So, Keith, for the obviously ignorant of us, could you please enlighten us on what happens when a pilot completes his compulsory 737 conversion, and then resigns?
Are you suggesting that he/she is free to seek employment elsewhere without any financial penalty whatsoever?
Yes, that’s exactly what happens when there is no bond. You can leave at any time with no liability.
Or are you suggesting that Tiger are merely attempting to bluff pilots into believing there is a bond, when this is not part of the agreement?
No, I’m suggesting that Tiger cannot impose a bond under the current agreement. You are the one asserting that Tiger are imposing bonds, right from your first post and it’s obvious that you haven’t read the agreement or have a clue of what's going on.
Are the answers to these questions only available after clarification in court?
The AFAP have already clarified that for everyone in McLennan v Surveillance Australia. Bonds are not enforceable unless part of an enterprise agreement.
From AFAP briefing of 29 Jun 16:
Quote:
Bond and type freezes – We suggested that the Company consider reducing the length of the bond period for all pilots taking a position on the initial start-up of the B737 operation to 24 months. This can be contrasted with pilots who move onto the B737 in future having a bond/ freeze of 36 months apply, creating an incentive to take up an initial seat.
Further, to encourage bidding for B737 FO positions, we suggested that the Company consider waiving the bond after the 12 month type freeze where an FO takes up a command on the A320. We note that A320 FOs are indicating reluctance to bid because they are concerned about getting their command on the A320 and do not want to be bonded for 36 months as an FO on the B737.
So if I'm ignorant, it seems so are the AFAP.
No, its just you. Gotta love selective quoting. Try a bit more reading, it helps with context.
IF Virgin agree to adding the Tiger pilots to the bottom of the Virgin Group Pilots List, as part of the agreement virgin will seek to have bonding for the 737. It’s by no means a done deal.
IF the majority of pilots vote for it, it will become part of a new agreement.