New Hire FOs Eligible For A $30,000 Signing And Retention Bonus

A Letter of Agreement (LoA) has been signed by representatives of Trans State Airlines, represented by ALPA, and the carrier's management. The agreement addresses the pilots’ immediate economic concerns and also represents an attempt to stem pilot attrition and recruit more aviators.

New hire first officers are now eligible for a $30,000 signing and retention bonus, to be paid in three increments over two years of service.  The new signing and retention bonus program, coupled with Trans States competitive hourly rate for first year first officers ($36.35), will make them among the highest paid in the regional airline industry.
 
“We think this new bonus and retention program is a good start in recognizing the professionalism and dedication of Trans States pilots,” said Capt. Neil Butler, Chairman of ALPA’s Trans States Master Executive Council. “We look forward to continuing to work with management to improve the overall compensation package of pay, benefits and work rules that lead the industry and attract new pilots.”
 
The LOA awards current Trans States first officers $10,000 in retention bonuses, and includes another $10,000 in bonuses if the company reaches pilot hiring targets.  Salary and bonuses alone for a first year first officer should reach at least $55,000. Current captains will also receive a retention bonus, as well as an additional bonus if hiring targets are met.

(Source: ALPA news release)

FMI: www.alpa.org