Cascade Lay off ?

[planemikey]

Has Cascade just laid off 250 , fact or rumor?

[Mechman22]

They actually just laid off 41 guys last week, but they also laid off around 50 just before Christmas and around 50 back in May, now thats just guys on the floor. They have also let go a bunch of Supervisors and support staff at each of those lay offs. I don't think it has been 250 but it has still been alot of people and they are very good at keeping it quiet, no mention in the media of how their business is declining and they are letting people go every couple of months, they still portray themselves as this pillar of the Abbotsford Community but they are probably the main contributor of the increase in the unemployment rate in Abby. The company has also notified the workers that if they don't get work from First Air next month there will be even more lay offs. They have basically said that if you have been there 10 yrs or less you could be gone next round.

Its not a good situation, and the lower mainland area is now flooded with guys looking for jobs in an industry where none exist. Lots of retraining about to happen.

[iflyforpie]

Is Burnside on any of those lists?

[planemikey]

Burnside should have been on that list a long time ago. I'm surprised is in't in the cafeteria offering the Kool-aid . He' pulled the wool over the yes of many people for too long . He alone destroyed that company I hear his big buddy Ramsy III is gone . How Barry let this company go to this extent is beyond comprehension. My guess .....Cascade Hangar is split up ........Cascade remains with the Military side till that ends and the other side of hangar is sold to a new company where they will start new and fresh . Union will not be able to do a thing about it and the AMerican will go off to anther cmpany to rule it into the ground . No customer will come back to a poisonous enviroment that puts out aircraft late and over budget .

[kai]

I am one of the 41 that just got laid off last week. Work is slowing down in the hanger, and they are slowly laying people off.

Is anyone interested hiring an AME M2? With herc, B737, and CL-215(T) experience?

[longjon]

kai, I'm curious as to the experience one gets at places like Cascade.

Did you ever take the machines out and run the engines and then rig or troubleshoot the engine run? What about going for a test flight with the crew after a check and fill out the performance sheet etc, then after youre back on the ground rig and run engines to correct defect.?

Ive never really worked OH so I don't know how much a guy gets to do.

[kai]

kai, I'm curious as to the experience one gets at places like Cascade.

Did you ever take the machines out and run the engines and then rig or troubleshoot the engine run? What about going for a test flight with the crew after a check and fill out the performance sheet etc, then after youre back on the ground rig and run engines to correct defect.?

Ive never really worked OH so I don't know how much a guy gets to do.

Engine Run authorizations were only given to a few people. DND is very strict on who could run the hercs. The requirements for run-up auth. from DND was a successful completion of DND's runup. The course itself was very challenging. On the other hand I was able to sit right seat on the herc, while an ACA sat FE. It's the same for commercial a/c. Only certain few people who got run-up course and who were authorized were able to run the a/c. If you were not in the a/c, you'd be part of the support crew, or were working on another a/c back in the hanger.

During the runs, if there needed to be rigging done, they were done there. Usually engine controls did not need any rigging during runs, since that gets taken care before hand. There was a lot of prop balancing on the hercs. Running the engines, pull the spinners, add or remove weights, install spinner and run again.

There aren't much opportunities for us to go on test flights, unless there is discrepancies that can only be recreated in flight. A few months back, a herc had some pressurization issues that would only occur during flight. We pressurized on the ground, and it would pass. But in flight, it would not. So one of the guys, went for a test flight. Had to sign a waiver for it too.

Being a place like Cascade, is hard for apprentices. With how the system works, you really don't go through a proper apprenticeship. You don't work besides an ame ripping about a FCU or HMU. As an apprentice, most of the time you'd be doing panels, servicing, lubing, cleaning, scraping PRC, re-re simpler or labor intensive items. Even after getting your license, if you did not have an ACA, you'd be stuck doing the same jobs an apprentice would. Luckily for me, during my apprenticeship, most of my apprenticeship was spent on B737NGs and some classics. I did get the chance to replace fan blades, HUM, lube unit, and a bunch of other good stuff. It was hard for the guys that never had a chance to work on the B737. The crew leads were still really good and trying to get you jobs despite how the system was setup.

The best part of the check IMO was the stuff at the end. When the pressure is there to deliver the plane. Where it would be like line mtc. I think that is one of the more enjoyable times. For an apprentice, the best part would be mid-check when all the non-routines are ready to be worked. That's when ink starts to flow.

Heavy Maintenance is good to understand the aircraft, and how to repair it. Since the plane rarely goes out MEL'd. I think having both some heavy mtc and line mtc experience is the best way to develop ones skill. You get the good of both worlds.

With all that said, if Cascade called me tomorrow to go back in on Monday, I'd say yes in a heartbeat.

[longjon]

thanks, good reply. a while back I had an offer from Conair but couldn't foot the bill to move out there.

[SeptRepair]

Whats the status on the 215T conversions? They just finishing some off? Any future possibilities they may get more to convert?

[planemikey]

Do you think they will do more 215 t conversions ? You have got to be kidding ! No one in the industry has taken as long as Cascade and they are not even done yet. If they did not have the C-130 contract they would have closed the doors a while a go. That ends in 1.5 years and is not likely to be renewed . They had customers such as Alaska , Continental , Southwest , Aloha ,First Air ,Alcoa , leasing companies and many others ....none are willing to return , I wonder Why ? + they hired mechanics from the Fillipeans and Canadians were rejected because they wanted a decent living.

Never since Deifenbaker and the Aero scrapping has Aviation in Canada looked so bleak .
Field Aviaiton Closed in Calgary , Spar closed in Edmonton , Air canada is so mismanaged and near a third bankruptcy in 5 years , Aveos are shipping their heavy maintenance to Central america . Transat sends their aircraft to Brazil. Bombardier sends manufacturing to Mexico and asia and Europe.and IMP is an expert at using ex airforce slave labor and foreign workers . The exodus list goes on and gets worse every day . Aviation schools can not fill their classes as other trades are way more rewarding.

[bigbert]

Mechman 22 you forgot the layoffs in November 2008 . And to cascades defense the 215 mods are having a lot of engineering issues, and during the summer they had an in house issue which I think has been taken care of. I found working on those hercs a great experience, infact probably a bit more in depth then on the line. Now that being said if you know one system very well good luck working on a diffrent system (ie if one has a lot of power plant experience one wont ever touch a flap) and the trouble shooting experience is a bit weak sauce.

[jetsetfly]

Cascade is actually looking into sueing the engineering department of bombardier thats what i heard so far and looks like it be a long process and as for the future of cascade they actually got the DND C130J Contract and also the current DND contract has been signed but not even one of the J model birds have left Lockheed well hope everything turns out good for cascade and many of us layed off guys can get a recall may be in 2012

[SeptRepair]

Do you think they will do more 215 t conversions ? You have got to be kidding !

No not kidding, I'm just asking. I have a friend that was acting as a liaison between Bombardier, Provincial government ( think Alberta?) and Cascade. From his conversation sounded like a lot of politics especially with bombardier stalling and not cooperating like they had hoped. I guess bombardier is in the business to sell new 415's and not convert old 215's. I really don't know the whole story, just little bits i pick up from guys. Either way, I hate to hear of fellow engineers being laid off. Inevitably this recession in aviation will hurt our industry more then it has in any past recession. Hopefully those who can stick it out will take solace in knowing we will be a hot commodity in the years to come and the wages should reflect the crap we have had to deal with. IMO

[jetsetfly]

do you really think the aviation industry here will improve all the big companies are starting to go too south america and even obama has said he doesnt want any outsourcing anymore he wants the jobs to be kept in usa but who knows hopefully these industry will turn around and realise that what an important job we are doing and as for cascade seems like next year is when things will start to improve and i hear there are more layoffs on the way since first air is not coming in

[bigbert]

8 more today, they must be at a 100% ACA ratio by now hahaha!

[electraguy]

Another 16 layoffs today. That brings the total up to around 180+ in the last 2 years.

[aviator_mech]

so aviation's going to shyte, we all become truckers, with biodiesel running engines? geez.... fukn looks like it

[plainfixer]

So cascade is laying off its own guys, yet at the same time they are getting the agencies to bring in contractors for an A320 contract. WTF!?

[jetsetfly]

the A320 contract is done they not getting it anymore it was just a a check but since they couldnt find people quick enuff they let it go and ye its really goin downhill for cascade

[lezoo]

Bad news from east: exeltech just gone on bankrupcy...

[aviator_mech]

Bad news from east: exeltech just gone on bankrupcy...

yup.... i was part of that fun, but doesn't seem like its quite there yet, they've got 10 guys finishing up some customer planes... went to pick up my tools last week and the hangars are full??? still saying that we are "temperately laid off" in my opinion i think its a scam for them not paying everyone's vacation money, i smell the bullshit... just received the bank statements and they owe a total of 16 million dollars to companies, workers... etc... hhhmmmm wonder where they're going to dig that up

[pitchdoctor]

How many this week ?

[jetsetfly]

How many this week ?

Cascade would be 8 people mechs and interior techs

[magic wand]

The Top 40 Cities For Business in Canada
Abbotsford: Boomtown, B.C.

http://list.canadianbusiness.com/rankin ... 702_198702

The region’s population growth could be reason enough to attract more carriers, Kandal says. The airport’s primary service area, which includes Chilliwack, Langley and part of Surrey, is the fastest-growing region in the province. The population is estimated to increase by more than 20% between 2005 and 2015. “The airport is a very important aspect not only for development in Abbotsford, but development for the communities that surround us,” says Barry Marsden, chairman of the Conair Group, which provides aerial fire control services, and owner of aircraft maintenance company Cascade Aerospace.

More activity at the airport bodes well for both Conair and Cascade, which employ more than 1,000 people in Abbotsford. Cascade recently won a contract to provide heavy maintenance for WestJet’s fleet of Boeing 737s over the next three years. One of the factors in winning the contract was that Abbotsford is considered “online” for WestJet, meaning the airline already flies to that location. A plane can undergo maintenance and immediately return to service.

But the single biggest advantage for Cascade to be in Abbotsford is the city itself. “It’s a very good place to live and raise a family,” says CEO David Schellenberg. “Our business depends on attracting and retaining good people.” Abbotsford’s mix of outdoor living and big-city amenities certainly helps attract workers. Cascade boasts the city is one of the most “desirable locations in the world” as part of its online pitch.

The company will also find future workers through the University of the Fraser Valley, which has a campus in Abbotsford. Cascade worked with the university to develop its aerospace program, and Marsden intends to strengthen ties with the city’s educational institutions in the future. “We have to get into a different type of training where we can develop people at home here, starting in high school, and then bring them into the industry,” he says.

But Cascade is looking beyond Abbotsford for opportunities. The company is currently spending more than US$2 million to expand its facility in Spokane, Wash. Schellenberg is quick to add the operation will not cannibalize the company’s Canadian business, and Cascade has no plans to leave Abbotsford. “It’s our mother hen,” he says.

So has the new management team failed or are they taking the business south of the border? Have any of the Cascade workers been offered work in Spokane?
Or is this simply a case of being in the wrong business at the wrong time?

[jetsetfly]

The Top 40 Cities For Business in Canada
Abbotsford: Boomtown, B.C.

http://list.canadianbusiness.com/rankin ... 702_198702

The region’s population growth could be reason enough to attract more carriers, Kandal says. The airport’s primary service area, which includes Chilliwack, Langley and part of Surrey, is the fastest-growing region in the province. The population is estimated to increase by more than 20% between 2005 and 2015. “The airport is a very important aspect not only for development in Abbotsford, but development for the communities that surround us,” says Barry Marsden, chairman of the Conair Group, which provides aerial fire control services, and owner of aircraft maintenance company Cascade Aerospace.

More activity at the airport bodes well for both Conair and Cascade, which employ more than 1,000 people in Abbotsford. Cascade recently won a contract to provide heavy maintenance for WestJet’s fleet of Boeing 737s over the next three years. One of the factors in winning the contract was that Abbotsford is considered “online” for WestJet, meaning the airline already flies to that location. A plane can undergo maintenance and immediately return to service.

But the single biggest advantage for Cascade to be in Abbotsford is the city itself. “It’s a very good place to live and raise a family,” says CEO David Schellenberg. “Our business depends on attracting and retaining good people.” Abbotsford’s mix of outdoor living and big-city amenities certainly helps attract workers. Cascade boasts the city is one of the most “desirable locations in the world” as part of its online pitch.

The company will also find future workers through the University of the Fraser Valley, which has a campus in Abbotsford. Cascade worked with the university to develop its aerospace program, and Marsden intends to strengthen ties with the city’s educational institutions in the future. “We have to get into a different type of training where we can develop people at home here, starting in high school, and then bring them into the industry,” he says.

But Cascade is looking beyond Abbotsford for opportunities. The company is currently spending more than US$2 million to expand its facility in Spokane, Wash. Schellenberg is quick to add the operation will not cannibalize the company’s Canadian business, and Cascade has no plans to leave Abbotsford. “It’s our mother hen,” he says.

So has the new management team failed or are they taking the business south of the border? Have any of the Cascade workers been offered work in Spokane?


Or is this simply a case of being in the wrong business at the wrong time?

O MY I WISH IT WAS TRUE as for the spokane hangar its toatally dead rite now as well