Was going to post this in 3 weeks time for the 25th. Anniversary - but will put it up now as we are on sackings..
Bill,Peter,Mark,Bob
Jim,Bruce,Mike..
(there were others that didn't wear the T-shirt or get in the photo..)
The front says 'Guess What Solair Gave Its Pilots For X-Mas '84?'
10 days before Christmas '84 after the pilots had rejected the proposed company 'amendments' to their open-dated contracts, they were all given notice of dismissal during the busy lead-up to Christmas. Bob was married at 2 p.m. that Friday afternoon, in a civil ceremony by the Chief Magistrate, Roger Coventry, and he found the Notice of Dismissal from the manager, Roley Bober, in his pigeonhole at 4 p.m. Roley had been diagnosed with cancer, and it was one of his last acts as manager. The Metro had been damaged in a prop strike on the refuelling hydrant at Santo a week before and the Chief Pilot suspended.
The pilots kept working over the New Year pending legal action, and when the courtcase was heard and resolved by the Chief Magistrate late in January, he modified the company proposed contract so that it was even better than the previous one the pilots had been seeking a small salary increase on. To comply with local regulations, it was no longer open-dated but set for fixed term (two years).
The ex-chief pilot was not re-instated, but went on to have a long career with Kendel Airlines, retiring as a check captain on the Canadair RJ when Ansett folded. Bill still flys the local skies in Twin Otters if required by his present company. Mark should be a Captain with Qantas now (or could be anywhere). Peter also had a career with Kendel and Rex on Metro and Saab. Bob was promoted to chief pilot (after Gavin was there for a while temporarily), until he was demoted when Arch came up from N.Z.
Jim could be in Air New Zealand (or anywhere). Mike was last heard of many years ago back doing E.& I. (but not flying)in Cairns.
Of the others - one married the Boss's daughter..
25 Years On.. - Doesn't time fly when you're having fun..?