Originally Posted by
slice
Well what, apart from ranting here, do you suggest VA pilots do about it ? Simply not opting in to a 5 day pairing isn’t really going to do anything. Many years ago there were a group of VA pilots who regarded the AFAP as totally incompetent and inept (they may have had a legitimate gripe regarding their performance) and so formed another Pilot’s Union that was going to blow the world away(VIPA). Eventually the reality of industrial relations as it pertains to Flight Crew in Australia became apparent and that Union now just sits in a small corner of the TWU. Whatever you think of the AFAP, ultimately it was VA pilots that voted up the current EA, although it has never been fully implemented due the sheer incompetence of the company with regards to the required software suite. Many are not accepting what Bain are dishing up, dozens have left for Atlas, Kalitta, National etc. Others are just waiting for the call to Q, a few have gone to Bonz. Outside of the ability to take PIA during bargaining the AFAP can make demands but equally Bain can just ignore them(and largely they have). Although this is somewhat perverse, you could be forgiven for a wry smile given that our OTP and cancellation rate is now the worst of QF JQ and Rex. It is a sign of sheer desperation when 10 credit hour drafts are offered to get people to come in. With 3 failed crewing software projects in the past decade and the current Sabre mess no longer supported by the vendor, the coming EA negotiations will need some resolute PIA to get any movement from Bain I think.
Think you have nailed it here.
Sad times.
Bains train set, but pilot groups (again) are weak, selfish (when it comes to any sort of solidarity) and represented (lets use that term loosely) by weak industrial organisations. (representative groups have never been more aligned with management in this country IMO).
At time when in the rest of world pilots are being recognised and remunerated IAW their professional qualifications and experience, Aus pilots sell themselves to the cheapest bidders. Like whores.
Aus pilots need to wake up, as this is a juncture in industrial history where they (we) hold the power, but are simply wasting it. Even sign on bonuses in North America are 6 figure sums. Just to turn up to fly a 50 seater commuter.
To add to this sad state of affairs, the operators (V and Q alike) treat not only their best resources - their staff like disposable nappies, but also their customers. In the case of Bain and V - it's private equity 101. In the case of Q, well it's just BAU in reality.
As you say, PIA is the best option, however even then, the representative groups (TWU, AFAP etc) are weak, and seem to find any excuse and warn their (financial) members more often than not of the 'risks' etc . It does make it a hard situation. And ultimately plays right into the hands of the companies. Divide, and then conquer.
Aus pilots need to just wake up, and place a proper value on themselves, draw a line in the proverbial sand, and take it to these tyrannical organisations.