Elroy,
Yes, that is the case. However there have been 48 resignations this year out of about 1550 pilots, that's 3% in 5 months! Surely someone must care about that, but nothing has been said from up on high. Many want to leave but have loans and bonds etc. I would suggest that over 66% of all EK Flight Crew would leave tomorrow if they could go back home and work for a decent carrier. Certanily every single Captain that I have flown with has expressed that view and most FOs too, although the ones nearing command are obviously going to wait it out.
At a recent SQ interview one EK pilot applicant was asked why so many from EK were applying, the same was asked at a Dragonair interview. Remember, though, that not all crew talk about their plans and not all say if they have been interviewed etc. Not all EK pilots have been called for the interviews for positions that they had applied for so stay quiet about having applied.
I also know that it is the regular names coming up here and seemingly the same people talking about how things have gotten worse. Many do not post here because they are afraid that they will get caught. But it is not always as it seems and many IDs (this one included) are actually being used by a few people. Such is the paranoia under which we work.
Bafanguy,
Yes, congrats! Not every pilot lives that dream, so well done on simultaneously managing career and life and to a successful outcome too!
I fully realise the problems that are evident in the industry worldwide, but all of our problems here are, I believe, down to two things: Communication and Appreciation. Sort them both out and you have a happier workforce willing to bend over when needed. Bending over is definately needed here, it's just that most of us don;t feel appreciated whilst doing so. That appreciation is certainly felt by the crewing controller as he/she has just got that flight away, but nothing will be heard from the people that made the policy so unworkable in the first place.
But then the policies that exist are set against eachother from the start. management (read SVP and above) get a multiple of the bonus that we receive. They are involved in managing budgets that they set out, that were subsequently cut on approval and then are left with no option other than to stay within that budget. When they do they get rewarded, but at what cost? The Flight crew are falling like flies due to fatigue, pilots are leaving and it will take a strong character with nothing to lose to write something down to someone who matters to try and change things for the right ethical and moral reasons; but sadly there is no Jerry Maguire amongst us.
In short, we are working to the limit for less money and with less family time than ever before. That message needs to be put to the highest aithority within EK and whilst a 7% payrise goes someway to ease the pain, the reality of record profits is a slap across the face and no amount of 'Well Done's!!!' as headlines in the company rag will reward me and make me feel appreciated.
I feel that enough has been said about EK on these pages and the management, despite denying they ever look here, are unperturbed at what they read. They certainly do believe that the 'few' that write here are the affected whingers and thus pay no attention. But there are many who genuinely want a message (cry for help if you will) to be heard yet nothing is ever done.
I am definately disturbed by the split between the ranks and am astounded and saddened by the vitriol directed towards one of our American DECs, recently awarded celebrity status, for just stating his opinions. Whilst I do not agree with them, I would not threaten to 'bash him' in the CBC; that thread went a bit too far. So, I am now going to gracefully going to retire from PPRuNe and breed Lop-Eared Guinea Pigs in my garden shed, thanks for having me.