BALPA are the solution, not the problem
CB I do think there is some merit in your analysis above and there are some who want to keep their heads down for sure. However I really do think the worm has finally turned with the release of the information showing that:
Our CEO earns more than Willie Walsh!!
JF has been lent £1 million interest free and with no repayment date to buy a Knightsbridge apartment
The Directors seem to have awarded themselves bonuses of £250 000 to £500 000 each as a pat on the back for achieving flotation.
Directors pay increased 28% last year
In addition due to the recession more flight crew than ever have had to stay with Flybe so there are a whole load of experienced FO's with little chance of command/progression who want to see a big improvement in T's and C's - this bunch never expected to still be here and are getting more disillusioned by the day. There's also a bunch of 30's 40's Captains raising families and struggling and wondering why they're on £50-£60k and their mate in Easyjet is on £110k. These two groups make up a large percentage of the pilot community and they never existed in such numbers before. Both need more disposable income and more time off. Both are determined to get it and if a strike is necessary so be it...
The company froze pay last year and offered 2% rise this year to a workforce who work more days than any other UK airline for about 70% of other airline's pay. The old argument that the company used that they are a little struggling airline who couldn't afford to pay people properly simply won't wash anymore with the news that there's cash sloshing around so readily at the top.
Clearly the float was excellent news for the Directors, but I actually think it's proved even better news for the workers who now have the information they need to win the argument...
People are extremely angry here and know for sure now they have actually been exploited in recent years on pay and rostering. There will be a industrial action unless serious progress is made on pay and lifestyle this time - there is a very high level of bitterness in the crewrooms every day directed against management.
Cancelling BALPA subs won't help at all, Only BALPA can negotiate with management properly, only BALPA can ballot for industrial action, only BALPA cares about improving worker conditions here - if you don't back them now then don't moan next time you get shafted by Exeter...
Last edited by Desk-pilot; 6th January 2011 at 17:15.