So why are you here? Shouldn’t you be at those airlines mentioned above?
From our point of view:
1. Pilots will work for lesser conditions, so why not.
2. We can abuse contracts in Hong Kong and get away with it, so why not.
3. We look at 2nd and 3rd tier airlines on a base to adjust pay and it works.
4. We offer degraded benefits to new joiner and pilots join.
5. We ask the pilots/AOA for lesser condition and you agree. In the hope of a pay increase.
6. We abuse rostering and the pilots don’t complain. The job gets done.
7. We rule by intimidation and pilots work in fear.
8. We interpret the AFTL’s and the CAD allows it.
9. Our lawyers interpret HK Law and the HK Courts agree.
What is one to do?
We are in the business of making money, not making employees happy or satisfied. If we can take money from your wallet, it is fair play. If you die one day after retirement, we save a pay out. It’s cheaper if you die than to keep you healthy.
If we reduce pay and conditions to half of what the other major airlines pay, where would all the pilots move? Not many would leave, we know it and you know it. Last we checked, not many proper paying contracts. We attract with the benefits we offer ( we are not looking for Tier 1 pilots) and slowly take them away. By the time you realise this, where will you go? We are very happy with Seniority based system of the world airlines, retains pilots from moving and starting on the bottom of a list, as with no poaching agreements. We have you in our grasp!
In the long term we must reduce conditions. We cannot afford to pay housing, other benefits and increased pay if we want to expand the airline. It was possible when we had 500 pilots but now we have 2000 pilots and anticipate 3000-4000 pilots in the next 5-10 years. We simply cannot afford it. We have to fund the expansion while maintaining OUR bonuses.
Our philosophy is to keep your money bucket empty. When it becomes full it breeds resistance and we cannot afford it. Ask yourself why all the airlines of the world are pursuing reduced or no pensions?
If we could have aeroplanes void of pilots, we would. If we could have just one pilot in the cockpit, we would but the world is not ready for that, yet.
When resistance exists i.e. recruitment ceases and/or the aeroplanes stop flying, we will have to address the situation (termination's, etc.). Until then, Happy Flying.
The Management.