To add to the discussion on Bonds and to get off BALPA bashing. I currently work for a european airline. I was out of work for 5 months although still current on type. I joined this company as It was that or stay unemployed. The salary is way below market rates. The company insisted on signing a 5 year bond for approximately £12000 none reducing. As i said I was already type rated with experience. I had a standard sim check OPC/LPC and two weeks of ground school (standard DGoods, emerg etc etc) then standard line training on revenue flights (are there any other). I have worked for this company for nine months now and am considering a move to another company for a better salary. I know the company would try to enforce this bond. My feelings are the company is trying to take advantage of the weak position pilots where in last year (some still are) to employ guys on low salarys and try to keep them on these salarys when the market improves. What does everyone else think?
