Good post Harry.
With all the pontificating going on from us guys about the package, it's easy to forget how badly those working just a few feet behind the FD door are treated.... an absolutely contemptuous package increase for them!!!
The 8.15% increase on a Capts basic alone is more than the entire basic salary of a Grade 2!
What we have here then is a classic example of supply and demand..... on the one hand, you have the Pilot application pool running VERY close to empty (only about 4 months worth of interviewees left to plough through apparently), hence the company had no choice but to put its hands in its pockets (not very deeply and IMHO not nearly deeply enough to solve the impending problem) and give us a package increase.
On the other hand, you have a seemingly never ending supply of young, keen kids from some of the worlds nastiest poo holes who are literally banging the door down to join the 'mighty' Emirates. It's not uncommon for a Crew road show to attract over 500 attendees in one day of which only 10 will be taken on...... Nevertheless, they just keep on coming!
So clearly from an accountants point of view, they really cant justify giving the crew a decent package enhancement. Unfortunately, the reality is that our crew are getting less and less experienced and are generally from parts of the world where customer service doesn't exist! Don't even get me started on the safety implications
There is no question in my mind that this mentality will eventually come round and bite the company in on the bottom!