remember the days when "our staff are our most valuable assett" ruled as a corporate motto? The new boss of virgin said "if we look after our staff, they look after our passengers, and our passengers look after our bottom line" or something close to that. Interesting how Virgin have gone ahead in leaps and bounds as a result. As for REX pilots, You have the power, but you dilly dally and procrastinate like things are going to improve. You are completely missing your opportunity to take decisive action. But, you have to put some pressure on your collegues to vote as one. And, join the Union, and actually vote on what is put up. The weak pricks who miss voting bacuase "I forgot" or "was on a day off", you are part of the problem. There are also new operators coming on line every day. You have 2 feet don't you?
It is surprising just how many pilots are ignorant to the EBA negotiating process and get irritated when "out of the loop". In my experience as a Rep, the company would not allow specifics to be released until the draft EBA was sent out. Both sides generally only agree in principle until the draft is released. You appointed your Reps, now trust they have your best interests at heart.
If you have concerns, call up a Rep, thats what they're in that role for. Or just bitch about it on an online forum, that works too. In my experience, guys like ohyeahright and aviator23 have little to no idea of what the processes are, but bellyache because the "Reps aren't communicating". What is also very surprising is the fact that if asked to be a Rep, the biggest complainers go really really quiet or come up with a thousand excuses.
Go on guys, let's see if you can put both feet in your mouth.
Is it possible that there is a valuable learning point here for the union and reps? If you want to keep your workforce/members happy and cooperative with what you are doing, perhaps this is a useful prompt to improve communications, whether that be letters, email, facebook, PPRuNe or even PPRuNe? I ack you probably feel you're dealing with enough pressure, but perhaps if you can see past the slightly confrontational approach and be a bit bigger? Aviator 23 seemed to be trying to be constructive? Do you really want all members calling one by one? If this degenerates into a hostile confrontation I am sure you want all union members feeling engaged and committed. Constant Comms builds trust, which may get put under a lot of pressure soon. By the way, does the union have a Comms strategy?
Having said all that, I work for another company- just my observations based on the wonderful world of PPRuNe
As most of you are aware the REXPC/AFAP has suspended the ban on tankering fuel UNTILL midnight tonight. Check you emails regularily, hopefully a notice should be out today or tomorrow.
If not, then the ban on tankering fuel will apply as of midnight tonight.
The ball is, and really always has been, in the company's court. Of course this whole process has never been about negotiation, from the company viewpoint at least. The maintaining of pilots wages and conditions pale in significance to the obscene amount of overtime payments currently being made just to keep the show going. A stark indication of REX's complete failure to manage their crewing issues, and a confirmation that the entire EBA process is all about face and appearances, rather than fiscal responsibility.
So wierd and illogical, you couldn't make this sh!t up!
I think J3 piper boy has a valid point here guys. during the negotiation there is an element of 'in good faith' that goes on, whereby details are not disclosed. There is the to an fro argie bargie and ultimately something concrete that can be put out. Put yourself in the position and I'm sure you would have an aha moment.
Blabbing on PPRuNe or other outlets so that folks can be 'informed' only undermines the negotiating process. There has to be some level of trust, in the Reps. I'm sure they are as keen as mustard to bring back some news as impatient as everyone is to hear it.
Frustration is with Management, keep that in mind, but also keep pressure where it needs to be. Up to you to decide the focus point there.
I will save my call to a PC member because I think if the company were offering what almost every pilot considers that absolute minimum, the existing agreement, then we would be aware of that. Please PC members and AFAP, don't waste everybodies time agreeing toto a vote going forward on anything less. Just look at what Sunstate has negotiated for doing the same job, and we are already well behind them. What we are asking for is very fair and nothing less is even close to ok.
I think as a pilot group we need to start stamping our feet for a response, or go back to PIA on a extreme measure! As it has been almost two weeks without any update.
My guess company stalling with offer! My guess weak effort in stopping PIA
