from good old friends working in SIA Cargo,
Too many sad stories in GWA.....
In 2006, when the airline was suspended for 4 months. Singapore Python asked pilots with families in Shanghai to leave their families behind, to go to Singapore to fly for SIA Cargo. Those pilots(basically FOs) with families in Shanghai, were told by Singapore Python to leave behind their families, else faced disciplinary actions, or bad records for their future promotion.
During the 2.5 months in Singapore, zero efforts by Singapore Python to ensure that these pilots operate to Shanghai in their roster to visit their families. During their 2.5 months stinct in SIA Cargo, instructions were passed down, where they are put on standby perpetually in Singapore. Some did not see their families for 1-2 months, and have to buy their own tickets to go back secretly. Facing uncertainties and higher expenses, some of the FOs were basically eating aircrafts food.
Three Captains without much B744 experience were asked to go to SIA cargo and fly on the RHS. Two took the offers; while two guys disappear. GWA chases after them for ...you know what... USD180000 for compensation. Of course, GWA did not manage to get a single cent back, but they kept the SGD 55000 bank guarantee. Today, one of the guy that disappears back to his previous company, is now chief pilot. Good for him.....making the right decision.
Two other captains, one from US and the other due already planned annual leave, were asked by Junior Python to report to Shanghai office daily to mark attendance for two months.
Guys were calling/emailing to Singapore Python for help. Nobody answers his cellphone. Singapore Python claimed that he did not receive any emails too.
AJ