I read the post from The Grim Reaper and could have sworn at that precise moment a pig flew past my window!
The only realistic option available is that a vote is taken on the 'pay deal' whenever it is put forward and we instruct the BALPA reps to pass the result of any such ballot on to management. Management will then say that the ballot is of interest and thank the PC for their efforts. Unfortunately the pilots' council will be informed that after long deliberation no further funds are available for an enhanced pay settlement. Morale will remain low and pilots will leave in dribs and drabs - I think the term for this situation is 'Status Quo'. Why will this occur - because at the end of the day people will accept their lot and moan rather than take action and risk discrimination, by being branded as an 'awkward' employee (with the attendant problems with promotion etc - it has happened to people already who, for various reasons, have not toed the company line). easyJet, as a corporation, is no different to any other in this respect. We have to accept that the 'glory' days when easyJet was first brought into being have passed into history.
What is my position? My position is as it has always been with employers - I either like the job or I leave. No point moaning and no point relying on colleagues who spend their time trying to rally the troops because at the end of the day the 'troops' have families to feed and are not brave enough or committed enough for a bloody battle with management. This is the reason that management will always succeed - they are the brave ones who will take risks and the employees are the 'cannon fodder' who sit back and moan in the pub over a pint.
I suggest you let the pilots' council 'negotiate' a deal that is probably already struck, sit back and take the consequences.
... alternatively we could all refuse to accept the revised terms and conditions of contract and resign en masse. Not a strike of course, just non acceptance of our revised contract of employment. A contract of employment is like most other contracts - an agreement between two or more parties. If one party does not agree to an amendment to the contract, then the contract will be determined. Imagine the possibility of ALL easyJet operations ceasing over night until management negotiated acceptable terms and conditions for their employees.
Yes, I was right, another pig has just flown past my window!
PS Oh, I forgot to ask - what action does The Grim Reaper propose we take, do we line the management up against the wall in the "Orangerie" and throw custard pies at them until they give in to our demands. Wake up boys this is the real world.
Last edited by SpannerInTheWerks; 22nd October 2002 at 09:07.