Just returned from that unhappy island, Singapore, where my SIA buddies tell me that things have never been worse. Three of them (all previously loyal, long servers) have serious applications in with CAL/Emirates and will leave regardless of what happens with the new Collective Agreement (CA) to be negotiated (if Lee Kwan Yew allows it, that is). Other acquaintances are seriously considering jumping the bond if they don’t get their “SARS confiscated” cash back and a good CA. They sound like they’re happy to see SIA in North American/European courts, where they can publicly air SIA/Government methodology and subject the “contract” to the withering scrutiny by the outside world that it has for so long needed.
The consistent message (of the ex-pats) seems to be that they signed commercially binding contracts that have constantly been dishonoured by SIA/Government and that trust in any Singapore institution has been transformed into disgust and loathing – they just want out, regardless – and they tell me that their feelings are just about universal within the airline.
Sounds like the great helmsman may be in for a squall or two!