A good discussion with some informed replies. As a KLM uk driver, I agree with all comments posted by my colleagues. Morale is low....really low at present over the perceived shafting that we are all expecting. Otterman has given a thorough grounding on what has been offered as a career path, but as yet, nothing has been accepted or agreed- at least by the KLM uk pilots. I am aware that the VNV and KLM have made their own agreements on how WE are to be integrated. If only the management were as forthcoming to OUR union (BALPA) as they clearly have with the VNV, we might now be in a position where we could vote on a deal. Instead, the Management have stalled and provaricated so that we are being pushed closer and closer to the deadline of Nov 1st. In my opinion, we have exhausted all routes of negotiations and industrial action is the only option left to us.
Mention is made of most pilots expected to transfer to Buzz. This was possibly the expected intention, but recent developments communicated to me have imposed conditions which more or less make a transfer from KLCuk to buzz impossible. It has been proposed that the pilots can transfer to buzz at a rate sustainable by training of up to 48 per year. However, if a pilot transfers to buzz, they will do so keeping their seniority number (useful for getting leave etc.) but will go onto the LOWEST pay increment for their rank. This would mean that a captain with ten years seniority would by over £15K worse off per annum. Hardly a good offer. Also they would have to be considered as new starters for terms and conditions such as whatever pension is negotiated. Clearly, this will need to be seriously discussed by BALPA but in my opinion, if this is to remain then it will be unworkable. The only option for many will be a court case for constructive dismissal.
The potential of transfer to KLM is a good one and previously unheard of. However, it is really only of benefit to those who are (a) young enough or (b) junior enough as it will be an extremely long time to reach even a left seat of a 737. Consequently, the take up rate will be low. Present captains can expect to be demoted at some point until they accrue anough seniority in Mainline to regain their command.
Remember, we have pilots with 25 years seniority in our company which was taken over by KLM (something no-one wanted). They will now be more junior than the most recently qualified 20 year old Co-Co! Something to look forward to.