Bollocks. In the spin of Industrial Relations Mr Joyce failed to quantitatively address with real fact any of AIPA's contentions which, by my understanding, are not about the Jetstar pilots (despite the odd 'redneck' opinion out there from others). Generalisations such as 'a minimum of eight weeks' does not clarify the
real course durations, expectations, competencies or costs. Perhaps the truth is that QF's courses are over-complicated and/or exceed the CASA requirement unnecessarily; if that's true then Mr Dixon should just say so and fix that budgetary blowout.
And if Jetstar really is about maintaining the highest traditions of the QF group then why has it been management's position to;
- apparently actively curtail access by most QF pilots to Jetstar’s growth,
- thereby curtail participation in the untold opportunities for (the) existing and future Pilots, and
- ridiculously underutilise some QF pilots while hiring others into Jetstar on the same type.
Since the standards are the same then the pilots that were already in the QF Group should be able to help out too, yes?
So let’s not confuse the rhetoric from this manager as anything but a position that seeks to deny the way that
'respect' for the people (& not just pilots) on who's efforts a company's reputation was built and depends is actually about perception management and bullying to force concessions rather than truth and market forces. Even Jetstar pilots I know are starting to realise this; AWAs for Direct Entry Captains to cope with the planned expansion is a real nice 'thanks for helping out' to the JPC and all who thought that by being the cheapest they'd secured sole rights to the Jetstar gravy train.
Bring on the pilot shortage...
