Time to get serious. Pilot Unions historically have been weak, but the time is surely coming to grow a spine and sort out a few lines in the sand. Otherwise it will be a open door to the rest of the world.
It is interesting Neville. In a show of co-operation the American unions were shown the books at a carrier in Chapter 11. Unions agreed to cuts of 21%, salaries, benefits and conditions. Sound familiar?
Sadly for the airline concerned the pilots found out from a media article that an 'executive retention plan' had bonuses safely tucked away 'elsewhere'. Two years later and the CEO gone saw the dispute settled.
Do pilots realise that although Qantas executives 'agreed' to pay freezes, the bonus this time was all those options..Vesting nicely after the fleet impairment made many rich managers, while the staff got stuck with the pay freeze.
It is obvious that an agenda is being rolled out. It was obvious from afar. We can disagree on things, but ultimately expecting the Unions to have learned to initiate a strategic campaign is akin to leaving it to someone else.
Can tell you US unions, with which AIPA claims affiliation will never forget the lesson.
In the case of another carrier flight cancellations bough the company to heel:
Hint lack of crew. Do pilots have sufficient spine to fight themselves? Non -protected action plays to their strength and there is an array of employer friendly legislation just waiting for the careless. Waiting for union leadership may result in bitter disappointment. It appears that the union is more intent on protecting turf, fighting tooth and nail to keep the AFAP out of representation, rather than actually doing to protect the careers of their members. If our sources are correct expect 457 Visa pilots flying Network A320. Where will AIPA draw a line? Luxembourg?