Nationwide Suspending operations?
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EK
Emirates Airline is a dynamic, multicultural organisation with ambitious global growth plans and a strong record of profitable growth. Due to our rapidly expanding fleet of Airbus A330/A340 and Boeing 777 aircraft, including the impending arrival in 2008 of the first of 58 A380 aircraft, we are recruiting experienced and technically proficient First Officers to fly our extensive international route network and progress their careers to Captain.
In addition to a competitive salary and the opportunity to live in one of the world's most attractive holiday destinations, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes accommodation (including costs of power, water, gas, maintenance), health and life insurance, excellent end of service benefits, generous staff travel access for family members and educational support for children (studying in Dubai or overseas).
In addition to a competitive salary and the opportunity to live in one of the world's most attractive holiday destinations, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes accommodation (including costs of power, water, gas, maintenance), health and life insurance, excellent end of service benefits, generous staff travel access for family members and educational support for children (studying in Dubai or overseas).
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Nationwide did us a dirty, say staff
By Karyn Maughan (Saturday Star and Weekend Argus)
Nationwide did us a dirty, say staff - lawsuits over salaries and benefits
Forty-five minutes after safely landing the Nationwide plane that famously lost its engine last year, pilots Daniel Perry and Trevor Arnold received a cellphone call from the airline's CEO.
Nationwide owner Vernon Bricknell's message to the pilots widely hailed as heroes was brief and unambiguous: talk to the media and you'll lose your jobs.
For the then 24-year-old Perry, who had been with the airline for only two weeks when he steered the stricken aircraft to safety, the threat marked the beginning of the end of his respect for the airline boss.
"We weren't heroes ... any trained pilot could have done what we did.
"But it was a fairly hectic experience to have gone through," he said. "All I remember thinking was: 'Don't you even care?' "
It was the same thought that ran through another Nationwide pilot's head on Thursday afternoon, as he witnessed one of the company's newly jobless ground staff members drink himself into oblivion and pass out, face first, on a bar counter.
Using his cellphone, he photographed the drunk man and sent the image to Bricknell's phone. His message, like the CEO's phone call to Perry and Arnold, was short: "Now look what you've done".
He did not expect an answer.
He didn't get one.
Crying, shell-shocked or furious, at least 1 000 Nationwide employees discovered on Tuesday that they no longer had jobs with the airline. Some had been working at the company for 13 years.
It would be two days later, after Bricknell released a media statement confirming that the airline had ceased operating and apologising to passengers, that staff at last were given the chance to ask questions about the company's shock financial nosedive.
Weekend Argus has been told by several sources that Nation¬wide media liaison Rodger Whittle informed staff at the airline's operations centre in Boksburg that its "positive thinking" approach had kept it from revealing, until the last possible moment, that it was in financial ruin.
The official line behind the death of Nationwide is that 63 year-old Porsche fanatic Bricknell had pinned all his hopes of the cash-strapped airline's survival on a mooted BEE deal. And, when that fell through last Friday; he knew he had no chance of saving the company.
But Weekend Argus has learnt that Nationwide staff were "very upset and angry" to discover that the airline had can¬celled their medical aid member-ships a month before it ceased operating, while still deducting contributions from their salaries.
Asked about this on Thursday; Whittle told staff he would "look into" the claim.
Meanwhile, neither Bricknell nor Whittle have responded to repeated requests for interviews about the airline's collapse, or the labour law violations it is alleged to have committed.
The Airline Pilots Association of South Africa confirmed that it had served summons against Nationwide on behalf of 50 of the airline's pilots, after the com¬pany deducted the time that the airline was grounded by the Civil
Aviation Authority, following the falling engine incident, as leave.
Staff who had no leave owing to them then had these "grounded days" deducted from their pay.
Speaking to The Star in March, Whittle insisted that staff had been asked, not forced, to take the time that Nationwide was grounded as leave
Three years ago, labour union Solidarity justified its strike action against the airline by claiming that it paid the "worst" salaries in the business and expected them to work way beyond normal hours.
The case now being brought by Nationwide's pilots is expected to form part of the multimillion rand claims stacking up against the airline, from creditors, staff and out-of-pocket passengers.
Perry, whose last day at work ironically coincided with Nationwide's last day in the air, is also considering legal action against the company - which has yet to pay him his last month's salary and six months' allowances.
Weekend Argus has established that at least five other pilots, who had resigned and were serving out their last month at Nationwide, are in the same boat as Perry and are also considering legal action.
Despite his disappointment at Bricknell's apparent indifference to his staff, Perry says it was hard for him to leave Nationwide.
"I know I was lucky to get out when I did but I have 'to say that I will miss the staff and crew that I worked with.
"The people who worked there were all part of a big family that really looked out for each other.
"There were some amazing people working at that company. When things weren't going well, they were the ones that held it together.
"It's sad to me that those people, who gave so much to Nationwide, are the ones' who got messed around the most. It just seems very, very wrong."
Nationwide did us a dirty, say staff - lawsuits over salaries and benefits
Forty-five minutes after safely landing the Nationwide plane that famously lost its engine last year, pilots Daniel Perry and Trevor Arnold received a cellphone call from the airline's CEO.
Nationwide owner Vernon Bricknell's message to the pilots widely hailed as heroes was brief and unambiguous: talk to the media and you'll lose your jobs.
For the then 24-year-old Perry, who had been with the airline for only two weeks when he steered the stricken aircraft to safety, the threat marked the beginning of the end of his respect for the airline boss.
"We weren't heroes ... any trained pilot could have done what we did.
"But it was a fairly hectic experience to have gone through," he said. "All I remember thinking was: 'Don't you even care?' "
It was the same thought that ran through another Nationwide pilot's head on Thursday afternoon, as he witnessed one of the company's newly jobless ground staff members drink himself into oblivion and pass out, face first, on a bar counter.
Using his cellphone, he photographed the drunk man and sent the image to Bricknell's phone. His message, like the CEO's phone call to Perry and Arnold, was short: "Now look what you've done".
He did not expect an answer.
He didn't get one.
Crying, shell-shocked or furious, at least 1 000 Nationwide employees discovered on Tuesday that they no longer had jobs with the airline. Some had been working at the company for 13 years.
It would be two days later, after Bricknell released a media statement confirming that the airline had ceased operating and apologising to passengers, that staff at last were given the chance to ask questions about the company's shock financial nosedive.
Weekend Argus has been told by several sources that Nation¬wide media liaison Rodger Whittle informed staff at the airline's operations centre in Boksburg that its "positive thinking" approach had kept it from revealing, until the last possible moment, that it was in financial ruin.
The official line behind the death of Nationwide is that 63 year-old Porsche fanatic Bricknell had pinned all his hopes of the cash-strapped airline's survival on a mooted BEE deal. And, when that fell through last Friday; he knew he had no chance of saving the company.
But Weekend Argus has learnt that Nationwide staff were "very upset and angry" to discover that the airline had can¬celled their medical aid member-ships a month before it ceased operating, while still deducting contributions from their salaries.
Asked about this on Thursday; Whittle told staff he would "look into" the claim.
Meanwhile, neither Bricknell nor Whittle have responded to repeated requests for interviews about the airline's collapse, or the labour law violations it is alleged to have committed.
The Airline Pilots Association of South Africa confirmed that it had served summons against Nationwide on behalf of 50 of the airline's pilots, after the com¬pany deducted the time that the airline was grounded by the Civil
Aviation Authority, following the falling engine incident, as leave.
Staff who had no leave owing to them then had these "grounded days" deducted from their pay.
Speaking to The Star in March, Whittle insisted that staff had been asked, not forced, to take the time that Nationwide was grounded as leave
Three years ago, labour union Solidarity justified its strike action against the airline by claiming that it paid the "worst" salaries in the business and expected them to work way beyond normal hours.
The case now being brought by Nationwide's pilots is expected to form part of the multimillion rand claims stacking up against the airline, from creditors, staff and out-of-pocket passengers.
Perry, whose last day at work ironically coincided with Nationwide's last day in the air, is also considering legal action against the company - which has yet to pay him his last month's salary and six months' allowances.
Weekend Argus has established that at least five other pilots, who had resigned and were serving out their last month at Nationwide, are in the same boat as Perry and are also considering legal action.
Despite his disappointment at Bricknell's apparent indifference to his staff, Perry says it was hard for him to leave Nationwide.
"I know I was lucky to get out when I did but I have 'to say that I will miss the staff and crew that I worked with.
"The people who worked there were all part of a big family that really looked out for each other.
"There were some amazing people working at that company. When things weren't going well, they were the ones that held it together.
"It's sad to me that those people, who gave so much to Nationwide, are the ones' who got messed around the most. It just seems very, very wrong."
Last edited by Cirrus SR22; 3rd May 2008 at 10:39.
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Please don't sue Nationwide Airlines
Please don't sue Nationwide Airlines. You're wasting time and money. If you must, then sue Vernon Bricknell personally. There is on the face of a strong legal case against him. Perhaps a class action.
It is clear now from the court papers that at the time, three months ago, when he was threatening departing workers with legal action he objectively new that the end was nigh.
As for Rodger J Whittle's comments to staff about being 'positive' until the till draw slammed shut, how puerile. Criminally speaking, Whittle is merely an accessory after the fact to Bricknell's fraudulent conduct.
Gentlemen, bluster is the last resort of the liar and the thief. It won’t avail you. The truth is out.
It is clear now from the court papers that at the time, three months ago, when he was threatening departing workers with legal action he objectively new that the end was nigh.
As for Rodger J Whittle's comments to staff about being 'positive' until the till draw slammed shut, how puerile. Criminally speaking, Whittle is merely an accessory after the fact to Bricknell's fraudulent conduct.
Gentlemen, bluster is the last resort of the liar and the thief. It won’t avail you. The truth is out.
Last edited by Cirrus SR22; 3rd May 2008 at 10:39.
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Criminality aside, I don't know how those people sleep properly at night. I couldn't rest easy if I acted in such an immoral or deceptive manner. They're just scum, and if I get a chance, I'll happily say that to their face. Knowing how VB does business, the chance of legally catching him is slim - he expects this kind of result, and will no doubt have covered himself with several different legal blankets.
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Sunair comes to mind
Guys and Galls
Sorry to hear, but sitting where I am now, as bad as things look now, it might be the best thing that has happend to most of you!
Good Luck and start sending CV`s
The Dr.
Sorry to hear, but sitting where I am now, as bad as things look now, it might be the best thing that has happend to most of you!
Good Luck and start sending CV`s
The Dr.
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Has anyone seen todays RAPPORT. VB is front page news with his racing cars.
Maybe he will get what is due to him. Any further news on how the current situation affects the pilots and the various training bonds.
Maybe he will get what is due to him. Any further news on how the current situation affects the pilots and the various training bonds.
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Nationwide & Air France
I had to check something on the Air France website a short while ago - they still seem to show that they use CE (Nationwide) when connecting in SA from CPT, DBN etc to JNB? 
Would have thought that after a week they would have changed their booking system?
Or are there Ghost CE flights flying?
Stirred?
VG300
Would have thought that after a week they would have changed their booking system?
Or are there Ghost CE flights flying?
Stirred?
VG300
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Moving On
Guys and Dolls
It's time to focus on the future. What's done is done. The loyal and dedicated staff at Nationwide need to look ahead. Most of the pilots should be OK - there's a shortage!
Cabin Crew and Ground Staff. Did you see the advert in the Sunday Times today. South Africa's larget national carrier is on a nationwide search for high fliers to join them now. Closing date 12th May. If you missed the add and want a copy, email [email protected] and they will send it to you.
Nationwide people have a good reputation in the job market so those of you needing jobs right now, focus on getting your CV up-to-date and competing for any jobs available right now.
Perhaps you will look back in time and see the good in all of this.
It's time to focus on the future. What's done is done. The loyal and dedicated staff at Nationwide need to look ahead. Most of the pilots should be OK - there's a shortage!
Cabin Crew and Ground Staff. Did you see the advert in the Sunday Times today. South Africa's larget national carrier is on a nationwide search for high fliers to join them now. Closing date 12th May. If you missed the add and want a copy, email [email protected] and they will send it to you.
Nationwide people have a good reputation in the job market so those of you needing jobs right now, focus on getting your CV up-to-date and competing for any jobs available right now.
Perhaps you will look back in time and see the good in all of this.
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It's time to focus on the future. What's done is done. The loyal and dedicated staff at Nationwide need to look ahead. Most of the pilots should be OK - there's a shortage!
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Who gets hurt?
Funnily enough,just before NW went belly up, I heard someone at FALA refer to the good Mr. Bricknell as Vermin Bricknell!
Many a true word spoken in jest?
I am willing to bet that the aircraft are in another company's name, and so there will possibly be very little in the cupboard when the sheriff comes calling with warrant to attach whatever is available.
With regard to the crew, I understand from friends that the staff and crew were not treated very well, and that a certain amount of nepotism was evident, especially in the case of one particular "captain" who had zero jet time but got a job through the "Iron Lady".
However, be that as it may, with the current shortage of experienced flight crew, I suspect most will not find it difficult to find suitable employment, possibly even in a safer environment!
But what about the alley slaves and ground staff? - these are the poor buggers who will be hardest hit, - guys I really hope you find jobs somewhere to support your families! SAA, SAX could really use your 'can do' approach with regard to service!
But, leaving your staff jobless and grounded in cities around the country and the world without prior notice says volumes about the bosses....shame on you I say!
Many a true word spoken in jest?
I am willing to bet that the aircraft are in another company's name, and so there will possibly be very little in the cupboard when the sheriff comes calling with warrant to attach whatever is available.
With regard to the crew, I understand from friends that the staff and crew were not treated very well, and that a certain amount of nepotism was evident, especially in the case of one particular "captain" who had zero jet time but got a job through the "Iron Lady".
However, be that as it may, with the current shortage of experienced flight crew, I suspect most will not find it difficult to find suitable employment, possibly even in a safer environment!
But what about the alley slaves and ground staff? - these are the poor buggers who will be hardest hit, - guys I really hope you find jobs somewhere to support your families! SAA, SAX could really use your 'can do' approach with regard to service!
But, leaving your staff jobless and grounded in cities around the country and the world without prior notice says volumes about the bosses....shame on you I say!
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Letter submitted by Nationwide employee to NEWS24.
Dear Editor,
All the articles that I have read so far relate to either customers not getting refunds or other airlines taking up surplus business. Has anyone given thought to the 1 188 Nationwide employees that are all of a sudden without work?
I personally feel angry about the way we as staff got treated by Nationwide airlines management for the following reasons:
1) Quite a few of us did not receive our salary for the month of April.
2) The only communication that I personally received from Nationwide Airlines management concerning the filing for voluntary liquidation was an e=mail concerning "How we must address the media", nobody gave us even a hint with what will happen to us as people.
3) If it's not enough that I have not been paid, Nationwide will not even issue me with a letter that I can present to my bank as some type of explanation as why I am not able to pay my dues.
This is not the first time I work for a company that shuts its doors but what Nationwide management did to us as employees is completely unacceptable, how can it be that without warning we just get told "take your personal belongings and go home, we will contact you if anything changes" .
Wednesday the 30th of April 2008 will be remembered by me as a very depressing day .I will never forget some of the grown men, guys that were usually full of energy, life and passion for their respective work, weeping like babies.
To all my colleagues, I just want to take this opportunity to wish you good luck and I pray we never work for such a terrible company again!
Jobless
Dear Editor,
All the articles that I have read so far relate to either customers not getting refunds or other airlines taking up surplus business. Has anyone given thought to the 1 188 Nationwide employees that are all of a sudden without work?
I personally feel angry about the way we as staff got treated by Nationwide airlines management for the following reasons:
1) Quite a few of us did not receive our salary for the month of April.
2) The only communication that I personally received from Nationwide Airlines management concerning the filing for voluntary liquidation was an e=mail concerning "How we must address the media", nobody gave us even a hint with what will happen to us as people.
3) If it's not enough that I have not been paid, Nationwide will not even issue me with a letter that I can present to my bank as some type of explanation as why I am not able to pay my dues.
This is not the first time I work for a company that shuts its doors but what Nationwide management did to us as employees is completely unacceptable, how can it be that without warning we just get told "take your personal belongings and go home, we will contact you if anything changes" .
Wednesday the 30th of April 2008 will be remembered by me as a very depressing day .I will never forget some of the grown men, guys that were usually full of energy, life and passion for their respective work, weeping like babies.
To all my colleagues, I just want to take this opportunity to wish you good luck and I pray we never work for such a terrible company again!
Jobless
