Another scam, for those who possibly saw Winter in the Caribbean as a good idea
Dear colleagues,
this year’s “opportunity of a lifetime” will be for grabs soon and you will be able to apply for both Caribbean as well as US base options.
The NPG would like to stress the fact that we are all very supportive of any business initiatives that the company undertakes in order to boost expansion and secure quality jobs.
However we are also convinced that none of the above should come to the detriment of nor be used as an opportunity to lower our terms and conditions.
Additionally we firmly believe that the practice of introducing unilateral and non-negotiated contracts and/or appendixes should not take place in the Norwegian group of companies.
In this context the 2016/2017 “opportunity of a lifetime” comes once again in the form of a substantial pay cut and unilateral deterioration of T&C’s currently in place across the Norwegian network.
We therefore ask all colleagues to refrain from committing to any of these opportunities until the NPG unions have reached a fair and mutually beneficial agreement on the T&C’s to be offered to those pilots interested in a real “opportunity of a lifetime” and not just another “opportunity to work for less”.
We will keep you updated on any developments.
Kind Regards,
The NPG
P.S.: please find below feedback from last years’ Caribbean detachment we have received from one of our members:
Caribbean Feedback
Dear all,
All of us from the Caribbean are now settling back into our European bases, so it is time for some
feedback about our experience!
1 * The application process
At the end of June, an article was published on RedNose inviting volunteers to apply for the project. The article promised “wages on an European level” and that “the Company will assist with housing arrangements”.
Towards the beginning of August, the screening process had begun and some of us got a short phone interview with management in Fornebu. Some of us didn’t have a phone interview. On the 24th of August we received an email telling us we had been picked to spend winter in the French Caribbean!
Concerning the terms and conditions, several rumours were heard, some saying we would get a pay increase to help with the cost of life there, and others saying we would lose flight pay and standby compensation.
Towards the end of October, so 1 month before our departure, OSM came to us with a Caribbean Appendix, that lacked details. After many requests for clarification, it turned out that we did indeed get a paycut, as they took away flight pay and standby pay, as well as the phone allowance. Cabin crew were told they would not get any commission on their onboard sales. By then, most of us had already committed to going to the Caribbean, as accommodation and car deposits were paid. Many found this last*minute surprise very disappointing.
2 * Relocation to the Caribbean and Housing
As mentioned above, Norwegian/OSM vowed to help for the search with housing. In fact, they came back to us just two or three weeks before our arrival with just one or two unappealing offers. December to April is the very high season in the islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique. A few weeks before, there is very very little choice left for accommodation. Most of us had already found housing, so
we found Norwegian’s help to be a bit ... unhelpful.
Prices are very high, so the vast majority of those based had to settle for small bungalows (Martinique) or sharing houses (Guadeloupe). Small bungalows in Martinique were 1000 euros per month. A 3*bedroom houses in either island can go from 1500 to 2500 euros per month. A big 6 *bedroom villa with a private pool was 4500 euros per month.
3 * Transport / Healthcare / Schools
The islands have a very small, almost non*existant, public transportation system. A car is absolutely necessary. During the autumn, we received conflicting information from OSM/Norwegian about transportation to and from the airport. Some said we would get a daily pickup, others said we would have to manage by ourselves. In the end, Norwegian paid for 5 rental cars per island (1 per town where crew were staying (4), and another for the Base Chiefs). Crew flying would arrange carpooling. However, it is recommended to have your own car, to be able to move around during your off days. The PTP airport manager helped in arranging a good deal with rental car companies. Hertz came back with the best offer, with cars at 385 euros per month. The offer was valid for both islands, and can probably be arranged for next year too. That is a very good deal, considering the high prices on the island. However, it’s still another monthly bill, and they start to add up.
Healthcare is quite good on the islands, considering that area of the world. Hospitals in Martinique and Guadeloupe are the best in a 1000km radius. However, they will probably not match Scandinavian standards. One can wait a long time, and hospitals look cheap or old. But doctors are good and up to French standards. Schools are open to all European citizens. But we have no feedback to offer. Only one crew member brought his family, but they were too young to go to school.
4 * Operational issues
The roster was variable. On each island, there was 1 aircraft (PTP also had a spare aircraft), performing one flight per day. There were 4 crews per island, so on average we were flying 1 out of every 4 days. That was an average, but some were working twice as much as others, especially among the Cabin crew. Work days were long but quite easy. During turnarounds in the United States, the whole crew had to leave the aircraft, proceed through immigration and customs, and then up through TSA and back to the aircraft. 1h20min was allocated for the turnarounds, which was usually enough * except on busy days in JFK. Concerning the roster, we were only given the minimum 12 days off, with often not more than 3 days off in a row. Many standbys were assigned. Traveling in and out of the islands on off days was doable, but not simple. Many were complaining of lack of consecutive days off, and of “unfair” rostering (some working 10 or 11 days per month, and others only 4).
It was not possible to take any vacation during our assignment in the Caribbean. Vacation days leftover
from 2015 were paid off. There were no overnights, everyone was back on their island at the end of a work day.
5 * Other issues
The islands are very expensive : accommodation, groceries, activities ... prices match those of Scandinavia. However they are really beautiful, and it is easy to enjoy your time there. Weather in ‘winter’ is not too warm * 23° in the morning, 28° in the afternoon * with an occasional tropical rain shower. Weather got very hot and humid in April. There are many mosquitos there, with the diseases that come along. Zika is present on the islands, and OSM has agreed to pay for everyone to get tested upon return to the Continent.
We were a small group on small islands, so as can be expected, a few tensions came up from time to time. After 5 months, most were eager to return to their friends and family. Sharing accommodation, or renting bungalows next to one another, can prove occasionally difficult. When asked at the end if they wanted to return next year, many answered that they probably would not apply again. It was a very interesting experience, most were happy and enjoyed it.
But once was enough.
For those who would like to try it out next year, we can only recommend that you ask for the terms and conditions before committing yourself. And if you are offered the same contract as we had, it will make it difficult for you to live comfortably.
Kind regards,