I'll have a go at this one, Viper,. . [quote]How do those from that year who absconded O/S and became entrenched in good paying positions justify the fact that they took jobs that could/should have been given to locals?????<hr></blockquote>
In almost all cases, jobs advertised for o/s positions are done so simply because there are not sufficient numbers of qualified locals to fill the positions - the (FALLACIOUS) argument used by the airline companies in Australia in 1989, as they attempted to break the Federation by trying to force each of us to apply individually (rather than through our long-established representative and negotiator).
The jobs advertised (o/s) will always indicate that they are for ex-pats, and will carry some extra benefits such as housing assistance, schooling for the children, and arrangements for return of personal possessions back home at the completion of contract.. .All ex-pats are aware that they will be the first to lose their jobs (ahead of the most junior locals), during bad times, and there is usually no provision made in the contract for upgrading.
So simply, no jobs were taken away from the locals. The airlines know, each year, how many of their local pilots will be ready for upgrade, and recruit outsiders to fill in the extra slots caused by growth, or high attrition through retirement, of their pilot group.. .And it is done with the knowledge and consent of the unions representing the local pilots!