EK - what do you think?

[mini cooper]

Was bemoaning the compamy the other day, when one of the cabin crew from Slovakia or somewhere in old Eastern Bloc said from her point of view she thought life was good here at EK compared to Slovakia. Couldn't understand my negativity towards EK, could think of many things I don't like etc. So after a few beers she challenged me to:

"Try to think of 4 things you like about Emirates the company"
(not Dubai the place just the company)

It was a long trip and it took both of us the following few sectors to come up with

1. Fly new aircraft
2. Company expanding, new routes
3. Securish job!!!
4.


Anybody think of anything else as I'm trying my hardest to find the last one!!!

[Global Nomad]

4. Quick command - and before anyone makes an electronic attack on this statement, name a place where you qualify for a widebody command (airbus included) as quickly as you do here.
If you left a wide body command for an F/O position at EK then one would assume there were other attractions.

[max AB]

4. Free Oven mitts...

[9876]

From the cabin crews perspective ultra quick upgrade timeframe. Which other company would you be able to get to the role of Purser in 4 years / SFS in 2- 2 1/2 years.

[Global Nomad]

Dragonair ... there's a thought.

Taking an airline job is a bit like buying property or stocks. If the commodity is doing well, you're too late.

Free oven mitts :ok: very good AB.

Although I can think of far more useful devices that could have been distributed for your own protection....

[bigmountain]

It has a provident fund scheme
Medical and dental coverage
travel benefits for self and spouse after retirement
options for continuing with medical insurance scheme after retirement.
Provides furnished housing option/ power bills payed for
interest free car loan
Rebated medical insurance for family
Rebated school fees for three children
6 weeks vacation split into max of 3 weeks at a time and a minimum of 4 days
Good bunch of guys to fly with .. both flight deck and cabin
The culture of the airline is very people and expat orientented.
Very good when you are on long term illness .. no pressure all the help is given to get you back.
family emergency also very quick to get you or your family back to attend to an emergency
Profit share scheme this year 4 weeks
Professionally a great opportunity to gain the knowledge and interact with over 60 different nationaliites and the way they operate in a multicultural environment
The opportunity to work in the top 20 airlines in the world.
3rd in Net operating profit
25 more B777300-ER 45 A380 a handful of A340s and wait till NOv 2005 Dubai Air show for more orders
Limo pick up and drop services for your flights
Emirates Pilot Club ( volunteer enrollment) allows you to use various clubs and also discounts at various outlets in dubai and own route
...........
BM

[sandpit]

"...but apart from sanitation, public health and the roads, what have the Romans ever done for us!"

[ratpoison]

ha ha ha ha, "Limo pickup", ha ha ha ha

[AMX10]

.....Tim Clark......!

[BYMONEK]

ratpoison

Okay,so the 'limo' bit might not meet with most peoples perception of a REAL limo, but whatever you call it, Audi Avant or Chevrolet Sedan, it's still better than your own set of wheels eh?

For all the moaning and bitching that goes on here, i've not met anyone yet who complaines about the 'pick up/drop off' that this Company provides........and long may it continue!

BM

Have to disagree with the provident fund. We may have one, but its 'performance'( if you can call it that) is shocking to say the least. Frankly, i'm surprised that more of an issue has not been made about it's appalling growth in relation to funds that are widely available to the public from these two main finance houses. Someone needs to be made accountable for the A & B funds performance. It's in all our interest to ask these questions as it's for our future. 4% a year average on equities over 15 years? 1.5% for a cash fund when the high street banks are giving 2.9%? Somebody is getting rich on our behalf so where is all the money going? As long as we meet the requirment of 1 month per year service for EOB ( uae law), then the Company are happy. Is that it?

[Backwater]

I agree the company transport is a good perk, but not just for us. The company get a free 30mins per duty out of us as a result. Imagine life without it. Parking chaos at the CBC. Guys reporting exactly one hour prior to departure (as they are legally entitled to do) with subsequent delays etc. We might say "long may it last" but I bet that sentiment is echoed in the corridors of power.

[violate]

GN, lets be honest its not really about quick commands.
Commit yourself to the company totally, make a few dozen cost savings on the back of your colleagues, don't rock the boat.
FMB to VPCC in 2 years, priceless

[Zomp]

bigmountain,
ask a retired captain what kind of travel priv. he gets.
its 3 tickets a year on EK and thats it.
don't think you can fly on other airlines on a ID90 basis, I am sure they told you that during the interview like me.
call HR and maybe after a few months they'll give you an answer.

[ratpoison]

BYMONEK,

The "transport" is not a "lurk" and a gift to the boys for all their hard work. It is UAE LAW that an employer must provide transport to and from the place of work. Even if I open up a fish & chip shop (lets not go there!!!), I still would have to provide transport for the workers. If EK could get rid of this one, they could quite easily as it costs quite a few goat skins to have the "service".

Rat

[BYMONEK]

Rat
Your point is taken but the Company could replace it with a transport allowance. They would be entitled to do this. Just ask all the trainers on sim/ groundshool/ crm who have to use their own cars or taxi. They're given a monthly transport allowance. Come to think of it, every other expat I know here in Dubai NOT working for EK has to use his/her own car.
2 large cod and chips please........and some real mushy peas! Ta! :p

[Shake]

Take away the transport and watch as we lose pilots in car accidents as they try and drive back home fatigued...

Get a grip guys...we have to distinguish between 'benefits' and what is a requirement: Accomodation, medical/dental, annual leave tickets, education & transportation is a necessity NOT a perk. Staff travel is also provided at most airlines and helps fill empty seats, and take a look at the payslip at how much it actually costs us at EK...a lot!

How long would you stay if none of this was provided? They are all things that are available in varying degrees in our home countries/other airlines and none of us would be here if they were not provided...NONE of it is free and is taken back in one form or another.

You can add to the list of EK 'perks':

Nepotism,
Lack of respect,
Liquid contracts,
Fatigue (requiring medical care),
Low pay (compared with the other 'top' 20 airlines),
Company raided allowances.

EK...what a discovery.

[mini cooper]

Thought this topic would get some good replies.....................
Big Mountain you are so upbeat about this place...................either very new or management??????????

4. Once in a blue moon going on a trip when a good number of the crew go out and socialise, have a laugh and get some real CRM!!! (you'll always have a few samsonite snackers / delsey diners)

there must be a few other good things....keep discovering

[Pontious]

EK? What do I think?

Well I left today and some items I mentioned at my exit interview with HR went a little awry as I collected my cheque. Unfulfilled promises... verbal agreements.... 'cast iron assurances' not materialising etc. which left me feeling well and truly screwed over. I've now physically left Dubai with more assurances that this problem will be resolved within a couple of weeks. If it isn't then I'll make sure EVERYBODY who works for EK, wants to work for EK and those who EK want to work for the group will benefit from my dealings with the various departments and I'll share my experiences with all.

'Keep Discovering'? Yup. That's about right.

:ok:

[4holerpolersson]

The Best Paymaster in the Middle East

[Bart O'Lynn]

Pontious,
May I be the first to welcome you back on your release from the borg.

If you have a 737 rating im sure i could put you in touch with some people who can help with your readjustment including the freedom of speech, and the correct use of traffic lights.
Will you miss all your mates and confidants , all of who love ek for the lifestyle, and dont really care about their commands, althought they never seem to stop bitching about it all.

[ratpoison]

Pontious,

Well done for the move ol'cock. Best of luck for the future and beyond. Hope you "keep discovering" with your new company.

Cheers,

Rat

[Shake]

Pontious...

You came, you saw, you discovered.

Good luck to you. I'm not far behind, tunnel's almost finished. Others sure to follow. Seems like those with get up and go are going...

EK JAR Ops (Just Another Ramshackle Op)

[dooner]

Pontious!

Lock and load, fire at will young man!

Have fun on the 75 and 76

Dooner:ok:

[EGGW]

Good luck m8, i hope you told 'em with both barrels loaded :E
Perhaps the drip, drip drip effect may work, but call me sceptical and perhaps not. We shall see bro.

Happy 75/76 driving, will be in touch.

EGGW :ok:

[MachD]

[ Lock and load, fire at will young man! ]

What did Will do? Poor beggar always gets it......

[dooner]

MachD

Some poor schmuck has too so why not Will:p

D:ok:

[twieke]

Pontious,

All the best with the new company. Hope you had a good piss up. Sorry I had to miss it. Had a few drinks on your good health during the trip down under.

Take care,

Twieke


4. Lots of sunshine?