How is it fair that pilots in New Zealand ( Jetconnect and Jetstar NZ) reap the rewards at the expense of Australian Qantas jobs?
This should not be a slanging match between pilots - it is management that make these decisions. Pilots, like anyone in the workforce, is entitled to apply for a job on the free market just like anyone else. Jetconnect, for example, has not had any expansion for years. It operates 6 lines of flying, and will continue to operate 6 lines of flying. 300s are being replaced by 800s and eventually the 400s will also be replaced. There are good business reasons (time zone, and yes cheaper wages) for operating these services from NZ. What all pilots in the group should be pushing for is a Group Opportunity List so that pilots can bid for positions across all businesses (subject to meeting seniority, experience, competency, and right of abode requirements). That would actually improve the efficiency of the pilot work force and give more flexibility during these difficult times. Qantas continues to fragment it's business units, but eventually it will pay a heavy price for this strategy (IMHO). In fact, you could argue they are already paying a high price with the Jetstar NZ operation going way off the rails! If they had pumped the same amount of money into the QF NZ (Jetconnect) domestic operation it would have been extremely competitive if you ask me. So why can't the unions that represent the pilots of the different business units get together and push for a GOL? I guess they are all too busy defending their own turf?