The Path Ahead

[PITbull]

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.

mweiss,

Think logically here. If you were a Board of Directors, and Siegel came knocking at your door for work after he demolishioned U, would you actually hire him? If this airline goes under, he will have a very difficult time securing an executive position. Just my opinion.

If I were a stock holder of a co. and they hired Siegel, I would dump the stock so fast make your heads spin and mine.

 

[ktflyhome]

Pitbull: I am with you 100%. If Dave wanted to take Compentsation. Then show us the figures...SHOW US THE MONEY. His statement was so vague, it reminds me of Richard Clark, on what he is willing to give to the 9/11 Victims on the sell of his Book. :down:

 

[funguy2]

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?

I agree. Not only that, but the additional employee concessions will not make US Airways profitable, it only delays the inevitable. If I were an employee, I would not give another concession until this management team does SOMETHING besides concessions to cut costs. Do SOMETHING... ANYTHING. Announce a fleet simplification plan... Or an Express Carrier simplification plan. Announce the future of role of PIT in the system (hub or focus city or spoke?). Roll the PHL Hub with a big splash announcement. Revamp the fare structure, with a big announcement. DO SOMETHING.

This management team is either unable or unwilling to implement anything meaningful other than employee concessions. I have my personal opinions as to why management is either unwilling or unable to implement different things, but nevertheless, the result is the same: NO ACTION.

The concessions that the employees have already given are material and important. However, employee costs are not the only costs which can be minimized. Yet, they are the only cost which management seems to be working on reducing.

 

[USA320Pilot]

Much of the "Going Forward Plan" requires a change in work rules to permit the increased utilzation of employees, aircraft, and facilities. Thus, without labor contract changes the majority of the operational cost cuts cannot move forward.

It's a catch 22.

Let me say this...for each of us...this whole situation sucks.

My point is simple: Negotiate the "Going Forward Plan" and require items such as minimum block hours. If the company is going to fly 12.5 hours per aircraft per day, then pencil into the ALPA contract a change from 936,900 block hours per year (279 aircraft x 10 hours per day x 365 days per year) to 1,172,250 block hours per year (279 aircraft x 12.5 hours per day x 365 days per year).

This will require the productivity changes expand flying and maintain jobs across all work groups, while averaging down unit costs.

Similar contract items can be negotiated for other unions as well. Then if we do not like the deal, at least every employee has an option to work at the company, look for another job with pay and benefits, or resign.

Furthermore, even if the changes would cause us to be furloughed, we are still better off reaching new agreements. Why? Severance pay, term pass privileges, and recall rights.

Therefore, I agree with Siegel's comments when he said, "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

 

[EyeInTheSky]

It's better to have a job when you're trying to find another job."

Regards,

USA320Pilot

USA320Pilot, it's been my personal experience over the years the ones pushing their points the hardest have the most to lose, its a sign of desparation. That being said, I do hope you have that alternate job and plan in order. The job market for pilots over the age of 45 sucks!

 

[savyinvestor]

USA320 pilot tell us what your chances of being eliminated are. Just wondering since you have so much advice for otheres. Thanks for your response. Respectfully, Savy

 

[BoeingBoy]

"Much of the "Going Forward Plan" requires a change in work rules to permit the increased utilzation of employees, aircraft, and facilities."

Pardon my interruption, but's that "codespeak" for recalls for some groups, primarily flight crews. For others, it would mean less non-productive time during the shift (rolling the PHL hub creating a more even flow of airplanes.

What we're really talking about here is a 0.1 to 0.2 cents a seat mile difference for the additional flying - something on the order of 4.5 to 5 cents CASM without work rule changes to 4.3 to 4.8 cents CASM with work rule changes. Hardly enough to delay implementation till summer.

Jim

 

[Baja4U]

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

A320Pilot, save your own ARSHE!!!! Because the rest of us are not worried about your over-paid cush job in the Lt. seat!!! :down:

 

[USA320Pilot]

Savyinvestor asked: USA320 pilot tell us what your chances of being eliminated are?

USA320Pilot answers: That's a good question and one I do not know the answer to.

BoeingBoy said: Pardon my interruption, but's that "codespeak" for recalls for some groups, primarily flight crews. For others, it would mean less non-productive time during the shift (rolling the PHL hub creating a more even flow of airplanes). What we're really talking about here is a 0.1 to 0.2 cents a seat mile difference for the additional flying - something on the order of 4.5 to 5 cents CASM without work rule changes to 4.3 to 4.8 cents CASM with work rule changes. Hardly enough to delay implementation till summer.

USA320Pilot comments: With all due respect, your numbers and argument appear invalid.

USA320Pilot concludes: If the employees elect to "burn the place to the ground" they hurt them self worse, regardless of their current position at the company. One pilot emailed me today an interesting comment when he said, "Well said......ask the Braniff and Eastern boys which was better.......job or no job? Ask them how it felt with no place to go and fly airplanes, and no check coming in.......I have. They say it was a pretty sobering experience."

Regards,

USA320Pilot

 

[BoeingBoy]

USA320Pilot,

"With all due respect, your numbers and argument appear invalid."

Ok, what is the DOC for a 737 or A320 series minus aircraft cost with and without crew costs? My info comes from Aviation Daily's comparison of aircraft DOC for various operators..

Jim

 

[USA320Pilot]

BoeingBoy:

Would you please provide a detailed analysis on the total effect of the "Going Forward Plan"? Otherwise, there is no way to judge your numbers, which appear invalid.

Thanks.

USA320Pilot

 

[pitguy]

USA320Pilot,

Severance pay???????

That is not much of a benefit unless U is planning on lengthening the term for the remaining Mechanics.


===================================================

USA320Pilot says above "One pilot emailed me today an interesting comment when he said, "Well said Chip......."

I reply: Nice to see you referring to yourself as Chip once again. Every time I do the moderator wipes it out of my post.


--See you on the other side.


P.S.--Don't worry, I trust you.

 

[USA320Pilot]

Pitguy:

Good point, oooppps.

Regards,

USA320Pilot

 

[Baja4U]

USA320Pilot,

Severance pay???????

That is not much of a benefit unless U is planning on lengthening the term for the remaining Mechanics.


===================================================

USA320Pilot says above "One pilot emailed me today an interesting comment when he said, "Well said Chip......."

I reply: Nice to see you referring to yourself as Chip once again. Every time I do the moderator wipes it out of my post.


--See you on the other side.


P.S.--Don't worry, I trust you.

Way to go Pitguy......I couldn't AGREE with you more. "HE" is typing too fast, not paying attention to HIS name!!!! In solidarity.........

 

[EyeInTheSky]

It's too bad the TSA doesn't have a bull&hit detector. If it did psuedo incognito airbusboy wouldn't be able to fly.