EGCC,
Yes you can ask and yes I have spoke to RM, who I have a great deal of respect for, and I am not persecuting BALPA, but they have done very little to help a junior F/O, unless you count those who have been offered a six month extension to their contract.
Looking at recent events: snow, ash, SSV and the impact they have had on the business etc you would expect a robust CC to be using this as an opportunity to gain back an advantage against a ruthless management, who quoted during the consultation 'we will not base our pilot establishment on assumptions'. Unfortunately this is not the case, and while to some extent compromise is necessary, to gain no ground is playing into the managements hands for future attacks. I agree with your comments re: right of return, however to be told you can leave your contact details, shows little regards for the efforts I have put into the company.
I genuinely believe right seat checking Captains gives the company greater flexibility, needing fewer F/o's for the quiet winter period as Captains will fill their shoes, which will delay the need to recruit full time First Officers, which is poor.
BALPA told us during the consultation period they were in negotiations, so what place does a 'shot gun to the head' have in a negotiation . . . . .
Last edited by frozenpilot; 17th April 2010 at 09:13.