http://www.pprune.org Airline and RPT issues in Australia, enZed and the Pacific en Sat, 21 Nov 2009 03:44:09 GMT vBulletin 60 http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/misc/rss.jpg http://www.pprune.org http://www.pprune.org/dg-p-reporting-points/396544-airline-pilot-trade-profession.html Sat, 21 Nov 2009 03:16:56 GMT The thread on D/E Captains at VB has taken an interesting twist with a suggestion that seniority systems drive down pay and conditions. I thought... The thread on D/E Captains at VB has taken an interesting twist with a suggestion that seniority systems drive down pay and conditions.

I thought that it might warrant a separate thread, particularly as:

a) It is topical
b) Underlying the world economic situation, there is a latent massive pilot shortage.

The career airline pilot is often (rightly or wrongly) compared with doctors, dentists, lawyers, accountants, architects etc in terms of professional standing. Rarely are they compared (unless by management) with the classical trades or manual workers.

Without getting into dictionary definitions and certainly without any suggestion of the "superiority" of one form of work over another, the professions are almost invariably characterised by individual contracts; appointments and promotion based on meritocracy (not seniority); remuneration packages with performance bonuses or profit sharing rather than annual increments. Also mobility of labour is quite common and experience in role is very important, but time with a particular company is generally not. There individuals work alongside one another, often in the same team, without knowing the details of individual remuneration or packages.

Trades on the other hand are characterised by EBAs or other forms of collective agreements / awards; annual pay increments to recognise seniority; promotion often based on seniority - or at least more importance attached to experience in a particular company. Mobility of labour is much less (probably due to rewarding company seniority). Generally, remuneration and benefits are in the public domain.

A question for some lateral thought then, is whether it is "best" (however defined) for airline pilots if their job is considered a profession or a trade? Put simply, meritocracy or seniority?

If things were to change from the status quo, clearly there would be some transitional turbulence, but what would be the most likely end state? Better, the same or worse?

To inform the debate, if you haven't read it, pick up a copy of "Flying the Line" - which is a history of USALPA. It's a good read and there are many revelations (at least there were for me). A significant one is that airline pilot seniority systems were originally introduced by an agreement between the management of the various airlines in the U.S. to hold down wages and prevent instability due to pilot mobility between companies. This is why the system that so many pilots hold dear is often referred to as the "North American Seniority System".

I appreciate that this might generate some emotion, but it would be good (unusual on PPRuNe) if the views for or against could be kept objective and the arguments kept rational.

Fly safe, PJ ]]> Propjet88 http://www.pprune.org/dg-p-reporting-points/396544-airline-pilot-trade-profession.html http://www.pprune.org/dg-p-reporting-points/396540-pionair-cargo-where-they.html Sat, 21 Nov 2009 02:09:56 GMT Whats happening with Pionair of late, are they still flying? I hear / seen that they need to carry cash now to pay for fuel with at least 1 fuel... Whats happening with Pionair of late, are they still flying? I hear / seen that they need to carry cash now to pay for fuel with at least 1 fuel company, things not to good with them atm? I miss seeing the old girls. ]]> tasdevil.f27 http://www.pprune.org/dg-p-reporting-points/396540-pionair-cargo-where-they.html http://www.pprune.org/dg-p-reporting-points/396326-qantas-mainline-where-here.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:19:25 GMT In Letters to the Editor financial review (18.11.2009)was a lament from a Qantas Platinum Frequent Flyer.He explained his concerns about the shabby... In Letters to the Editor financial review (18.11.2009)was a lament from a Qantas Platinum Frequent Flyer.He explained his concerns about the shabby Qantas Cabins,the aging fleet and his disappointment with the beds on the A380.It was also pointed out that many of the faces he used to see in QF lounges he now saw in Emirates lounges.
The author conclude that Qantas was now seen as a second tier airline
The premium customers that Qantas lost during the WFC have come back but not back to Qantas
The mainline network has shrunk to its minimum and P/C seats are being removed from a number of routes.Joyce admits that Qantas got it wrong with the current configurations.Cost cutting has been ongoing for ten years.
The media has been giving qantas a hammering over its operational safety for over twelve months.
Morale amongst emlpoyees is non existant
If being the worlds best airline is your aim you need to spend money on the hard product.Emirates,Qatar,Etihad and Sing Air are perfect examples.They are perceived as premium carriers.Skytrax website is informative as to who is and who is not a premium airline
Where to for Qantas?
Will it end up being a second tier niche carrier at the bottom of the world.?
Or will it at some stage in the future begin to grow again?
At present the whole operation is under review and CR in some areas is being contemplated.The viablity of the CC off shore bases is under scrutiny as are the domestic bases.
The review should be completed some time early next year.
Roadshows will begin shortly to discuss the results of the recent Staff Engagement survey.
Alan Joyce has certainly got his hands full ]]> packrat http://www.pprune.org/dg-p-reporting-points/396326-qantas-mainline-where-here.html