Originally Posted by
flyburg
Well, opinions differ! Let's leave it at that(that's why I deleted the post to begin with)
Probably a good idea otherwise this thread will become off topic.
Regarding the offer you mention, the details as I understand them:
The deal offered was that KLCuk pilots may
apply to join KLM mainline, will be offered seat protection and career protection (In other words will transfer when they are a Jet Captain) at the bottom of the KLM seniority list.
They will be offered paid tickets for a period of 12 months to get between the UK and Amsterdam where they will considered to be based as from the date of transfer. After that date then they will have to make their own way - possibly XCM but there could be a lot for say at NWI wanting to XCM each day. There is a chance for rostering from the UK but knowing the KLC rostering department I doubt that will happen much (if at all).
They will have to go through a 3 stage interview process (phscological, simulator and interview) and if accepted will join shortly after their 3rd interview (If they are a Jet Captain) if not then they will be offered a position and will transfer upon allocation of their Jet Command Course.
The date of transfer will be the KLM seniority position starting date.
Full removal expenses will be payable (sale of UK residence, removal costs and purchase costs in Holland) if they decide to move to Holland.
If they fail the selection procedure then what? They remain in KLCuk, flying the same aircraft, maybe as a Captain (if that is their current positon). How will KLM justify that one?
Can you imagine it:
'You cant join KLM as you are not sutiable to be a Captain but you can contnue flying our F100/F70 as a Captain while you remain employed by KLCuk' - What a field day the press could have with that one!
One of the biggest bug bears for the UK pilots was the selection procedure, a big pill to swallow to have to go through all that to retain your current position - and then loose all those years service and start at the bottom with a new company - one that apart from the name they could have already been working for for many years.
So, if one of the KLCuk pilots really wanted to join mainline then they can, and retain their current seat/career protection. But, they will be based in Amsterdam and therefore to make this really work that is the only option,
move to Amsterdam. For some that is fine, for others then 'it is not posshible' for many reasons.
Also if a pilot leaves KLCuk as a First Officer (just promoted to Captain) then his pension will freeze with KLCuk and his 'final salary' will be his average last 3 years salary - some £35,000GBP per annum less than they were expecting/planning retiring as a Jet Captain on top scale. He will then join the KLM 'average salary' scheme but, at present, will be forced to retire at 56 (unless part time option taken). For many then they will work until 56, then get a small KLM pension and have to wait a further 4 years to then draw their KLCuk pension (which will be at a much reduced rate than their expected final salary when they were planning their retirement financials).
So if age 40 or older a massive financial hit that probably will never be able to be made up.
Those pilots who remain at KLCuk have improved redundancy terms (should KLM decice to close KLCuk) and better base protection than prior to this deal.
So for some its a good deal for other not. Thats life.