aeropix - Not EK, ever, (but another well known Gulf Airline for eight years, many moons ago), not management either.
I understand what you say about those areas you mention that are totally opaque but matters concerning remuneration and insurance cover should not fall into that category. Are all matters concerning pay, allowances and insurance really so opaque in EK? These three form a major part of the basic contracted remuneration and I would expect to see all insurance matters available in written form. Has anyone asked for a copy of the insurance element of the contract? If the answer is that it will be dealt with on a case by case basis then you don't have a viable contract. I am well aware of and have experienced the vagaries of a Middle Eastern employment contract in relation to rostering etc. but matter relating directly to money have usually been spelled out fairly clearly, somewhere.