Unfortunately, I am really battling to see that these 'Conferences' have any real value whatsoever. I believe it is all one big ass-covering exercise on their part. They can state that it is an open forum for a frank exchange of views but I believe that is bollocks.
They are completely aware of the nature of our grievances, given that they are the cause, or at least the conduit from above. If they are not aware, then they are completely useless managers with their heads stuck firmly in the sand and no grasp of the realities faced by their staff. If they are so useless, then explaining the facts of life to them will be of no benefit, cos what are they gonna do anyway, having already shown their willingness to fire first and not bother to ask questions afterwards.
If they are not that useless, then they are aware of our grievances. Why have they not done anything about them? What good does it do to stand in front of us, pretending to listen and to give a toss? It makes them appear to be effective managers, getting to the issues. With their stated objective of ridding the company of the bad apples in the barrel, it also gives them the opportunity to identify trouble-makers in the group. The potential rabble-rousers. You will have to rely on the objectivity of these managers to decide who has a valid point and who is trying to criticize and undermine them. I don't believe they like criticism too much.
They have made it clear that the culture they wish to follow is a punitive one. Make a mistake, even an honest one, and you are gone. Now, why would anyone want to raise any issues, poke his head above the trench parapet and hope noone takes a shot?
TCAS and ED have allowed themselves to be used from above and there is no going back for them. They cannot reclaim their virginity. They have lost their moral status and, as such, are not to be trusted.
Their policies and archaic management style, forced on them from above, have led us to where we are now. They are now frantically shovelling the crap downhill, hoping that as little as possible will stick to them. Explaining to them what the problem is, is a complete waste of time. They know. What they're actually going to do about it is another matter.
We must never forget that their interests and ours are very different. They have had their careers and are topping up the retirement fund with a lucrative little pre-retirement gig. Every year they manage to hang onto their positions earns them a nice bonus. So they do it, whatever the cost. But if they lose their jobs, they lose a couple more years of bonuses and maybe that second beach house they have their eye on. Many of us were here for the career. Potentially for decades. If we are fired now, under the draconian zero tolerance polices, we will probably battle to find another flying job. It could mean decades of lost earnings and an enforced career change. Who has the most at stake? And who should be standing up for what is right?