EK: Enough is Enough
Since EK recognised they have a problem in the way they deal with their flight and cabin crew a couple of years ago we have seen numerous changes that have now escalated to a new level of disrespect and madness. Here's a basic summary:
- Contractual violation of leave days. Every pilot is entitled to 42 days leave a year. I am still to meet anyone who has been allowed to take their contractual leave in full for the last 3 years.
- Discrimination in regards to age. The career of some of the most experienced FO in the company has been targeted by a discriminating and non-sense policy of 35 and 32 years of age for a chance at an upgrade, which has kick-started the lowest levels of morale ever seen in the airline.
- Commanders with over 8-10 years experience in the company are being demoted after having been flying into the most challenging destinations on the network without any issues citing concerns over their overall experience and capabilities.
- The contractual accommodation allowance has been denied to existing employees on company accommodation. Now pilots and their families have to live where the company decides without being given any alternatives. Pilot has no choice and no say whatsoever.
- EK is hiring experienced new entry pilots at a much higher pay scale and improved conditions. Furthermore, current EK pilots with equivalent or higher experience are being denied the same deal. A 4 year FO who quits and gets hired again would earn more money. ????
- A commuting freighter contract has been offered - after many requests from pilots to consider it. It offers absolutely no benefit to the employee and only targets to save money for EK. It does not allow in any way, other than in the short term, a pilot with a family to commute.
- Cabin Crew have all of the sudden lost a massive healthcare benefit and are liable for 30% of their medical expenses at hospitals and external clinics. This could mean bills of thousands of dirhams whilst no real alternative is being offered.
- In the meantime flying hours are as high as they have ever been with Captains flying anywhere in the region of 90-120 block hours per month and FO in the region of 75-90 hours per month.
Current situation breaches the limits of respect and employment ethics.
The question is... have we finally reached the point of no return? Anyone thinks it is reversible?
This is now officially a race to the bottom.