This isn't the first time the company have taken on temps and in the past they have been kept on (apart from non-performers). This is the first time I have seen the company STRESS that the contract is for 11 months and that is it.
In 2000 temps were taken on for EF. After 6 months, some were made permanent while some were extended for 3 months and then made permanent. Those that were made permanent after 6 months had languages or relevant qualifications. The rest HAD to be made permanent or released due to regulations regarding the amount of temporary contracts a crew member can do before being offered permanent contracts (a bit like UK charters).
If, in 11 months time, they have some vacancies in whatever fleet they need to put you in, it may well come down to performance.
My advice would be to put in 110% effort during the 11 months. Make sure your In-Flight Assessments are done. Hand them in yourself and make sure you photocopy them. Join the Union. Read up on the company (BA News, Cabin Crew News AND Investor Relations on ba.com). Know your job. Onboard, show initiative but don't be pushy or a know-it-all. If you want to make an impression, it needs to be a good one.
Above all, keep your nose clean. Behave yourself down-route and steer clear of those that don't. Hotel staff have been known to dob-in rude, nasty, drunk and loud crew. Make sure you pay off your crew-card on time. One major thing they will look for is sickness. Only go sick if you really, really have to. They will also look at lateness. Make sure you leave plenty of time to get to work. If you commute, check your loads beforehand and consider flying over the day before if need be.
Hopefully, they will keep you all on but it never hurts to be prepared in case they have to chose between temps. Good luck to you all.
Last edited by VS-LHRCSA; 13th Oct 2007 at 20:57.