RadAltAlive- Here is a little scenario for you. Many airlines around the world have a scope clause. That means they stay relevant because it is in a contract and you can't get f%$#%^ over.
If you think that without a scope clause suddenly pilots will keep their jobs and promotions will continue to appear, then i believe you are dreaming.
Efficiencies will be given/negotiated but you don't give them away for nothing, unless you are an idiot.The negotiators are not naive to the pressures facing Qantas. They realise pilots need to offer efficiencies.Qantas pilots need to be brought along for the ride however.
A scope clause was offered in EBA8. So why not now? I'll tell you why, because they are planning to shut out mainline pilots from any future jobs/growth.
If you thought Jetstar was a threat to Qantas flying then watch what happens when Qantas Asia starts expanding with no Qantas pilots at the helm. Or jetconnect get long range aircraft and take senior flying to the USA.
If pilots do not act now they won't have a job/future career anyway. It's not rocket science.
If the company had any genuine intention to include the pilots in future growth they would spell out their plans and say this is what price we need from you in order to get scope. Newsflash! They are not interested!
Look at how efficient Jetstar pilots are compared to Southwest e.t.c and they are getting undercut by non EBA pilots in both Australia and Singapore. A big F%$#% you to the wonder workforce.
Non EBA 200 hour cadet pilots on $35,000 a year with a $200,000 debt!!!! And you are questioning the need for scope?
Qantas have a proven track record. No matter what you do, we will undercut you and offshore pilot jobs. A scope clause would stop this.
1. AIPA played nice guy after September 11 with a pay freeze.100% appropriate.
The reward, no consultation or even a chance to bid for the flying at a rate required by the company at the start up of Jetstar. Result we lost growth and promotions for junior pilots.Leave was assigned in QF when there was a pilot shortage at JQ
2.Qantas told pilots it would only fly JQ domestically with 23 aircraft and not take a Qantas route. Lie number two. Have you flown to the Gold Coast lately on Qantas Rad Alt?
3.Qantas told crews there would be no Jetstar International. Lie number 3. Jetstar did fly internationally and took Qantas routes/growth.
4.Started Jetconnect. Qantas painted 737's and flew them without 737 short haul pilots. No consultation on bidding for the flying.
5.Stated in a letter from the CEO that all Qantas F/O's and S/O's would have a promotion in 5 years. In the recent reduction in numbers many F/O's have accepted demotions to S/O.
6.Asked pilots/AIPA for 8 million in savings or else pilots would be sacked. Many pilots took half pay lines and within months Dixon was paid $12,000,000 for six months work. SHAREHOLDERS voted overwhelmingly against the pay deal but were ignored by the board as it was non binding.
7.Started to employ pilots in Singapore and Australia on non Jetstar Australia EBA terms and conditions
8.The chief pilot states that any scope clause will lead to sackings at Cobham whilst ignoring his own pilots
No pilot wants to have to take drastic action. Qantas have lost the ear of what was their most supportive long term workforce. Backed into a corner you have to fight to survive. It's put up or shut up time.
The next chapter can read we negotiated/fought for a future career in Qantas or we did nothing and watched our careers evaporate.
90 years of safety and experience slowly left to die via reduction in numbers. I believe we owe it to the Qantas pilots of the future just as those fought hard in 66 to give us what we have today. This is not about pay but about the future of Qantas Pilots and the profession.
There are risks and costs to action. But they are far less than the long range risks of comfortable inaction.
John F. Kennedy