Easyjet Strikes
Pilots flying from all countries in easyland unite!
EasyJet management has been ruthless in the last few years towards the pilot community, especially in the last year.
For those lucky enough not to be flying in the UK, here is a summary of what happened in the UK this year:
After creating the flexi contract in the form of CTC cadets and Parc contracts, easyJet last January stopped talking to BAPLA during Merlin negotiations, arguing that it was taking too long. They proceeded to send their contract to the young cadets, and two weeks later threatened them by email to fire them if they didn't sign.
These tactics wouldn't be tolerated anywhere except in the very liberal UK.
BALPA, in an outstanding display of leadership, when asked by cadets what they should do refused to take a position arguing these weren't on a permanent contract therefore, they couldn't be represented!
The contract now signed by all the new entrant is as follows:
-The 2010 pay for first officers is used for all calculations, without the high inflation of the last 3 years.
-The company has institutionalized the 75% roster, therefore the 75% pay!
Copilots will be working 100% in summer and 50% in winter, working the same 900 hours a year but at a 25% discount!
-A copilot joining easyJet will not see a Bonus in his whole lifetime as a copilot untill he is promoted. Bonuses were previously 5% of gross pay after 3 years, 10% after 5 years.
Luckily, although BALPA has been working hand in hand with the company in bringing down pilot T+Cs, unions in europe are reacting to easyJet trying the same tactics in Italy, Portugal and France.
There is nothing to hope from BAPLA however pilots on Italian, French and Portuguese contracts, possibly even german contracts understand that our interests are quite opposite to that of the duet MacCall/Warwick.
Easyjet's brainwashing propaganda has been very good at spreading an atmosphere of fear amongst pilots.
However we need to react in a coordinated effort and support our respective unions. We tend to be too individualistic and we know the threat, we just have to look across the channel to see the consequences. We need to support and trust our unions to look after our interests and unite our efforts!
Pilots across the network UNITE!
Last edited by FBOZH; 5th Dec 2013 at 21:57.