Wins are in the eye of the beholder.
Let’s look at the day to day stuff that goes unreported on salary, allowance, unfair dismissal, accident/incident support etc...
Whilst I could go to many cases to prove our worth that is not the point of the exercise is it. Let’s just slag the Feds and hide under the rock like a slimy viper rather than be constructive.
It is easy to be critical but the challenge is getting pilots to get off their collective backsides and working together instead of constant sniping at each other let alone the organisations formed to improve their lot.
The Federation does not look after one employer it covers hundreds in every part of the Australian industry whether it be Airline, GA, Heli, Aero Med, Flight Instruction and more.
Look at the history pilots formed under one umbrella in 1938 and grew into a strong and respected body. The Qantas pilots walked out in 1981 and post the dispute a number of splinter groups based on single employers formed.
On each occasion this has weakened the collective strength of professional pilots.
Does this help the collective lot? NO
Will it help pilots going forward in the future ? NO
Again throw your spite and enjoy the anonymity or perhaps one day grow some balls and be prepared to put your hand up and be elected by your fellow pilots to represent the views expressed under one umbrella.
As a body we often have divergent views but in the end we achieve by working together as professional pilots irrespective of who we are working for. The policies in our organisation are developed by pilots for pilots and the staff is tasked accordingly.
Keep fighting amongst yourselves and the boss always wins as your leaving him/her alone.
Lawrie Cox
Manager – Industrial Relations
Australian Federation of Air Pilots