US pilot labor thread 6/14-6/20

[AAA73Pilot]

There is AAA73Pilot with 1336 since May of '07 (Almost 4 posts per day)

You don't give me enough credit. I joined in July '07. I'm hurt.

On another note. With UAL parking 100 aircraft. How many furloughs do you expect that to equate to? Just curious. Thx.

 

[767jetz]

The only reason 767jetz is on this thread is that he likes where he might fit in if the Nic lives. He is hoping to jump into the mix with the Nic in place.

Hey, did you see that United was listed as one of the top companies predicted to file for bankruptcy. Your company doesn't look very viable ...

You're kidding, right? I guess you missed all the times I posted that the last thing I want, (or any UA employee for that matter) is to "jump into the mix" with US Airways. It was the pilots and other labor groups of UA that presured the BOD to reconsider any merger with US. Please get your facts straight.

Hey, did you see that United was listed as one of the top companies predicted to file for bankruptcy. Your company doesn't look very viable ...

I saw the article you are referring to. The chances were 1 in 2 for AA and 1 in 4 for UA. So looks like AA is twice as likely to file for BK than UA. And US was not even mentioned. Probably because the article was referring to LARGE companies, not just airlines.

Here are some interesting articles for you, since you brought up the subject...

From the Wall Street Journal: US Airways Falls 16% As Oil Rises

"Rising fuel costs continued to weigh particularly hard on airline stocks with US Airways Group falling 16% to 2.69 on the New York Stock Exchange. "When shares are trading at these levels, people are factoring in that the company is nearing bankruptcy," said Michael Derchin, an analyst with FTN Midwest Securities, referring to the Phoenix company trading below $3."

From Market Watch: '08 Fuel Bill Raises New Concerns

"Shares of U.S. Airways declined as much as 20% on Thursday on concerns the carrier's jet fuel bill could push the company into bankruptcy."

From the Charlotte Business Journal: Another Bankruptcy For US Airways?

"US Airways Group Inc. could be headed for for its third bankruptcy in seven years. "US Airways is not in a great position," says Brian Nelson, an airline analyst at Morningstar Inc. "Bankruptcy is certainly a possibility."

----------------------------------------------

BTW, it is you people with your constant attacks on anyone who offers a comment or opinion that doesn't comply with your view, and your inaccurate posts, and attack of others that invites everyone one else to come here and refute your claims. Once again, it was not me who brought up the subject of UA in a US Forum, nor was it me who brought up bankruptcies or call signs for that matter.

The issue is not THAT you post, the issue is WHERE you post.

As I've already said, this seems to be where all the drama is. It is also where my friends, whom I support, discuss the issues of their integration with the East. It is also the place where many love to bring up my airline. Again, public board, freedom of speech, everyone has an opinion. yadda. yadda. yadda. I think I'll continue to post where the discussions that interest me take place. OK?

Also, this thread is not really about call signs. It's about US Airways Pilot labor issues. And your interest in that would be....?

Never said this thread was about call signs. But seeing as you guys were snipping back and forth for more than a page, I thought I add my 2 cents. Of course the usual suspects demonstrate that any view besides their own will not be tolerated.

As for my interest... Right now (since the US/UA merger is off) not much more than entertainment value. Being off on an occupational injury with my leg in the elevated position much of the time leads to much free time in front of the laptop.

767jetz

You have no sense of humor.

Perhaps you missed the humor of my comparing USAviation seniority to pilot seniority. Or the humor of pointing out a person's posting history and batting average.

I did catch your humor, and I'm sure you caught mine. Sometimes humor is difficult to deliver without the help of tone and inflection. Anyway, at least we agree that a call sign is a ridiculous hill on which to make a stand. Keep in mind that this whole volley started with my comments directed at someone who actually claimed that a call sign IS important to pilots.

 

[N965VJ]

Best callsign choice?

Cacky

 

[767jetz]

You don't give me enough credit. I joined in July '07. I'm hurt.

On another note. With UAL parking 100 aircraft. How many furloughs do you expect that to equate to? Just curious. Thx.

No word yet. ALPA and company are sill talking.

My guess, (and this number is a complete WAG) is about 500-700.

 

[Richard]

Folks,

This is NOT about a specific poster, so STOP the personal comments and get back on topic.

 

[Piedmont1984]

Best callsign choice?

Cacky

I said this long ago, we need to compromise, use the US from CACTUS - and the AIR from USAIRWAYS.

 

[ALPO NO MO]

The heritage planes were a nice gesture. The main office is now in Phoenix.
What's the problem with using Cactus?
Why be jerky about it? It seems like another nice gesture and we can live it.

Look at it this way; as a plant, Cacti are survivors in harsh environment, how cool is that?

 

[sharktooth]

Look at it this way; as a plant, Cacti are survivors in harsh environment, how cool is that?

Very defensive attitude coupled with very fragile structure. Defensive structure, needles easily sheared. No offensive capabilities whatsoever. Must wait for next rare rainstorm for expansion opportunities. Poor root structure, extremely vulnerable to gully washers. Generally rotten inside. Flowers last two days, but are pretty.

 

[oldiebutgoody]

No word yet. ALPA and company are sill talking.

My guess, (and this number is a complete WAG) is about 500-700.

Just take the number of pilots you presently have, divide by the number of planes and you'll get approximately where the company staffs your airline, pilots/airplane. For most companies I know of, It's about 14-15. I would expect UAL to furlough 1200-1500 pilots if they park 100 airplanes. They may be able to lower it through early retirements and buyouts, but ALPA don't play dat.

 

[Piedmont1984]

The heritage planes were a nice gesture. The main office is now in Phoenix.
What's the problem with using Cactus?
Why be jerky about it? It seems like another nice gesture and we can live it.

Look at it this way; as a plant, Cacti are survivors in harsh environment, how cool is that?

Too many pricks - the plant that is, as it's a prickly plant, is what I mean to say, if you know what I mean.

 

[trunion]

767jetz
I was not trying to show disrespect for you company. I was trying to show how the media plays into who is up and who is down. I know usAirways is in a struggle to survive with fuel prices so high. I realize that these are difficult times.

This is why the employees cannot be held accountable for the financial position of their companies if mergers occur.

You are a very informed poster and I enjoy reading your posts 🙂

 

[exB717Flyer]

What is the two weeks notice?

My understanding is that the announcement on Maestro when we checked in last week served as the required two week notice before a vacancy/displacement bid opens. Thinks happen at a nice slow pace here in the desert.

 

[767jetz]

Just take the number of pilots you presently have, divide by the number of planes and you'll get approximately where the company staffs your airline, pilots/airplane. For most companies I know of, It's about 14-15. I would expect UAL to furlough 1200-1500 pilots if they park 100 airplanes. They may be able to lower it through early retirements and buyouts, but ALPA don't play dat.

Incorrect.

UA has 969 pilots for the 94 737's they are parking. UA is also severely understaffed on just about every fleet (Remember December 2007 when many hundreds of UA flights were canceled over the holiday due to crew shortages and pilots timing out for the year?).

Any surplus pilots from the 6 747's being parked will mostly be absorbed in the remaining 747 and 777 fleet through "rightsizing" manpower and increased utilization of the remaining 747's and 777's.

UA is adding frequency to Hawaii, presumably on the 767 and 757 fleet, requiring additional staffing there.

The Airbus fleet will also require "rightsizing" of manpower meaning some of the 737 pilots will be needed there.

ALPA is currently in discussions with the company on measures to mitigate furloughs through early retirements, leaves of absence, decreased line values, and surplus reduction lines. The next meeting is scheduled for tomorrow or Wednesday. So the number will be much closer to my original 500 - 700 number than your overly inflated 1200-1500 guess. (FYI, even at your guestimate I would be safe. I'm sure you were worried about my wellbeing.)

 

[pilot]

If you work for United and you think you are safe then you are truly out to lunch.

 

[oldiebutgoody]

Incorrect.

UA has 969 pilots for the 94 737's they are parking. UA is also severely understaffed on just about every fleet (Remember December 2007 when many hundreds of UA flights were canceled over the holiday due to crew shortages and pilots timing out for the year?).

Any surplus pilots from the 6 747's being parked will mostly be absorbed in the remaining 747 and 777 fleet through "rightsizing" manpower and increased utilization of the remaining 747's and 777's.

UA is adding frequency to Hawaii, presumably on the 767 and 757 fleet, requiring additional staffing there.

The Airbus fleet will also require "rightsizing" of manpower meaning some of the 737 pilots will be needed there.

ALPA is currently in discussions with the company on measures to mitigate furloughs through early retirements, leaves of absence, decreased line values, and surplus reduction lines. The next meeting is scheduled for tomorrow or Wednesday. So the number will be much closer to my original 500 - 700 number than your overly inflated 1200-1500 guess. (FYI, even at your guestimate I would be safe. I'm sure you were worried about my wellbeing.)

Your numbers are WAAAY overly optimistic. There may not be an initial furlough of the amount I indicated, but once all the retraining and downsizing is over, My number will be closer.

I'll wait and see. Plus, ALPA will give up MORE of your wages and working conditions in a useless attempt to prevent some of the bloodshed, count on that.

Actually, my numbers are probably a little low. UAL has 8000 pilots, and 460 aircraft presently. They are parking 100, which is 22 percent of their aircraft. 22 percent of 8000 pilots is 1760 pilots. That's about 17.5 pilots per airplane! You guys are short staffed? BS! Also, That stuff about higher utilization of the heavies is hogwash. Our heavies are in the air something like 20 out of every 24 hours. I doubt that UAL's utilization is a whole lot less. Pretty hard to increase that, especially as the planes get older.

If you think you are safe and have any sort of "career expectations", you're dreaming. I mean that industry wide, not just at UAL.