History is always written by the winners. But is it history or hysterics and revisionism that Skypointer and Aeropers are indulging in?
Skypointer's arguments in relation to seniority are interesting to say the least. SWISS management have only ever stated that they agreed with a seniority system based both on SWR start date and CRX start date which discriminated against CRX pilots because "we think its a good idea" and the zipper system or modified zipper is "not feasible". It is no wonder SWISS is in such trouble with management capable of such powers of reason and thorough analysis and interpretation.
No attempt by management was or has been made to look seriously at and analyse other models and options. In fact management have provided no justification or reason to the ex-CRX pilot corps for the new seniority system they tried to introduce 31 March 2002 and which is now disputed in the courts.
In the aftermath of the SWR collapse and bankruptcy, the government funded the continuation of SWR(in liquidation) flights and Crossair wet leased the rest. The Airbuses and MD 11s were leased directly by, and the pilots were newly employed by Crossair effective 31/03/2002. Skypointer continues the lie that these experienced Airbus and MD 11 drivers suffered a pay and conditions cut. What absolute nonsense. They did not have a job. They had a choice, to look for work elsewhere or join the social welfare queue. They accepted a new job with a different company called Crossair. They were new employees of the existing and non-bankrupted Crossair. These ex-SWR drivers accepted a contract and job with CRX that essentially allowed those remaining SWR pilots after the cull to keep driving their same aircraft and to keep their seats.
But no, this was not enough. At SWR these flying gods had a world's best practise seniority system based on start date within Swissair. However these new kids on the block, once they were joining their new company called Crossair, said that such a seniority system based on company start date was "no fair solution" and not good enough for them. These Chuck Yeagers of European Aviation were prepared to "live and die" under a seniority system at Swissair but found this same world's best practise system at their new company Crossair unacceptable. Please spare us from such cant, hypocrisy and double standards.
One must applaud Aeropers' efforts at self-interest and destruction of Crossair and SWISS. Their destructive and arrogant attitude that destroyed and bankrupted Swissair must of course also be brought across to destroy and bankrupt Crossair and SWISS. At least in this respect they are very caring and sharing and consistent.
Moreover the most pitiful and destructive outcome of this astonishing back-flip by Aeropers, is that Crossair/SWISS management got sucked into accepting their demands. Management chose to ignore and abuse the existing Crossair pilot contract and to attempt to provide a new seniority system that put most of the existing Crossair pilots on the bottom.
As has been pointed out correctly, the ex-Crossair pilots association (CCP, now called SWISS Pilots) suggested and offerred options at the negotiations late 2001/early 2002. Yes, it was CRX management, with probably unprecedented Board of Directors input, that came with the "Diktat" and "non negotiable" new seniority system that abused and discriminated against the existing CRX pilots.
Of course to Aeropers and SWISS management the end always justifies the means. It is quite OK to ignore the law, to disregard existing contracts, and to discriminate. It may come as a surprise to some ex-Swissair pilots that it is possible to run a safe and successful airline whilst complying with the law. Sadly it is this Swissair and ENRONesque attitude to corporate ethics demonstrated and executed brilliantly by Aeropers and SWISS management that will destroy SWISS as well. MIGHT is not always RIGHT. Skypointer at least honestly points out the megalomania that existed at Swissair. Why did they have to bring this attitude to Crossair and SWISS?
Ah Phoenix, what will the new Swissair/SWISS Version III look like that flies out from the ashes of the already moribund and corrupted Version II?