Would a Pilot Association fly at smaller Eastern operators?

[eastpilot]

What are the thoughts of the masses?
Should pilots from down east group together to build and / or join an association?
Post your opinions freely, please no trolls!
East Pilot

[thepriceisright]

What are the thoughts of the masses?
Should pilots from down east group together to build and / or join an association?
Post your opinions freely, please no trolls!
East Pilot

I've heard that the pilots of an airline in the Martimes, through Newfoundland and Labrador are getting very close to locking down a deal with an association. Hopefully you'll get some answers soon.

[ant_321]

I have also heard something is in the works.

[eastpilot]

Wow, ok.
I guess I'm not the only one looking into this.
I notice there's over 300 views on this topic, however, only a few replies....why I wonder?
Would like to see more momentum among peers!

[iflyforpie]

I notice there's over 300 views on this topic

Unfortunately... I don't think the Google Bots would be eligible for membership....

[Liquid Charlie]

It's easy to say the word "association" but exactly what does it mean and what are the goals -- will it be just a stitch and bitch club and have a few beers for the boys or are you talking union -- which associations are once they file all the paperwork. After that are they going to negotiate collective agreements for every carrier involved -- after my involvement in both a local association and an international union people are usually poorly informed on the realities of organized labour and how it actually works --

[eastpilot]

Well, I should have been more specific!
What I mean is a union really. Some delegated body to work for the crews to get them the WAWCON they want and deserve!

[Liquid Charlie]

First let me state - so people don't start throwing stones thinking i'm being negative --Ï support organized labour 100% -- but there a few realities that people need to accept

1/ If you are successful and get certified it takes 3 to 5 contracts to place you in that "happy" place where the contract is truly working for most people -- time frame up to 12 years or more.

2/ Companies or in this case it appears you want to make an "area" association (which means individual contracts for each group) needs to have a real firm base of "lifers" people that will still be there 20 years down the road. It's been my experience 1% do all the work for the other 99% who you never hear from until they are p1ssed off or going to be marched up in front of the firing squad --

3/ Most pilots think a union will fix all their troubles, large wage increase and less work over night -- as I said be prepared for many years.

4/ the first contract will really suck and it will take up to 2 years to negotiate -- do the math to the number of carriers. This is a fact even if everyone just goes out and joins an existing union.

5/ Money is a big issue - an "in house" association will be short of funds to hold out against an owner who is willing to fight you.

6/ Lastly it's not all about salaries and benefits -- Safety and working conditions should be a very large part of the union mandate

It is a difficult and hard uphill battle and to find the motivated people will be one of your hardest obstacles but it could be done.

My advise -- if you can get an association/union certified and come up with a large group -- say 1000 guys you can then go to an international union and propose a merge - unfortunately it's all about money and you need something to open the door -- hell why not resurrect CALPA while we are at it -- boiler plate some basic contracts (for all 703 to 705) and go after all the pilots in Canada -- and it would be possible to have regional reps -- but now I'm just rambling-- damn it would be funny to see the faces of some people if this took off -- just mentioning unions puts their blood pressure up -- lmfaoooooooo

[1900Driver472]

I'm gonna go out on a limb here and assume that you are talking about EVAS..AKA LEVAS. I heard not to long ago a certain individual say.."If anyone ever tried to form a union or PA, we will shut everything down and sell off, before we will allow that to happen" from the horses mouth!

Call bull^%$! and go for it I say....The wages there are pretty good for 704, so why a PA?

[eastpilot]

I know I speak for many of us when I say it would be great have a tangible pilot contract, or collective agreement!

[Liquid Charlie]

What most operators don't realize is that a contract is not one sided - it also protects the company as well -- wonder when the eureka moment will come

[Cat Driver]

Some delegated body to work for the crews to get them the WAWCON they want and deserve!

Maybe " earn " would be a better choice of words rather than " deserve ' ?

[Bede]

Why not call ALPA?

[ehbuddy]

What are the thoughts of the masses?
Should pilots from down east group together to build and / or join an association?
Post your opinions freely, please no trolls!
East Pilot

I've heard that the pilots of an airline in the Martimes, through Newfoundland and Labrador are getting very close to locking down a deal with an association. Hopefully you'll get some answers soon.

So what company are we talking about here?

[D for Delux]

I have heard a ton of 1900 crews complaining. Mostly about schedule related gripes.
The folks over in Gander fly CARs maximums with min rest.
Uncertain days off.
And the poor fellas over here in the Maritimes are zombies!
Happy employees make for happy customers... Disgruntled pilots make for sinking airline!
DFD

[D for Delux]

But I think they all knew what they were getting into when the signed on at SAVE!

[eastpilot]

It didn't take long for folks to realize what operation I'm talking about!

[D for Delux]

I guess you didn't want to come right out and kick the hornets nest!
Everyone knows EVA'S is a tough gig.
EXPLOITS; kinda says it all right?

[D for Delux]

GREAT experience though!

[cpt.sam]

Wow, not much attention being paid here!

[ehbuddy]

I think this thread has reached it's limit on speculation. EVAS will not go Union or Association in my lifetime. The pilots based in Gander are way too comfy to rock the boat and have the company shut down on them. They want to stay in Gander and they know very well it's the only place they can work. On the other hand.........the guys in Halifax do not have enough sol·i·dar·i·ty within it's group to even come close to getting an Association or Union in place.

Unless somebody knows different they can enlighten this thread.

[eastpilot]

How comfy will they be when the duty regs change?

[1900Driver472]

Well I'll let you know right now that management are scheaming on how to shaft everyone so when the new regs come into effect...Less days off and unpredictable schedule all around. These guys make everyone who works for them feel like they are doing you a favor. That's what's wrong with this industry and that's why unions and associations form.
Airlines and charter outfits come and go..there will always be someone else to fill the void.

[eastpilot]

EH, dat BUDDY must be management...ya tink?

[1900Driver472]

Good possibility!