Union Ems Mix?

[ems_av8r]

😛h34r:
The OPEIU currently has a campaign/election in progress @ Air Methods (symbol = AIRM). I'm wondering if there are any copter pilots out there who would like to comment on the possibility of "organized" flight crews @ an EMS company?

 

[ems_av8r]

The pilots @ AirMethods have voted (9/15/03) to be represented by the OPEIU. Many of the copter pilots flying over the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) are also represented by the OPEIU, and most seem to enjoy that association.

I suppose helicopter pilots are finally fed-up with flying for the lowest-of-low pilot wages. With the training, experience & skill required to fly these machines, I'm surprised that it has taken decades for copter pilots to finally organize.

🙄

 

[hawkdriver]

A union would be great. Im a junior Warrant / 60 driver, but it'd be nice to have something like that in place when I finally make it to civilian EMS.

Luckily the military picked up my training tab. I don't know how you could fund your helicopter ratings yourself and then go work for the lowest of low I've seen on the helicopter pay scales. It's enough to make ya wanna go back to fixed wing, but I could never do that 🙂 I like my hovering.....

 

[AKAAB]

I'm generally not pro-union, but when it comes to helicopters, I have to reconsider. I hope you get what you deserve. I'm dual-rated, but discovered that the pay and overall quality of life are significantly better in planes. I've often said that I would quit for a helicopter job if I could make anywhere near what I make in the fixed-wing world. Sadly, I haven't pulled-pitch in four years, but hope to be able to again soon.

Good Luck!
AKAAB

 

[EMSAV8R]

B)
Well, my outfit (www.AirMethods.com) just completed their 1st negotiation session with our union team (OPEIU). The pilots are expecting to see the "bar" raised with pay, bennies, & work rules. We're anticpating getting out of the "bottom of the pilot food chain" status.

I understand your FW vs. RW decision. I'd always shy'd away from copters for the same reason. But, when I was furloughed from a major airline (post 9/11), I jumped back into copter flying... and I love it! I'm hoping my pay will eventually move up to the point where I'm not ashamed to tell folks how "little" I'm paid. Everyone is shocked when I tell them that I make less than half as a copter pilot than I did as an A&P with the airline. Go figure...
😉