terms and then seek other employment while we have pay, benefits, medical insurance, and DC or other retirement plan contributions.

After all of the emotion, it serves no useful purpose to burn the airline to the ground.

Regards,

USA320Pilot

 

[USFlyer]

Sure it does, it gives people the satisfaction of not letting management get what it wants. I see it myself in the firm I work for. However, as I've come to learn, management always wins, one way or another.

 

[mweiss]

How much could that satisfaction really be worth? I mean, it's not like Siegel's really going to have that hard a time finding another job afterward. I suspect it will be much harder for those who burn the place down. But, hey, I could be wrong. That suspicion is strictly based on what I'm seeing.

 

[USFlyer]

I agree, Siegel will win no matter what. But, it's VERY hard to get over the "we just want to screw management" mentality ... VERY hard.

 

[USA320Pilot]

USFlyer:

Is it satisfaction or false bravado generated by anger, fear, and disappointment?

For long-time dedicated employees who have provided many years of dedicated service, whether it’s to US Airways or the other network airlines, today's environment is a bitter pill to accept.

But, the reality is its better for the employee and their family to have pay, benefits, and retirement while looking for a job versus only unemployment payments for a relatively short period of time.

Regards,

USA320Pilot

 

[USFlyer]

I hear you. I'm seeing work I've been doing sent to India, Russia, Poland and the like, never to return. Really changes one's perspective on things. Today's job market is a real eye opener for many people in many industries.

 

[Light Years]

While discussing this important point US Airways' PSA division has taken delivery of its first CRJ700, which the company now has a lease expense, but the aircraft cannot be flown and obtain revenue, until the scope issues are resolved.

Waaaaaah! :down:

Well thats the company's fault for ordering and taking delivery of an airplane when it hasnt been sorted out who flies it and such. Are the pilots supposed to feel guilty that the poor plane (which we honestly dont even need given the superior 170s) is just sitting there? Puh-leeze!

Furthermore, PSA Airlines is a wholly owned subsisiary, a company in its own right. It is not a division (MAA is a division).

 

[autofixer]

If mainline was flying the CRJ 700, as they should be, it would not be an issue that the machine is setting idle.

 

[oldbscaler]

My memory fails me, but who was the guy who supposedly guided the new Eastern Airlines which eventually drained all of the bankruptcy dollars out of the company? Marty Schugeru or something. I believe he is regarded as one of the guys who really raped EAL.
Where is he now? Is he still in the industry?
Just thoughts.

 

[Phantom Fixer]

My memory fails me, but who was the guy who supposedly guided the new Eastern Airlines which eventually drained all of the bankruptcy dollars out of the company? Marty Schugeru or something. I believe he is regarded as one of the guys who really raped EAL.
Where is he now? Is he still in the industry?
Just thoughts.

He's deceased.

 

[oldbscaler]

Oh well,
I guess that's the end of that.

 

[savyinvestor]

Its' always easy to to tell someone else to look for another job when your job is not in jeproady. Not telling anyone what to do just expressing my opinion. I just can't see the IAM opening their contract and eliminating their jobs. Don't know what the answer is, but I personally wouldn't do it and am glad I don't have to make that decision. Savy

 

[CaptianBoomer]

USA320:

Who says there is noone to fly the CRJ-700? Why can't it be flown? If the PSA pilots won't fly it, I can guarantee that the J4J guys WILL. After all, they aren't even union members until they are off probation.

PSA has trained pilots (some J4J, some not) who can fly the damn thing....The only thing stopping it is MANAGEMENT who would like nothing more than a good old ruckus between warring ALPA factions. Since ALPA is so easily distracted into getting into protracted fights amongst its members, they easily take the eye off the ball and this is the result.

This is just another way to spread FUD and get the mainline boys to roll over again and have more of their jobs outsourced to the lowest bidder.

For the record...a J4J crew will end up costing PSA (and by default) U or any other owner of PSA LESS because all J4J pilots start at first year pay.

I have heard the arguement that the PSA pilots didn't sign some part of the LOA and now want half the flying. They want to change the rules in the middle of the game.

As I said earlier, no PSA pilot should lose their job. But after the 30 jets show up, if the rest of the fleet is -700's, then the rest of the pilots should be J4J, and looking at what has been happening, the F/O slots will all be newhires.

Boomer

 

[sentrido]

Why is assumed that if labor doesnt open the contracts the company will go under? Cause Dave says so? Please..... If they are in such bad shape, why arent they rushing to dump thier 2 cents?

 

[PITbull]

According to Dow Jones "I can stand up here and say that I didn't ask for enough" concessions from employees, Siegel said during an employee presentation. "We're going to have to pay our people differently. We're going to have to improve our productivity. And we're going to have to look at what benefits we offer."

Siegel went so far as to encourage employees to leave the company if new work contracts aren't agreeable, rather than to fight the change. "If it doesn't work, I'd encourage you to support the change, and then go on and find something else," he said. "It's better to have a job when you're trying to find another job."

Regards,

USA320Pilot

After 23 years working here, these words from Siegel just doesn't sit well with me. Nope, not one bit. These two paragraphs needed editing real bad. It just showed the lack of "value" and respect for labor...all he wants is the contracts.

No one can force us to open our agreements, and no one can force us to make all the changes demanded by this management, and not one can force a "yes" vote.

Apathy has set in with the employees and they have become desensitized. USA320 and Siegel have a real rough sell to get employees to say "yes" and sacrifice themselves to save you and siegel and team to keep your high paying jobs.

PS: Siegel also said he would be "willing" to take the total compensation of a LCC. Did n't say he did, didn't say just salary; but total compensation. If you look at JetBlue's CEO his salary is low however his stock options are worth upwards in the $40 million range. That's what means "total compensation". He's no dummy.

I do not want to see the Board approve 1 more share of stock to Siegel and team. Not 1.

PSS: And I am a FIRM believer that all outstanding grievances must be remedied before anyone even "looks at a table".