Al Goering
Perhaps it would have been better put if I had prefaced what I said with “Where there are suitably qualified local pilots available”
DEC’s are not necessarily a bad thing. In situations where there are not enough suitably qualified persons available, the import of DEC’s can facilitate a more rapid expansion of an organisation, increasing the promotional opportunities of those still coming up through the system. So that by the time they have the required qualification, background and experience, there is a position for them. Something that may not have occured had the DEC not facilitated the company's growth or survival.
Similarly DEC's can be used to release personnel from one type to facilitate the introduction of another type, and consequent expansion of an organisation, resulting in a net increase in positions for locals. Have been in that situation, where it was controlled on a month by month basis, by the local union.
DEC’s are generally not a cheaper option, and it is not unheard of that DEC terms have been used as a lever in arguments to boost local salaries.
DEC’s can be used to overcome regulatory hurdles, once again leading to expansion and increased opportunities for those to follow.
I re-iterate; DEC’s should not be allowed where there is an availability of suitably qualified personnel.
QANTAS group tactics to downgrade their local numbers by use of cheaper imports is a disgrace. If the QANTAS group feel that their cost structure is inappropriate, firstly, it is of their making, there is nothing in the various agreements that management haven’t signed off on. The time to oppose conditions deemed to be inappropriate, is at the time that they are sought. It's called negotiation. Secondly there are mechanisms for them to negotiate what they believe to be a fair and equitable reward. The problem with that is that they will have to justify their claims of untenable costs.
With respect to Australians and New Zealanders securing positions in UK; they do that by birthright. They can only do it by virtue of “RIGHT of abode”. Maybe if the poms hadn’t been so hasty in sending us in ships to the furthest ends of the earth, we wouldn’t be having that discussion.
Maui
Last edited by maui; 18th Jun 2011 at 00:51.