The history of GF's 'CRM' is not great. Many will recall that we actually had a CRM program a few years ago (around '92-'95). It was very ably run by Ashok and Richard, who put all of their own time and a lot of their own funds into the program. They had to make a lot of their own visual aids, were given no help or support by the company, and were relegated to a dingy room at the old GF Club. But they did a good job.
Shortsightedly, management decided pilots did not need this course, as it meant that crew were not available for flying, so CRM was cancelled. And there we stayed for a couple of years.
Recent history not needing to be revisited, GF 072 and, more importantly, the JAA REQUIREMENT for a CRM program, are the only reasons why it has been reinstated. We were years ahead of any other carrier in this region, and are now 'somehow' lightyears behind "they whose name shall not be spoken in the Pink Palace". How did this come about? 'Proactive, planning, visionary, competent, honest, ethical, able' are all words whose meaning could have been put to good use over the last few years.
However, we have to live and work with what we now have. The only way forward is for every employee, from Al H down, to be working and flying for the survival of the company. Without that commitment, we will all be without a job in the relatively near future. Doubters, the future will tell.
Scotty and CaptA320, we actually only have a 3-month contract! You can sign anybody up for a 10-year contract, but if there is a 3-month notice period provided for either party at any time, it is in effect a 3-month contract. Scotty, you should be ok; I think the newer A320 crews are at this stage the most vulnerable. And of course those the company euphemistically term 'troublemakers'. It is a shame that this group normally includes everybody who actually tries to make a difference.
Of course a company will release its excess expat crew before retrenching its local crew. That is both obvious and fair. Witness the cabin crew debacle, though, there are better and worse ways of attempting such a sensitive restructuring. Depth of management, experience and compassion are put under the spotlight in these instances. My hope is that the recent announcement of increased flying might mean the planned reductions are less severe or, even better, cancelled.
Tristars? Now that's a thought! Might have a book on them somewhere!
Sorry for the long post, all! I am not as succint as I could be! Good luck to all, and may we go forward and prosper, all working in the same direction, with a common purpose. Are you listening, Ebrahim?