Unfortunately, this is an argument that will never be won by either side. We each have our reasons for doing or not doing something. I agree that the AOA is all we've got, but unfortunately the AOA (and therefore, its members) have continually dropped the ball and given things away in exchange for empty promises for far too long. You all will say, "But, look at the raise we got! Do you think we would have achieved that without the collective power of the AOA?" I think the company gives us only what its highly-paid consultants tell it to give us to keep costs to a minimum. These costs include insurance (the company's hull insurance), public perception, training, housing, medical, etc. It's all about money. If anyone in the AOA thinks that anything "achieved" by the AOA is because of the existence of the AOA, that person is delusional. These people have been dealing with employee groups for 196 years! Do you think WE are any different or more capable of getting more than what
JS&S chooses to give us than all those with whom it has dealt in the past 196 years? I think not, old boy!
In my time at this company I have seen nothing but a degradation in pay, rostering and benefits (in real dollars). The AOA's argument is that without it, the degradation would have been worse. I don't buy it. It's all about who joins and who quits: supply and demand. Look how the iCadet compensation package has changed. Is it because of the AOA? Nope.
Does the AOA enforce our contract and prosecute violations of it? Nope. Why? Because the company hides behind "privacy laws" which don't allow the AOA to have access to the information it needs to enforce our contract.
valhalla, unfortunately there is no master plan. Hong Kong is an employer-friendly state, the courts are in CX's pocket and most CX pilots care only for themselves, despite their membership in the AOA (usually due to embarrassment and guilt they would feel if they were NOT in the AOA). Any kind of industrial action would be met fiercely by CX, supported by the courts, and the pilots would be the losers.
There is a time when the smart people realize that they are members of an army fighting a battle which cannot be won. Staying and continuing to fight is insanity.
Pay your dues and enjoy your meatless newsletters so you can sleep well at night knowing you're a part of a group which doesn't want to ruffle management's feathers.
One last thing for AirProfit. You say I ride on the backs of members and enjoy any benefit gained by their contributions. True, but I also suffer for that which is bargained AWAY by the AOA. If I could be on my own, privately-negotiated contract, I would. During my time at CX, the AOA has given AWAY more than it has gained.