GATRKGA wrote:I'd like to generate a genuine discussion about how most of you guys see and/or feel about the present setup at big red.
It's the sentiment of many of us at Express, be it at Jazz, GGN, Sky, etc that the responsibility involved with performing our jobs are no different than that of a mainline pilot. If we all wear the same uniform (less wings/hat), operate on the Air Canada network, represent Air Canada in all of our customer dealings, etc; should there ever be a screw up, accident, mishap representing the "company" morbidly, it all would reflect and impact negatively on the mother ship's image. On the contrary, if we embraced good customer service, took the time to help passengers out at the Airport find their gate and baggage claim, yet again, Air Canada would get the "awesome customer service" award. Heck our grooming and uniform standards guide even refers to us as "Air Canada Brand Ambassadors" representing Air Canada. Indicating that obviously, express pilot's are "worthy" enough to represent the mother ship, but possibly not good enough to work for it after some time spent at Express...
I understand and agree that Air Canada is entitled to hiring whomever, whenever, and however they like. And all of us go into express knowing this. But it still leaves a bitter taste in ones mouth when you woke up on Monday morning seeing that "Air Canada is pleased to accept applications from all NON Air Canada Express pilots."
I am seriously looking for a genuine discussion related to the matter; as I think emotions are pretty churned up at express regarding this very topic. And the usual come back from anyone on the fat, dumb, and happy side is "suck it up butter cup, AC can do what ever they want and you knew this going in." Or "shame on you for being entitled" ...
Yet I was on the train the other day, and the "my shit don't stink, very much entitled" attitude from this young kid wearing his AC uniform really cut through me; I've never been spoken to so condescendingly as I was by this 20 some year old. Clearly he has never seen the route most of us have seen to get where we are, and the respect didn't even seem to exist for another fellow "Air Canada Ambassador" just making an honest days pay asking him how his day was going... Likely he had a degree, and worked really hard in college. Unlike most of us who were so lazy washing our muddy king airs after a 14 hour duty day.
Thanks and good night.
Now in my retirement I am a bit ticked off, could not help but look at least to the OP.
OP, you are right with the attitude thing, have encountered it myself.
Now let me tell you a story about only ONE of many great catches that were flat out refused.
Degree in pure Physics, 737 NG F/O then Captain, turned down. And a gentleman.
Aw hell, here is another, Cathay 744 first officer, pilot and AME licence, one of the smartest guys I have ever met, and did full flight simulator approvals. Turned down. Another gentleman.
And I can go on and on and on. There are so many.
Hired. A few thousand hours in GA, maybe 2K? if that, High School only, I don't give a shit about anything or anybody attitude.
Go figure. I can't.
There are alot of good people at big red, but their system is far, far, from perfect. And far from being as objective as they advertise.