Re: thomsonfly queries
I would just like to point out how this roster stability came about; in 1998 the pilots experienced a 'Summer of Discontent' due to horrific rostering/ crewing, where you may as well have torn up your roster on the day of issue as you would not be flying any of those duties. The pilots decided that another summer like that would be intolerable and made the decision to come up with a better system and let management know just how strongly everyone felt about it.
Through 90%ish member of BALPA and a strong Company Council with clear aims and a mandate, they were able to come up with this system and establish a new working relationship which is more of a partnership with the management, rather than confrontation. The solutions were obvious. Come up with a better system and show the benefit to the company, especially any cost saving and the management would be silly not to at least consider it. This they did and the rest is history.
IMHO Thomsonfly have one of the best packages on the market due to these working practices, opportunities to work more and hence earn more, or to enjoy your days off. The issue at the moment is that of basic pay, where we have fallen well down the 'league table' and this is where most pilots want the CC to expend their efforts in this year's pay round talks.
It's not perfect, but what job is? One thing for sure is that there are worse places to work I can assure you.
PP