This outsourcing project has been underway for sometime. HZ123 is correct regarding the big earners coming to their 'natural end' and IFS have calculated a 'sliding scale of CSD's' who fall into this high end earner bracket.
The plan to 'employ' CC was looked at in 1988 but was given up quietly, however, this latest outsourcing project has been going on for a long time before the oil costs rocketed. The 'commuting' will END as CC currently know it. Crews will have to be able to drive/park and REPORT within 90 mins of either LHR or LGW. Allowances are also going to be simply by receipt and not by Bfast / Lunch / Dinner allowances and it is also rumour that 'box payments' will go as well. CC may have to pay for parking at their base as well
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One of the main reasons for outsourcing has been the constant aggro caused by high levels of sickness. Ascot 2008 has seen some of the highest casual sickness records ever, particulary on Ladies Day. Go figure...
If its outsourced the problem of sickness is greatly reduced as the supplier has to provide the crews and shoulder the 'cost' of sickness. In some ways the selfishness of some have impacted on the many.
The loss of CC goes beyond the actual crew, the schedulers, planners and trainers will also be effected and so its a ripple effect.
BASSA cannot change it, Crew will be trained up and will be lining up to work for as little as £12,000 because of the percieved glamour.