Here's another way to look at the whole equation:
Back at the last pilots meetings (gone the way of the Dodo) in December and January, we were informed that the T+Cs were being looked into.
The company DID NOT spend 6 to 8 months coming up with something that benefits us, the workers.
But my real worry is this: is this the first of a two part implementation and part two is to give us the required minimum days off per month, and the rest will be stanbys, availables, and other such duties. This will mean that the company no longer has to pay ANY overtime, call out fees and saves a bundle on our pay, whilst paying for long term health problems which will arise from being over-worked.
And before anyone says we're not over worked, look at it this way: many of our flights leave between 2am and 4am local, and how much rest do you get the afternoon/evening before with all the neighbours and kids etc making merry? You do a 10 hour duty, have 24 hours off and then come back again to arrive sometime around dawn the following day.
OK, so a day to get the body back in order would be great? But no, away again after another 24 hours off for another 24 hour period away.
This will lead to fatigue, which he company doesn't recognise and will put you down as being sick!
So with all these long hour flights (20 per trip away) you do 4 flights and you have 80ish hours for approx 12 days work, and thus require the other 18 or 19 days off.
The company doesn't like this and has a. decreased the augmented crew flight duty you can claim for your 28 days maximum, and b. now no longer giving credit for any other duty.
Now most other, DECENT, airlines give at least 2 nights off down route for some proper rest before returning. But this would cost the company in monetary terms in allowances and accommodation.
So make up your mind AAR, days off down route (costing the company money), or days off in Dubai, with less fatigue and less expenses!
Not that it matters for me any more.......
TTFN
Wag