"educated professionals" weren't "educated" at LKH's school of intimidation,cencorship and flying skills. The "peasants" in Liby at least have a free voice and can access the internet at will.... regardless of which course they may be partaking at the time.
The Treasurer Wayne Swan is downplaying it, saying it's a temporay spike due to the QLD floods. Well Wayne, I don't think it's all about bananas? It's been stated that inflation will hit at least 3.5% by March next year (the month that the CPI is calculated for the pay increase under the REX EBA), so here we are in April and only 0.2% to go! Any bets on where it will go to?
Do the math boys and girls, CPI+2% for REX pilots under the current EBA. The company offer of 3.5% in total doesn't even come close, and will most definitely send you backwards.
Damn straight Krusty! Less than CPI+ is simply unacceptable. With the current economic situation anything less is simply letting go of the small positives that were achieved last EBA. You're only cheating yourself and your fellow colleagues if you are considering accepting less!
At the last EBA negotiation the AFAP along with the REXPC achieved something never before gained. CPI+2% on wages and, not to be underestimated, CPI increases on allowances and work extension/overtime payments. As well as that, the final wage increase in the current EBA is set for July 2012. That's despite the agreement expiring on June 30 this year! By achieving this, the Company has been deprived of it's most significant weapon in the EBA process, the ability to hold the pilot group to ransom with the threat of witholding backpay as they cause delay after delay. The imperative for the company now is to finalise the negotiations as quickly as possible. My, how things have changed! Problem (for the company) is they now have little in the way of leverage. That is of course unless apathy within the pilot group gives them some.
The issue of work extensions still needs to be adressed. Many REX pilots are still not aware that more than a decade ago the work extention payments to their ancestors amounted to some 90% more than what they are currently being paid today, and that's not taking into account some 11 years of inflation. The real figure should be around 150% of what it currently is! Communication of this fact raises more than a few eyebrows.
Don't be too hard on the AFAP. Can they do better? Of course. do REX pilots need to be better informed? Absolutely. should REX pilots refuse to extend duty because they are being ripped off? Without doubt. Have the AFAP/REXPC laid a foundation for future negotiation? More so than some realise.
It'll take a combination of all these things, and more, to make a long term difference. The AFAP/REXPC have made significant gains, but it's up to the pilot group to keep the process moving forward.
I say screw em full stop. They (REX Management) have the runs on the board. History gentlemen shows what you can expect in the future. Going to work at REX every day is like going to war. You battle for the basics, not to mention a bit of respect, enjoyable work environment, half decent pay. It is not as if this is all new, so why are we still discussing it. With C.H recently announcing that by 2012 REX will not be hiring from G.A, and all pilot positions will be filled from within. F%$k me have you heard stupidity like it in your life, and these guys are in charge. So, why did you say you (REX pilots group) were worrying, fighting for better conditions. Christ, there are jobs aplenty, sure a move here or there, but better money and conditions. management is probably looking to outsource pilots to Singapore anyw
Just spoke to my parents in the Coffs harbour area. They said that there was an article on the TV news about REX reducing services to Taree and Grafton.
Then an interview with the agent who couldn't understand it as most of his flights were full. Does anyone out there in PPRuNe land know why they are reducing services? Fuel cost? Pilot shortage? Anyone?
Tim Howard | 28th April 2011
*
* CLARENCE Valley mayor Richie Williamson says REX Airlines is vital to the economic and social well-being of the region.
Cr Williamson said he was worried by reports REX was reviewing its operations, which could affect its service between Grafton and Sydney.
“All I know at the moment is that REX has said it was reviewing its services,” he said.
“That said the airline service in the Clarence is important to the economic growth of the region and it’s vital that service continue.
“And the connection to Sydney at our doorstep is socially very stimulating.”
Cr Williamson said the proximity of the Grafton Airport also gave people a viable alternative to travelling on the Pacific Highway.
He said that in the near future he planned to write to REX management to try to make sure the airline continued to service the Valley.
However, Cr Williamson admitted passenger numbers using the service had fallen off after recording a steady increase in passengers in the early days of the REX service.
“Growth has eased in more recent times and that’s a worrying sign,” he said.
“But we as a council will work with REX while this review is going on to try to make sure the airline continues to provide a service for the region.
“I understand Virgin pulled its early morning flight out of Coffs Harbour, so I know that regional airlines are facing difficulties.”
Late last week an airline spokesperson says the company may have to pull out of some of its marginal routes.
The company said rising aviation fuel prices and economic uncertainty will likely result in a 30% fall in the airline’s after-tax profits.
REX is Australia’s largest independent regional airline and currently runs 1300 flights each week to 35 destinations.
The announcement comes at a time when Qantas says it will increase its fuel surcharge by 5% in response to fuel price rises.
Don't know of any official announcements regarding schedule reductions on Tre-Gfn. This all reads as speculation to me. Having said that, based on the average loads on Tre-Gfn I wouldn't be surprised if they dropped a few flights.
Can't help but think that the actual reason for the reduction in schedule is due to an expected pilot shortage(captain shortage/up-gradeable FO shortage). Sure they've sprinkled a few Direct Entry guys in over the last six months, but many of these guys want at least 12 months to get their head around the aircraft. Add to this the anticipated recruiting from the majors in the last half of this year, and the fact that as the company currently stands, we are out of upgradeable FO's, it's safe to say REX are in for a shock. Did anyone else notice that the Crew notice for a large number of command positions in numerous ports, has still not been awarded more than two months on?
Flyboy, yes I must admit I heard something about this, that the command positions were not announced from a memo weeks and weeks ago. That being said there were also some that were not filled from the previous, previous vacancies from what I understand. Ie, TSV. can anyone confirm?
There are not only shortages in upgradable FO's but also in other sections of the pilot group who are upgradable.
No doubt about it, airlines will ramp up recruitment, word on street is J* about too but still nothing from VB yet.
REX have conceded that CPI wage increments may play a part in the next EBA, despite the fact they willingly, Yes that's right REX, willingly signed off on CPI + 2% at the last negotiation. The latest company offer.
3.5% per year, no profit share
2.7% peryear, with profit share
CPI only, no profit share
CPI - 5%, with profit share
They keep rolling out profit share! Are these guys thick as 2 planks or are they simply so devoid of any initiative that they are incapable of thinking beyond the political dogma of the chairman. Probably a little of both. Also REX are forcasting a downturn in the business, due largely to the expected exodus of pilots. That'll do wonders for any profit share scam. NOT!
Forget profit share boys, it's as dead as the Dodo. Notwithstanding the fact that it actually resulted in a backward step in REX pilot's income (real wages less than CPI!), nobody liked it, and Krusty was in the group that was the largest beneficiary of it! Nobody mourns it's passing, and if you think the newbies in the company will think it's a good idea, then you're more out of touch with your pilots than you realise. If that's at all possible!
So taking profit share out of the equation, have a look at the above offers. Yeah right!
It's still early days, and the company is clutching at straws. Even though the EBA expires at the end of June, the REXPC/AFAP had the foresight to enshrine CPI + 2% not only on July 1 2011, but another increase on July 1 2012. It's that increase calculated on the CPI as of March next year that will expose the current company offer as the rediculous attempt it is.
Finally, and this one's beautiful, REX proposed that it incorporate part of the Federal government's paid parental leave scheme into the existing maternity leave pay for pilots, thereby effectively taking the first 6 weeks of the Government's scheme as a subsidy of the existing REX pilot's parental leave. This will leave a pilot taking maternity leave with only 12 weeks of the Government scheme, and thereby having to make up the difference (the 6 additional weeks) out of the pilot's own parental leave entitlement! The REXPC/AFAP pointed out that the Government paid parental leave scheme is as an additional benefit to the pilot, not the company. Therefore the full 18 week benefit must be paid to the pilot, in addition to the 6 week entitlement under the EBA. I tell ya', these guys have more front than Ned Kelly. Perhaps REX need to look at the competency of HR in this matter, or whomever the Rocket Scientist was that came up with such a dishonest proposal.
REX have made a policy of never providing any incentive for pilots to stay. It's safe to say that policy remains intact. Several REX pilots have left for Skywest as DEC's, with more to follow. They are imeadiately enjoying far superior T&C's despite being only first year pilots with their new employer, and despite having been long term employees with REX. Many REX Captains are in the final stages or are awaiting the call up from other operators. REX will gladly let them go without so much as goodbye and good luck! It's happened before, and it will happen again, the discussion of which has already been done to death.
What continues to amaze REX pilots however, is that when faced with this reality again, REX continue not only to play hardball in their efforts to maintain substandard pilot T&C's, but they are actively seeking to lower them even further! You guys really don't get it do you?
Figures released for CPI weighted average of eight capital cities as at March 2011: 3.3%!
Ergo, REX pilot pay rise under the current EBA for July 2011: 5.3%.
What have the company offered as an alternative beyond this year? Nothing but a backward step, and a return to the pillage of years gone by. Some conservative elements have pointed out that if allowed to continue, the application of CPI+2% will result in not only a redressing of the disparity between REX pilots and their counterparts at the other regionals, specifically QLink and Skywest, but eventually the possible surpassing of those pilots wages. Well Yeah! Statistically that's possible, assuming of course the wages of the other regionals fail to keep pace. But REX pilots have a long, long way to go.
Any talk about "Catch-up" being complete at the end of the current agreement is pure B.S. The pay and allowance schedule agreed upon between the parties has nowhere near run an equitable course. IMHO, the 2020 EBA might be the time to look at something different.
P.S. In my above post I stated incorrectly that there was another pay-rise due in July 2012 under the current EBA. In fact the next pay-rise July 2011 (5.3%) will be the last under the current EBA. Sorry about that! Whatever is negotiated between now and July 2012 will determine what the July 2012, and subsequent pay increases will be. If it's not CPI+2%, the alternative will have to be pretty damn impressive!
Suggest you learn how a union works. take a look at the MUA or the AWU. Yes a strong leader is needed but a union is only as strong as it members. As far as us pilots are concearned, I seen stronger ladies at the local bowls club.
So dont like how you union is performing, put your hand up lead the way or as I expect not a member.
Love the guys that are leaving mid negotiations! They're clearly sold on the EBA promises. I remember being that person, emptying my pigeon hole into my nav bag whilst animated discussions are taking place in the crew room chuckling quietly.
Very quietly done indeed! There was a media release on the 14th of June stating that Jim Davis and Russell Hodge had retired! Like we didn't see this coming!
Very quietly done indeed! There was a media release on the 14th of June stating that Jim Davis and Russell Hodge had retired! Like we didn't see this coming!
FMC.
And what does this mean for you Rex fellas? Positive? Negative?
I dont think it means a great deal mate, they retired with big fat bonus's I am sure.
As for the little people, we will have to accept less and less to make sure the starving board members get there fill! Have some sympathy!
Seriously, the amount of people leaving is funny, I just roll my eyes and chuckle to myself, because they just dont want to pay to keep good people! Shit, they are worked hard, and when people leave they just try to bandaid fix it by allocating jobs to the already overworked staff! haha. Morons. So thats why it doesnt really matter mate, because the guys at the top can have meeting all day long and feel really powerful and in charge, but at the end of the day they earn the big bucks so if it all crashed into a heap tomorrow then they will be ok...... typical CEO/manager attitude.
