Seems like you've got your facts a bit backwards. First off, you have far more rights as an employee in America than most countries in this part of the world. Secondly, the reason why unions have no power and pilots have no pension is because the US airline industry has produced heavy financial losses for years on end now. If EK posts massive loses for years on end I will GLADLY take a pay cut and contract changes to protect my job and the jobs of those below me. I've done it in the past. I have a problem when the company makes 1/2 billion USD and then tears up the contract and works us like dogs.
Like I said, as a captain I have a descent lifestyle, nothing glamorous by any stretch. But as an FO after a bit over 3 years I saved exactly 0 dirhams prior to upgrade. A friend of mine who is currently a 3 year FO and is single has loads of cash in the bank, but another neighbor of mine who is a 2 year FO has 4 kids under the age of twelve is now in the red ink after the sudden contract change.
Sorry, but "if you don't like it leave" is not an option for this guy because now he is in debt and would be thrown in jail if he tried. I have not been done wrong by any company in my career, just the normal ups and downs, nor am I bitter. My point is that anyone looking to join EK needs to VERY carefully consider their own individual needs and not drink the kool-aid the recruiters love to serve up or beleive that this is the same EK from 5 years ago.
If you still decide EK is for you and after arriving they stick you in some awefull temporary accomodation for 8 months, then give you a villa under the flight path of the departing 2 am Antonov's, please don't come to work and complain. This is what EK can and does do and you must know that coming here. But, yeah, I guess I'm just being negative, sorry.
