I hope that my colleagues at KLM UK will shortly get a lot more clarity on what the future holds. Don’t overestimate the amount of information we are getting at KLM. Through our union Internet site I found out that KLM will be holding this meeting with the KLM and Transavia unions about BUZZ (October second). At Transavia there is also a lot of unrest because of the situation around BUZZ.
I try to appreciate the amount of emotion involved for all concerned. I certainly don’t agree with all that is said, but everyone is entitled to airing his opinion and emotion. It is one of the great things about pprune; it can be done with anonymity.
I am sorry, but I don’t feel a KLM UK pilot is entitled to taking seniority with him to KLM. Breaking open our list is a no-go. I feel the same for my colleagues at Martinair or Transavia. I can make the mental leap that a KLM UK pilot would find it more than fair that he gets the same conditions as a KLC pilot as far as seniority goes. But the difference is like night and day, and extensively discussed in previous versions of this topic. Does this make me a borderline racist? Would take a pretty liberal definition of the word, and from a KLM UK pilot’s perspective, maybe. It certainly isn’t with malice.
As far as what KLM UK pilots deserve. I guess I miss the point. You want the same thing as the KLC pilots got? I infer that this would mean that KLM UK (and KLC UK) would stop, period. There would be one big list, with some ex-KLM UK pilots getting a quite senior position. My fifteen years place me around 600 out of 2000 pilots as a frame of reference. All pilots will be based out of Holland like they are right now. This is exactly what you don’t want. You don’t want anything to do with us borderline racist arrogant low-life’s. Let alone living in this horrible place.
What the VNV has negotiated, in my opinion, tried to take into account a little of everything.
There are huge holes in my knowledge, but I don’t quite understand why a KLM UK pilot cannot transfer to BUZZ (is this because of limited training capacity). From what was communicated to us, KLM anticipates the majority of the KLM UK pilots going to BUZZ. Once again the senior guys probably will join KLC UK, and the junior ones make the decision to either try KLM or go with BUZZ. I am more than interested in knowing how the details work out, please keep posting.
This integration is now beyond the stage that a discussion here will have any impact. I know that KLM UK pilots knew something was coming down the pike for at least 6 months. What if anything was done to prepare for it? BALPA was involved, I know the VNV initiated contact, and they were able to give input on behalf of our colleagues at KLM UK during the entire negotiation.
It is up to BALPA now to make sure that the upheaval in the lives of a KLM UK pilot will be kept to the absolute minimum. Make sure the T & C’s stay the same. And details like base, or aircraft changes are covered.
This situation is pretty unique. I don’t know of other situations that quite compare. We are talking about a cross-border merger here. The VNV has negotiated a deal with the input of BALPA that gives the pilots from one country more options, including joining mainline, than BALPA is shoving down British throats at BA CityExpress.
I hold my colleagues at KLM UK in high esteem. It is true that over the last few years KLM UK has become a shadow of its former self. I hope that BUZZ’s plans turn out to be as extensive as the rumour mill makes it out to be. It will widen options and at least offer a way forward.
Maybe you will get your sweet revenge in a few years when BALPA stick us bottom of the list (if there is ever a merger between BA and KLM). I certainly don’t derive any pleasure from the situation surrounding KLM UK and KLM/KLC.
I am not sure what I have left to contribute, I wish you all well.
Regards, O.