Encore Hiring

[47north]

Any truth to the rumour that Encore is having a hard time filling their ground schools? Heard today that there two open spots in the next class that they haven't been able to fill.

Not trying to be a troll. This seems to be an issue everywhere.

[sstaurus]

Doubt it. I know lots of qualified people with their resumes in, waiting for a call...

[lostaviator]

There are PFO's going out so I would say the number of qualified applicants is still exceeding the demand?

[DaveP]

Hi,
We are keeping on top of the recruiting (barely)
I think there are enough in the pool to cover the next class but boy it's been tough to keep ahead.

Interviewing is currently twice a week (4 per day) and then we are doing a few here and there to accommodate people's schedules. This is for both Westjet and Encore. The work on the backside of interviews is huge too. We have brought on some additional HR help and grew the size of our pilot selection team to accommodate all of this.
In addition, we are cutting into the "less than a month notice" too. This is very uncharacteristic for us and I apologize to any companies that have to deal with these short notices.

Keep in mind we are hiring about 140 this year for Encore and we just received word - we are adding two more courses in the fall for WestJet going from the original 56 to 72 new hires Sigh.....

We are also hearing flow is going to try and increase to 50% for the fall.

All of this plus maybe a 30% failure average for interviews has as I mentioned....scrambling

Take care,
Dave

[loopa]

That's great news!

[pacman007]

with all the hiring this year for both mainline and encore what do you expect for next year? much of the same?

[razorblade]

Just call me back already

But seriously, when do you expect the app window to open again?

[dhc#]

Am betting the hiring will continue not just for expansion at Encore, but because management has made it clear they will offer no financial incentive for those already at Encore who would like to stay and make a career at the regional..... most will bail for mainline as soon as their number comes up, cause it ain't worth it ($$$) to stick around, they don't want people to remain too long as the cost of salaries would have to go up (ie. Jazz). Too bad cause there are dedicated and smart people at Encore that really would like to stay and help it grow.

[DaveP]

Hi Guys,
Who knows what to expect for next years hiring. The wild cards are the possible wide body implementation and whatever marketing sees in the economy/demand/competition.
As for the WestJet application window - not for a while I think. We have enough from the previous posting.

As for the Encore career - please give it a little time. Jazz was never at the salaries it has today within the first year of operations. There is still a ton of work to do and things continue to develop and improve. We have to iron out the wrinkles first. Some subtle improvements to date are things like utilization getting better (as tails get delivered) and the min guarantee was raised to 80 from 70. A lot of pilot schedules are down to 18 days as well for April and May vs 20.

Cheers!

[DH772]

What a lame excuse

Doesn't really work comparing your start up to Jazz merge. Dave what was WJ profit again last year?

[CanadianEh]

What a lame excuse

Doesn't really work comparing your start up to Jazz merge. Dave what was WJ profit again last year?

No point beating a dead horse. It all comes back to the fact that they can find qualified pilots willing to work for the terms and conditions set by the company. End of story.

[True North]

What a lame excuse

Doesn't really work comparing your start up to Jazz merge. Dave what was WJ profit again last year?

What a lame argument.

And how much did Jazz pay out in Profit Share last year?

[DaveP]

Hi,
I’m not trying to start a bun fight. I’m simply saying things are and will continue to improve. That’s a good thing!

Take care,
Dave

[flyer 1492]

Hi Guys,
Who knows what to expect for next years hiring. The wild cards are the possible wide body implementation and whatever marketing sees in the economy/demand/competition.
As for the WestJet application window - not for a while I think. We have enough from the previous posting.

As for the Encore career - please give it a little time. Jazz was never at the salaries it has today within the first year of operations. There is still a ton of work to do and things continue to develop and improve. We have to iron out the wrinkles first. Some subtle improvements to date are things like utilization getting better (as tails get delivered) and the min guarantee was raised to 80 from 70. A lot of pilot schedules are down to 18 days as well for April and May vs 20.

Cheers!

Actually Dave, when Jazz was formed all the CRA pilots ended up with a nice UPLIFT in pay. Just shows how bad the pay conditions were at CRA.

Cheers,

Flyer 1492

[DaveP]

Hi Flyer,
I remember those years too. Not fun.
I think (if memory serves) I was paid 33k or 35k year when I started with Air Ontario in 99. That was just after I went through the shut down of Air Atlantic and then Inter Canadien. I recall the CRA stuff well because they offered up interviews to us but, the hiring halted. If memory serves here too - Lanny B. Did my interview in the old Canadian (now AC) hangar here in YYC!
Take care

[DH772]

What a lame argument.

And how much did Jazz pay out in Profit Share last year?

Not a clue. I'd say zero profit share, 1000-2000 ensemble maybe. Why would Jazz pay a profit share cheque? They are being significantly undercut by Sky and Encore and can clearly see the road ahead of them in the years to come.

That's great that you folks are making big profit share cheques. Again, makes even less justification to pay a FO wage that regional pilots seen 15 years ago.

How much do you expect an encore FO to make in the profit share department? Correct me if I'm wrong (shot in the dark here) but isn't profit share at WJ calculated based upon your salary (among other criteria). So what kind of a profit does a 38k FO expect to be taking home before taxes?

Again, not sure what that number is but I probably prefer to be the year 1 Jazz FO taking home 14-15k in tax free per diems that you can bank on and isn't dependent upon company profits.

Dave, I do agree that Encore will have significant improvements over the years. That's great for everyone working there and I hope it improves quickly. But who is going to be paying for Encore's success? Is there a point of talking about this? Did you create these wages? Does ranting on a forum change anything in the least? Quite simply No to all! We are to blame just as much as companies are to blame.

So best of luck to the chaps there. I hope the sacrifice of Encore pays off and doesn't cause too many negative ramifications for others.

Adios

[DaveP]

Agreed, Here is to a speedy improvement! I might not have control, but hopefully I have some influence!
Cheers!

[Krimson]

Not a clue.

Correct me if I'm wrong (shot in the dark here)

Again, not sure

I probably prefer

I think you should do some research before trying to spark an argument

[Sleeve of Wizard]

Hi Flyer,
I remember those years too. Not fun.
I think (if memory serves) I was paid 33k or 35k year when I started with Air Ontario in 99. That was just after I went through the shut down of Air Atlantic and then Inter Canadien. I recall the CRA stuff well because they offered up interviews to us but, the hiring halted. If memory serves here too - Lanny B. Did my interview in the old Canadian (now AC) hangar here in YYC!
Take care

I don't mean to be a smart Alec but I think I'd rather be paid a 1999 35k than a 2014 38k.

[Inverted2]

Hi Flyer,
I remember those years too. Not fun.
I think (if memory serves) I was paid 33k or 35k year when I started with Air Ontario in 99. That was just after I went through the shut down of Air Atlantic and then Inter Canadien. I recall the CRA stuff well because they offered up interviews to us but, the hiring halted. If memory serves here too - Lanny B. Did my interview in the old Canadian (now AC) hangar here in YYC!
Take care

How much was a litre of gas in 1999? How much was your hydro bill in 1999?

[DaveP]

Hi Guys,
Inverted, I get what you are saying, and again, I can’t change a thing but hopefully Encore changes as they go. The first challenge was getting off the ground. Now, 11 months in they are just coming up on their first year. Things are in a constant positive motion forward. It really is good stuff. More routes, more airplanes etc...It will get better!

Cheers!

[DH772]

No Krimson, you're just trying to spin off my lack of English. I don't work for WJ nor do I work for Jazz. So excuse me for treding lightly on figures I do not have exact answers for.

But since you like nit picking, please tell me what facts are incorrect?
"Not a clue." - not knowing exact payout of jazz ensemble. Quite frankly I don't care what the exact number is but if I were to ask I'm sure it's 1k give or take for the year pending how well they did.

As for next two, please tell me if I was wrong? Is WJ profit share based upon salary? (And again 1 of many criteria I'm sure)

So please let me know which of my facts are incorrect so i can do more research.
And there is no argument being sparked here FYI.

[rhythm101]

Only 7 flights canceled yesterday in YYC due to lack of crew. What's the average, about 5 per day? If people stop going and the keep CXing, then hopefully the wages raise to a respectful level. That's my definition of success - be properly paid for the job you do......

[betster]

Thanks for all the info DaveP! Does anyone know if encore offers the same flight benefits as mainline for the employee and spouse?

[DaveP]

Hi
All the same as WestJet:

- Parent passes (you can interchange with to in-laws)
- Same priority standby travel on WestJet
- Jump seat priveledge on WestJet and all other existing reciprocals
- (4) return buddy passes per year (you do not have to travel with your guest)
- Access to all MY ID travel interlines/reciprocals
- unlimited standby travel for your immediate family and spouse/common law or flavour of the month or week for the single guys all first come first serve (no seniority for standby)
- access to family and friends deals in the spring and fall
- (4) 50% off (listed ticket price) tickets per employee/spouse/common law or dependants per year (positive space booking)

I think that’s everything.
Cheers
Dave