WestJet

[yoohoo748]

Royalterrace

You hit the nail on the head... you are too right. Different strokes for different folks. I do hope that things continue to work out for you and my friends at WJ, as I also hope the my ventures keep working out here.

Cheers.

[Slapshot]

"Slapshot; far too much cool-aid for you. Same for WJman (nothing personal guys… I am sure that you guys would be good guys to go for a pint with) I don’t know what carrier that you worked for overseas but if it didn’t work out for you that is too bad. Working overseas can really open ones eyes to the rest of the world. I have only been overseas for a short period and I am already looking to get my first Porsche (could never dream of that in Canada…"

I don't think I've had too much kool-aid. Just the right amount of respect from the people who employ me... As for where I worked oversea's, I spent 4 years in Hong Kong. 4 years with guys from all over the world. I learned a lot about the way other parts of the world operate and how different it is to work in North America. A Wife and a family will make one appreciate the way things work in North America. Lifestyle and the ability to build a schedule to adapt to the lifestyle one desires...

"... but also lifestyle and pay. To think that WJ can hold a candle to what A/C can offer us is silly. Absurd. I know that all (most?) people at westjet think that they are at the top of the heap, and that is the culture. That is ok... but one has to realize that while they may be number one in a few areas, they really are number two wanting to be number one."

We have been around for 9 soon to be 10 years (Feb. 28 2006). In that time we've made some extraordinary strides. We now fly to more destinations outside of Canada than inside. We have the youngest fleet in the country. We are using the technology to it's fullest. I could go on but you get my gist... We are a progressive, expanding company that is giving the "Traditional" Airlines a run for their money. I think we are winning. The public seems to think so too... Do we have a way to go? Sure, but that's part of the expansion and the wave forward isn't it? People getting on now get to ride that wave.

"We have put too much blood and sweat into this to be paid peanuts. For the responsibility and hard work we all need to be remunerated accordingly."

I agree with you on this point. What I disagree with is your assertion that WestJet is some kind of cheapskate outfit that does not pay. We have some non "traditional" salaries. I'll trade T-4's with anyone who's been in their company the same amount of time that I have. I'll also compare lifestyle. In that dept. I think I'll come out ahead... I've got a good gig, lot's of time off and the spare dosh to get the "toys" that make the time off worthwhile. I also enjoy the airplane I fly, the destinations I fly too and most importantly, the people I fly with. I've no real complaints. Life is good here in Canada, don't kid yourself that it's headed for the toilet...

"A colleague of mine who is close to retiring said that if you are able to get a seat at a legacy carrier, get it, then never let it go."

"Never let it go" would be a neat trick with the bankruptcy's, layoff's and salary rollbacks that have been commonplace in the "Legacy" world... Just ask a United Pilot how his Pension is doing... Or how the Delta Pilot is doing with his Aircraft bid... Before you mention the Asian carrier's - how many pay-scales does Cathay have these days? What are the difference's from one scale to the next? How have changes to the Conditions of Service at Emirates been received?

"But A/C is the proven and they are looking (last I heard, but I am out of the loop)."

Ask an Air Canada Pilot what his salary has done in the last negotiations. Ask what "just about" happened to his Pension... There is still the Pension shortfall to be funded...

"Some can’t hack it and put the blame on ‘the high cost of living overseas’. What they forget is with this higher cost comes a larger disposable income and better lifestyle."

I would argue the "larger disposable income"... With a larger salary come larger demands. What looked like a great salary on paper in Canada, turned out to be a working wage with some saving's once I arrived in Hong Kong. When little mouths came along and their schooling had to be taken care of, the "saving's" portion dwindled considerably... A single guy with his or her eye on an adventure will find it a great experience oversea's, but I would suggest going over with eyes open...

"WJ might be able to provide a ‘decent’ living, and stock options might be working out for some; but there is nothing better than seeing my paycheck with no deductions. None. Two months holidays a year? To start? And making the equivalent of 160k CAD to start?"

I too had a wack of holiday's to start at the outfit I was at, and thought that was pretty good... Until I realized that I was still working 80 hours in the month that I had the leave... It wasn't really "leave" it was an "optimized" schedule so that I had maximum days off for that month. They still got their pound of flesh out of me to the tune of 80 hours and I had the two weeks off for the month. Then on occasion I got the phone call, "So sorry, F/O _____, your leave has been canceled you are required to operate ____. " It goes back to scheduling and lifestyle. My days off and my family are important, I'm not in "indentured servitude" wearing the "golden handcuff's" to a scheduling dept. that has no concept of a life outside the "Company"...

I'm glad you're happy and enjoying your adventure oversea's. I'd be curious what the "power's that be" would do if they found your "Gentleman Jack"... Contraband and a Judge sound like a distinct possibility...

I know many who are happy in the desert. I also know many who wish to be home. Some have left here and yearn to come back. Contracts and debentures force them to stay. Others think it is the lesser of two evils.

I guess that's why they make Chocolate and Vanilla eh? So everybody has a choice. Good night and good luck to you.

Merry Christmas!

[Tan]

Wow that’s the longest WJ kool-aid fairy tale that I’ve seen so far, regardless have a Merry Christmas.

[Slapshot]

What do you find so hard to believe? If you have some facts to dispute my position I'd be happy to debate you.

[yoohoo748]

KOOL aid

Yip Slapshot, you are right. Chocolate and Vanilla. I don't really mean to Bash WJ (although it did seem like I was... and to tell the truth maybe I was in a round-about sort of way) but I do want to let the new guys on the block that there is a world out there ready and waiting to be explored. It may not work out for everybody, but it does seem to be working out well for me and the buds. I really don't see myself returning to work in canada any time soon. I am LUCKY that my wife is able to work here in the ME... Gets her out of the house.... and out of the mall. Life here is good. More open and accepting than I could ever have imagined. Pass a cop and not have to worry about paying a fine. Have a pint when ever you feel like it. Give a guy a buck or two and he/she will clean you house or car or get your groceries for you.

I worry about the future of aviation. Wages have really taken a dive in the past 15 or so years. While doctors and lawyers remuneration has climbed, ours have fallen. How can we change this? I don't have the answer, but as a group it is our best interest to find a way. Slapshot... Good for you for doing so well where you are.

Cow town is a decent enough place, and weekend at Fernie is not that bad of a treck. Still, the taxes in canada are a killer. I wouldn't mind so much if the Canadian government were responsible with the dough that we give them every day... but they just seem to squander OUR money. Could I do any better? Probably not. Again, there are far too many 'special interest groups' in canada that demand far too much cash; That must be put in check before the money runs out. K guys, time to eat. Take what I say with a grain of salt. I might have my opinion, but that is not to say that I know what I am talking about.

[FFP]

Would anyone be kind enough to explain how the taxes affect you in your currrent flying jobs ? In the UK I'm taxed 40% on anything over £30 odd grand. Is it similar ?

[Slapshot]

"Still, the taxes in canada are a killer. I wouldn't mind so much if the Canadian government were responsible with the dough that we give them every day... but they just seem to squander OUR money."

You'll get no argument from me on that one... It seems you and I agree more than not.

"I do want to let the new guys on the block that there is a world out there ready and waiting to be explored. It may not work out for everybody, but it does seem to be working out well for me and the buds."

I felt the same way when I first arrived in Hongker's in the mid '90's. I was telling everybody how great it was and asking why they weren't over there with me. After a few years, it started to wear me down, after 4 I had had enough.

Good luck to you, Merry Christmas!

[Azzurri]

Attn: yoohoo748,

By chance are you in Abu Dhabi or Bahrain?...

Azzurri

[yoohoo748]

Yes

Azzurri,

Yes... |Chances are really good that I am in Bahrain. You?

[Saltaire]

If you're stoked about BAH, then Dubai must be a real haven with all the enhanced facilities.

[yoohoo748]

Yeah... Dub is pretty cool, for me not a bad place to visit. BAH is doing well for me. Looking to spend a few days in MCT too, beautiful place if you like the out doors. ME's secret and up and coming.

[Azzurri]

Yoohoo748,
Did you used to have a bike with a fouled-up second gear?
Azzurri