If you think you are going to be any safer/less fatigued when working for the likes of EZY or RYR - think again - 4-5 earlies/lates on the trot is a killer! While the pay is marginally better, it is not much after the taxman takes his cut; the grass is not necessarily greener - just a diffrent shade of brown.
Don't be a rat leaving the sinking ship because the Flybe ship is not sinking (yet) but it seems as if the current 'watch leaders' need to get a grip and focus on the morale of their crew-mates. Without their crew-mates and their good-will, a watch-leader is nothing; nothing at all - just a little insignificance who may get paid more but who is seen as trivial and shallow by others.
At the moment, however, things seem a little arse-about-face and morale is low. So, if you feel aggrieved/let down by the exeter office - then vote accordingly but without malice. The message that any number of no-votes sends should be taken into account by the management - because, in the event of an accident, the company's working conditions would be considered by any subsequent safety investigation......leaving the company at risk of litigation. Certainly, any such career worries are a major human-factor distraction and a big operational safety-risk - (you only have to look at the crew in the US who overflew their destination while 'discussing' rostering and company policy - amongst others). One might even consider a letter to the CEO (copied to BALPA & CAA) stating one's concerns about the distracting effect this unrest is having on operational safety margins.
Ultimately, I would humbly suggest that if everyone (inc management and CC) states their case unemotionally and
with an open mind they might find method in the apparent madness of the other side....maybe! However, I would also say that if the company cannot explain why they can afford a large planned expansion, new aircraft and higher pay/bonuses for execs, while apparently doing the opposite for the crews, then they aren't going to get very far and the crew will almost certainly work-to-rule or jump overboard. Simples!
On the other hand, if the majority of pilots vote yes, then just accept it and get on with the job - that's democracy. Other companies seem to be, or soon will be, recruiting - so you could have another option.
Good luck whatever happens
