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View Full Version : Virgin Blue's 15 minute Pre Sign on time req't


MICHEAL STIPE
30th May 2002, 23:40
Anyone think this is a tad not right?????????

Turn up at sign on time and get a late letter for not having read the appropriate memo's.

Yes I know you signed for it when taking the job....
Maybe something for the new EBA ?????????????

Adds to a couple of hours over the months roster.

ditzyboy
31st May 2002, 07:16
At Impulse it is a requirement that we read the memo bored and check our pigeon hole thingy prior to signing on. That is subjective though. You can just rock up and stare blankly at the board for two seconds then go into a briefing. Opps! I think I have said too much :-)

We are required to do it but there is no official time we have to be there in which to do this (people say about 5 mins...). We have the internal email thing which really negates the need to look on the boards or inside your pigeon...

flapsforty
31st May 2002, 07:52
Do I understand correctly that the company monitors time for which you are not getting paid Stipe?
Certainly sounds a bit strange. :confused:
At the same time, you do have the obligation to be up-to-date on the paperwork before you start the flight, which in practice in our mob works out to most of us reporting about 30 mins before official reporting time.
Adds way much to the schedule which we do not get paid for, but it also gives us the peace of mind of having read all the bits & pieces and doing all the preparations at leisure and with enough time for socialising left over.
If both we and the pilots would report "on time", very few aircarft would depart on time!

So if the general attitude at VB is anywhere near what ditzyboy describes as his MO, it would not be all that susprising if the company is trying to make people show a bit more responsibility.

Still, it seems strange and wrong that the company tries to force you to use unpaid time on company business.
Interesting concept.

:rolleyes:

ditzyboy
31st May 2002, 16:09
Thats a bit rude flaps forty! As I mentioned our email systems post memos and the like sometimes days before they reach the crew room boards... Is that plain enough English? :-)

And I do check the boards. All I am saying is that apart from ads of a personal nature there is never anything on there that wasn't on the email system. It is a company requirement that we check the boards (though there is no official time to show up prior to a briefing) but a 'once over' is always enough for the above reasons.

Now having said that twice is it clear enough.... Just my warped sense of humour on the previous post.

flapsforty
31st May 2002, 18:47
Ditzyboy, sometimes I let my passions rule the calmer part of my brain.
You're right, it was a bit rude. :o
Sorry.
But you did make it very tempting! ;)

smile
1st Jun 2002, 00:36
HI Guys,

I don't work as a F/A (yet), but I am in hospitality. But with an issue like this I think that it goes the same for any job.

My feeling is that you turn up early for work to show you are a dedicated employee, to 'get into work mode' , and to make sure you are all sorted to start your shift. I personally turn up about 15-20 minutes early each shift (and I only live 5 minutes down the road). This allows me to check on memos, catch up with my fellow work mates etc.

I don't see this as being unpaid work. It is just part of keeping my job and my hours and my employee happy with me. But i do feel you are being hard done by if you get a warning if you don't do this!!

love SMILE

:D

Theo Racle
1st Jun 2002, 03:28
That's the spirit Smile!

No body has any problems leaving early when your flights get in early do they?

Edited to keep you guessing what I edited...

cloud nine
1st Jun 2002, 10:26
My thoughts exactly Theo and Smile. Arriving a little early to work definatley isnt a problem. I know myself and a few others at my work have turned up half an hour or more before sign on. I find it starts the day off better anyway, as you get time to make a coffee, have a chat, and and get all your paperwork done at your own pace. And Theo is correct regarding flights arriving early, no one complains then do they. I know that during my day, there are times that I have everything done on time or earlier, and Im just waiting around with 5/10 mins to spare. So I'd say that it all balances out in the end. Really what is 15 minuetes, when it is something that you enjoy doing anyway. I guess its a matter of how much one likes the environment that they are in. I think that sometimes we can forget how hard we worked to get were we are and the truth is that there are thousands of others that would be more than happy to arrive early at work, just to be given the chance to fly.:)

MICHEAL STIPE
2nd Jun 2002, 06:42
Dont mind reading them ,it's just if you want staff to perform a function of work then it must be paid.....

Sorry but I'm certainly not a charity.
Will donate to organisations requiring funds but not when its a Billion dollar corporation..

Job has some great attributes , dont get me wrong .

Ain't nobody's pizzboy.

Theo Racle
2nd Jun 2002, 12:12
Hey Mike... so you're telling us, that in all your vast experience of working for a living, you've never once packed up early (on company time), made a personal phone call (during company time and with company equipment), had a long lunch, run 10 minutes late because of traffic or taken advantage in any way what so ever?

Sorry mate, you're either a saint or a tosser...

Which ever - I wouldn't give you a job.

smile
2nd Jun 2002, 14:09
Hey Theo-- what about me-- I'd love a new job!!!:D :D :D

love SMILE

Theo Racle
3rd Jun 2002, 00:37
Smile - check your email.

Sonique
3rd Jun 2002, 02:12
Theo Racle ...you and Micheal Stipe both work for the same company.

We already hear enough stories on the grape vine about the bitchiness and competition in the ranks amongst the virgin blue staff, maybe you should keep your internal virgin blue staff bitterness elsewhere as he was simply just asking for everyone's opinion.

stormywx
3rd Jun 2002, 02:59
I also work in hospitality and always turn up 20-30 mins early for a shift to catch up etc, that way you tend to actually start work on time!

Throughout my flying training I have also always turned up much earlier then the requirement for flights.

To me its being professional, as others have said how often have you wasted your companies paid time?

If an airline would employ me I'd have no issue with it!

Agree with Smile & Theo.

Cheers

MICHEAL STIPE
3rd Jun 2002, 03:50
Thank You Sonique......
Appears you have the grasp on the Thread.

The Orafice ooops sorry Oracle
Firstly in order to really make you look like fine Tosser material I will Commence.

Yes in previous Employment I have turned up early in order to ensure I'm on time , and yes did commence work a tad earlier than normal.
In addition have left early aswell.
Great to be in an organisation that was a pleasure to work for.
No Vermin Blue isn't that good , however we make do with whats available at the time.

So wonderful how the security of a monitor can bring out the Bravery among small framed men .
No doubt your a company man and in this dwelling of an existance you no doubt find unusual ways to occupy yourself.

Heres how I may find you to be...........

How such a meeting in public would be such a wonderful event?
Frustration of personal inadequacy?
Inability to create relationships due to bad social skills possibly?
Cant relate to people?
You no doubt want to be this years chap dressed in casual slacks maybe?
Sweat at you own temperature do you Oracle?
Worn the Blinkers just a little too often and a little too long ?

MMMMMM yeah, but no doubt you could tell me every Aircraft Registration and Serial Number in the Fleet hey??
Evidence suggest that Too Long a Period of standing at the Airport fence could lead to symptoms of Cock Headia.

Wonderful world shame you can't face the world without your PC.

MICHEAL STIPE
3rd Jun 2002, 03:54
Ohh yeah Oracle,
Hows about an email address so I can get to you personally huh????

Bulletin boards a bit too exposed , want a word in ya shell like , Know what I mean????

smile
3rd Jun 2002, 07:11
Micheal

A great little thread with a topic that has valid arguments on both sides!!!

BUT........

please don't turn this into a slanging match!!!http://www.stopstart.fsnet.co.uk/smilie/fight.gif

BY all means keep up the debate, but resorting to insults shows a lack of intelligence and I'm sure you have so much more to offer than that!!!

I'm not putting up this post to start an argument-- just trying to stop something before it gets out of hand:D


love SMILE:D

MICHEAL STIPE
3rd Jun 2002, 08:43
Point Taken Smile.

And you are correct ,just finding the best way to communicate , Cro Magnon style...

Will do keep smiling

smile
3rd Jun 2002, 09:11
http://www.stopstart.fsnet.co.uk/smilie/jump.gif

flying_fox
3rd Jun 2002, 11:08
Hi Sonique,

Just read your post. I had no idea that there was any bitchiness and competition amongst the ranks of the VB FA's. Is this because they have suddenly taken on alot of experienced FA's from Kendell's Hazo's Flight West and Ansett and this may be causing a bit of friction? (Loads of experience suddently appearing amongst a very inexperienced crew) or is it just a culture that has developed amongst (largely) very young crew? I know they are away from home a heck of a lot. 10 - 15 overnights per month is what I have been told!!! I would be pretty grotchity too if that was the case!! You can expect staff to burn out pretty quickly with those conditions - or is that what management are wanting? Their EBA must be up for negotiation soon - I hope they manage to change that one!

Chat soon, happy flying :)

Theo Racle
3rd Jun 2002, 11:25
Well need I say more...

Oh alright then, after all there's a desk handy to hide under should any body feel that I'm threatening their manliness and seek retribution...

Seriously, I was trying to make the point (which I think most people understood) that as with all jobs its give and take.

Sonique, this is not meant to be personal but just to address the issue that you raised:
Those who think the organisation they work for is a charity just get my goat - sorry can't help it. Don't care if they work for the same company as me or not.
Thanks for the concern about internal gripes and all that, but I'm sure most people understand that there is no such thing as a perfect employer. Anybody who does is simply naive in my view. Pprune is therefore the ideal forum to discuss such issues. Everybody should read it and learn from the comments therein.

That's not to say that I am very happy here and rank DJ as one of the best employers I've ever had. Call me what you will but it is my view that if you don't put in 100% for the company you have been given an opportunity to work for you are not letting down the employer but your colleagues and friends. After all they're the ones who have to take up your slack.

As for bitchiness and competition... firstly competition is great, it brings out the best in people. Secondly, I don't believe there is any bitchinessm at least no more than one would expect when 520+ different personanalities and characters work day in and day out in close proximity.

Thats it.. the Orifice has spoken!

Incidentally, anyone can send me an email by clicking on the profile link and following the prompts... and in case any body finds anything, I can't be bothered checking for spelling this was a rant after all.

smile
3rd Jun 2002, 11:50
Theo,

Check your email!!:D