I have just plowed through the 11 pages of the NJS/Jetstar thread. It is the usual intra-group slanging match with only a little bit headed where it should be - at continual management practices where one group is played off against another.
So what happens next time?????
Why don't we try being proactive for once and start collectively thinking ahead?
To me, the next most likely scenario is that GOD and his cohorts will decide to start up an international LCC - he has already hinted at this in the media. After all "LCC are the best thing that has happened in the last 30 years in aviation" - a quote from GOD. So who are they good for? Punters get cheaper tickets, management jobs multiply, profits (and management bonuses) get bigger, BUT WORKERS GET SCREWED!
So, boys and girls, how about we start thinking ahead? What will happen next time? Let's think through the scenarios!
Somebody might get the QF Classics and older 400s. Somebody might (will?) get B777s/A340s. Somebody will get the A380s. Somebody might get the 767s? But who will it be?
So far we have seen similar/smaller types being transferred to similar/smaller operators for a competition for the lowest pay rate. In all of the situations above, we are talking about bigger types, probably going to a bigger operator. COMPETITION FOR LOWER RATES SHOULD NOT APPLY!!!! NOBODY should undercut anybody else to fly these machines! The worst we are talking is expansion and payrises - not job losses or down-scaling. NOBODY should be worse off.
So we should be talking baselines rates here and a committment from all groups that some centralised negotiation should take place. If Jetstar is offered 777s/A340s, then they MUST advise QF mainline and AO! If AO is offered 400s/A380s they MUST advise QF mainline. If mainline is to get 777s/A340s, A380s, 787s, they MUST keep AO and Jetstar in the loop regarding future job propsects, rates of pay etc.
The days of backdoor, backstabbing negotiations MUST STOP if we are to keep reasonable conditions in Australia. Negotiations must be consultative and open - THERE MUST BE NO MORE SWEETHEART DEALS done by negotiators! The only way that we will keep WHAT WE HAVE NOW is to start trusting each other.
Please note that I have not attacked anyone for undercutting QF mainline. If I was faced with retrenchment it would also make me prepared to look at whatever it took to keep my family going. I understand the pressure tthat Impulse and NJS pilots were subjected to. What we are talking about here is career enhancement and this opportunity MUST NOT be wasted. WE AS A PROFESSION HAVE GIVEN ENOUGH!
As KEG has said on the NJS/Jetstar thread, the best (only) way to do this is to have one pilot union representing all jet operators in this country, so that we are not continually backdooring each other. It is time to trust each other instead of insulting each other. It is time for ALL Jetstar pilots and NJS pilots and
VB pilots to join one association. Get on the phone to AIPA and start talking. Whatever you think about AIPA, it is currently the biggest organisation of pilots in Australia. It has welcomed Jetstar members. If you don't like its direction (and currently a lot of peole don't) then get on the inside and change it.
There are some BIG opportunities coming up - WE MUST BE IN A POSITION TO CAPITALISE ON IT.
Can it happen? I don't know. All I know is that with the possiblities of an expanded AO, A380s and bulk 777s/A340s ahead, if we don't get ahead of the game and start thinking about ourselves collectively, then WE ARE STUFFED!
Over to you.