Future Changes
Eventually,shorthaul and longhaul will cease to exist as entities.While this may be difficult for some to come to terms with it will actually be a benefit to most by allowing family friendly flying to be shared more equitably.As priorities in life change so does the type of flying required to reflect that change.
The idea of being locked into ultra long flying(back to back PER/LHR`s)would not be appealing to most.The damage to a crew member`s wellbeing doing this type of flying should not be underestimated.
In 1988 when the bid system was introduced emotions,as now ran high...one crewmember had their family dog poisoned and vehicles were vandalised in the car park.As it turned out the company had done flight attendants a favour...Pay increased,destination choice,opentime,tripswapping were all a benefit.When all the emotion subsides EBA7 will be viewed in a similar fashion.
Having said that, I am surprised that better maternity leave conditions were not negotiated...70% of all crew are female(both long and shorthaul)
Life has changed,there is no going back.EBA7 will be voted up and everyone`s lives will benefit.Only time will prove this to be correct