I don't quite understand the sense of desperation displayed by those pilots who are willing to accept the current J* management offer, given the excellent bargaining position in which the pilot group currently finds itself.
Don't be fooled by the claims that J* has plenty of qualified pilots knocking their doors down to get a job. I know of numerous experienced Capts who have recently rejected DEC job offers at J* simply due the fact the pay & conds are so sub-standard. This is a clear indication to J* management that what they offer is below market rate and that they must significantly improve things. Furthermore, the interview amounted to little more than a hard sell of how wonderful J* is and future opportunities offered etc. They are desperate for suitably qualified pilots or else why would they behave in such an ingratiating manner to prospective employees?
Those J* pilots rushing to sign an AWA would be well advised to review recent interviews and statements by Dep PM Julia Gillard and wait for the announcement to parliament on Wed 13Feb08 regarding future workplace arrangements. As of Mid yr at the latest...'The transitional workplace arrangements bill will ban new Australian Workplace Agreements (AWAs) and replace the Howard government's fairness test with a "no disadvantage" test.' It seems the intent is of course to abolish the Workchoices bill and thus AWAs for those earning <$100K. Though not all J* pilots would fall under this ruling, any workplace where >50% of employees wish to have collective bargaining representation must be allowed to do so. Existing AWAs will be honoured, which means some employees will be stuck on an AWA until 2013! Do you honestly believe Management would offer you a long term deal as a favour, simply cos they're good guys? Things to consider:
1. Pay & Conds. Do you really believe there will be minimal wage rises over the next 4 or so yrs? Aus is steadily aligning itself more closely with the booming Asia region which looks to be largely resilient to any US downturn. Expat pilots are becoming a prized commodity up here, which in turn puts pressure on the Aus airlines. With rising cost of living and interest rates, will you continue to be happy stuck with your meagre % wage rise and couple of extra days off as currently offered? Will you be pleased to see all your EBA co-workers steadily receive significantly better conditions than you on your contracted AWA? Do you really think your benevolent management will allow you to dissolve your AWA and jump onto a better EBA deal? I doubt you'll be able to have your cake and eat it too.
2. Promotions/Career. Those F/Os who think they will somehow guarantee themselves a better deal or min time to command by appeasing the will of management and accepting lesser conditions, should consider why they are still offering DEC and now recruiting foreign nationals under special employment visas. Appeasing management does nothing to better your life in the med to long term, it just allows breathing rm for them to institute these other mercenary tactics, which will only delay your Captaincy and frustrate your life as an F/O. Surprisingly, job security seemed to be touted as a reason for voting 'yes'. If worse does come to worst, who do you think management will be more easily able to retrench - isolated individuals coming out of an AWA, or those protected by a solid union representation under an EBA?
Stick together, provide a unified front to management and force them to treat you as professionals. This is the only way you can realistically defend your jobs in the face of rapacious, divide and conquer management tactics. It's time to see the big picture. Pilots scrambling for individual gain will only lead to disappointment for everyone in the end.