It wasn't so long ago that:
The aircraft were THE BEST maintained in the Northwest (thanks to D O'N and crew), and the second best (behind KFS) presented. Many pilots from neighbouring companies looked on enviously and coveted the jobs.
Rare morning starts before 6am.
Rare finishes past 6pm, other than night freighter.(How they desired the night hours!)
Award wage + 10%, + Super, + paid 6 weeks holidays, and a tax reduction scheme which made a lot more take home pay.
The boss was, is, and always will be, a bit of an a&%e, but in the wise words of his longest serving staff member "If you don't fu^k up, you only have to see him twice a year." And as for this staff member recieving the "Why the f*(k award", he is wise enough to know that life is more than your job.
Sad to see the demise, at least for the good staff past and present, which doesn't automatically include every pilot that wandered through with ego unmatched by ability. Plenty of those around, read this thread.