Just hired by UAL....could I be furloughed with the merger?

[Jetboy]

Hey, guys,
I am currently a flight attendant for another major carrier. I've just been hired by United, and I'm very excited. However, I must admit I'm a little nervous that, if this USAir-United merger goes through, I could possibly be furloughed (my seniority would obviously be VERY low on the totem pole).....do any of you have any information regarding this?
I really want to join United, and I'd love any info any of you have---thanks!
Jetboy

[Future_Flight_Attendant]

Jetboy,

I wouldnt worry. The merger is far from happening right now.

[FlyBoyChuck]

Just hired by Ual...congrats on being selected for training with UAL. Just one word of advice, you might want to postpone your training date, and not give notice at your current airline cause of UAL's financial loses, and possible hiring freeze. I'm not trying to worry you, but this happened to my a fellow classmate of mine. She left our airline(during financially troubled times) and started training with UAL for the F/A position. During her last week of training, UAL implemented a hiring freeze, and suspended her training for a whole year!! She couldn't get her job back at our airline(believe me, she tried!) and went on unemployment for a year. Luckily for her things worked out. She was recalled by UAL, and was allowed to complete her last week of training.... Just food for thought...be careful and good luck!!!

[flyboydc]

And just so you know, United has apparently instituted a hiring freeze in an effort to cut $200 million in costs. I don't know when it will take affect, but if you really want to fly, not just fly for United, you might start interviewing with other carriers. If USAirways hasn't put a freeze on yet, try them, because then if(when) the merger happens, you'll just come over to United, having avoided the hiring freeze!

[Jetboy]

Thanks for the input, FlyBoyDC and Chuck----I am currently a flight attendant for another carrier, and was (and still am) very excited about beginning my training with UAL, although I must admit now I'm a little scared that I'll be let go, esp. with all the problems going on!!! What should I do?? ARGH! I don't think I could ask them if I could postpone my training until this whole mess gets straightened out with the merger and strikes and stuff--I'm sure they wouldn't do that....hmm....I've got a lot of thinking to do!!! I don't really want to go to anyone other than United--Delta doesn't have a union, which is kind of weird to me, USAir is too vulnerable, I don't like Continental's bases, and Northwest seems like it may be bought out too.......ARGH! Well, thanks for all of your advice guys---hopefully I'll come to a decision before training begins in May!
Jeboy http://www.crewstart.com/ubb/images/icons/smile.gif

[Sky_Guy]

Here is the deal as I understand it.

UAL is not conducting anymore interviews until at least August. There have been no newhirs in the training center in the past 2 weeks as of May15. Once they start interviewing, a second language will be required. My suggestion, if you want UA, then I would not put it off since you don't know when you will be able to get in again. Take a leave of Absence (for personal) from your current airline. Don't tell them why. Go through training and graduate. When you fly your first trip then resign from your current employeer. So basically I agree with my DC counterpart.

[Sty00ard]

UAL will have resign from your current airline in writing before grad date. I was in training about year ago & the company had everyone that had worked for an airline resign including a couple of ladies that had worked for Eastrern in the 80's & were just homemakers now. images/icons/blush.gif