Dubai Retention Packages-Hit or miss

[Dct no speed]

Miss
:yuk:
So all that extra money for the guys who where going to stay in any case?
(rewarding loyalty is a good thing but the monthly package still short by 8-10 K)
Considering Dubai from elsewhere in the world????

....be warned

Your school allowance and housing allowance WILL fall short and no matter what BS :mad: you are fead by the recruitment people you will end up paying in out of your own pocket! (even with the new housing allowance unless you want to stay on final approach for Dubai or in a S:mad:hole)
Remember to budget for the 25 % average increase in inflation,toll fee's and other hidden cost in Dubai.
Did they tell you that you will be working on age old equipment with 10-12 % increase in traffic yearly? Do NOT BE FOOLED BY THE WONDERWORLD OF JEBEL ALI and the wonderfull new equipment!!!! That is still a Looooooooooooooooooooooooooooong way of. Also ask the recruitment people to elaborate on the compulsary working of more than 2 nightshifts in a row over the summertime. (Even though the DMATS state that it should be avoided to work more than 2 nighshifts in a row!!??!!) They play the psycological card every year by telling people that this is in order to accomodate the people's leave over the summer!! If they have enough staff this will never be a problem!

Retention for people with 3 years and more experience in Dubai, great! Please ask for an explanation on why those leaving this summer are all guys who have not even finished there 3 year contracts some are leaving after just 11 months in the sandtrap!

The reality is that if you have been living in SERCO accomodation for last 3 + years and your kids are in Jebel Ali Primary you will score !!!!! If you have to find a new Villa/Appartment and school other than JAP you will pay in!!!:yuk:

If JEBEL ALI AIRPORT is to become the biggest in the world then surely the package need to reflect this, sadly I see a Big Airport with 6 runways and not enough ATC's. Maybe SERCO can go and recruit in the Phillipines or India or Sri Lanka that will fit in with the rest of the services in Dubai as well as with the money they offer?

ATTENTION Management .....package way short.....expect more resignations soon!!! Watch this space for Other increases such as Abu Dhabi App and Area heard you boys might be able to buy more BEER soon! Good luck ! At least I will know some well paid controllers! :ok:

As Always
DCT NO SPEED!

[throw a dyce]

Dct,
Well if you don't like it,then return to the real world.:zzz:

[Funk]

Its not all beer and skittles down south, yes Abu Dhabi is a much nicer place than Dubai but all of the big pay rise from last year has been eaten away by inflation (e.g. butter was 4.75AED 250gm in late 2005 now 6.50AED) and plummeting currency (was 2.74 to the Aussie now 3.06). School fees and rent increases have also been above 25% in the last 12-18months.

Even the Norwegians are starting to trade in their Porches ;)

Sorry there isn't nuff money in the world to pay me to live & work in Dubai.

[Dct no speed]

Well if you don't like it,then return to the real world.

Thanks mate made provision for that already and more than one option available. With the world wide shortage of controllers it is not hard to find a new job, even the old boss is beating the door down! Morale is low and a lot of guys are making plans to only see out there 3 years and go!

Kiwiland,Norway,Canada,South Africa,Netherlands,Denmark,Australia,Sweden all calling there prodigcal sons and daughters back home. If nothing changes in the bring home pay soon, the list of departures migh grow some more!

The reality is that the Dubai contract did not keep pace with the rise of cost and that it is no longer a nice quiet station, where you can save some money and leed a nice lifestyle.
In the past the single guys where the ones that left and the families stayed. 5 out of the 7 leaving Dubai by end of this Summer are married with kids.(All leaving before there 3 years are up) :confused:
If you have to spend 34 000 a year on topping up on Accomodation and school fees the math is easy, it is just not worth staying for 50 000 after 3 years!
:ugh:

Do consider Dubai if you have Double income and no Kids or as a place to come and retire when the kids leave home,(or if you have the ability to negotiate a little SPECIAL DEAL with Mr M) but be warned the place is getting busier by the day so you will still require your A game when it comes to controlling!

Dct No Speed

[Myway or the highway]

lads et al

well this is just the usual bs that comes from the sandpit. It has been like this for years and will be like it for years to come. does not matter what you all think or say, Serco and the Arabs will never play ball to your rules irrespective how much the ATC shortage bites. they dont have the pockets or the fortitude to be the first to move.

While you have a chance to make the move back to reality with some certainty, rather than staying in HOPE that all will work out in the end.:ugh:

Be proactive not reactive and end up having a pole shoved up your arse, cause that is what usually happens. Look at the Emirates pilots and how shortchanged they are. Its never going to happen.:confused:

out:D:D

[sandyweazels]

Sounds like someone must have pulled the 'rug' out from underneath you over here mate, you really have some issues :{

[prowler]

Guys,

we all KNOW that this so called 'Retention Scheme' was a BIG MISS!:mad:

We all know aswell, many are in to hand in their resignation, besides the ALREADY 8 on the way out!!

6 to go?? or EVEN MORE??:cool::cool::cool:

It seems management is ONLY bothered about the PROFIT MAKING , than the Retention of Current Staff, & also to mention NOT MANY MORE APPLYING TO COME OVER......

This course running right now.. was it 5, then 4, then 3.......:sad::sad:

Lets hope our dear :ok:Robbie:ok: gets LISTENED to from DCA & Oh Dear EBM... maybe they will do SOMTHING SERIOUS!!

Rumours are rumours... we've been hearing all sorts of stuff for quite alot now....but we need more $$$$ to buy Chc-o-late & to cover this DAMN INFLATION!!!:ugh::ugh:

[Dct no speed]

P,

You did not mention the fact that we are also hearing more rumours, that the new(mot even approved) increase will only be next year.:eek: "buzzer eeeeeeehhhhh" too late again!!!!!!

NO Tower course for an entire YEAR!!!!!! How is that for forward thinking and future planning! Ooooh Mr M, try and find out what has happend to the guys who said they will come on the next course from SA. One started at Jo burg this week and the others have all signed the ATNS retention package. So no more cheap labour from SA, that will be forced to pay in on their schooling and housing because they have nowhere else to go.

The Aussies are also sending out their offers and I know of at least 3 more SA controllers that will be going Downunder rather than coming to the sand pit.

Stop promising and start delivering Management!

[SINGAPURCANAC]

I very appreciate information given for ME by Dct no speed and others but let me give an oportunity to ask something stupid.
If it shortage obvious how can you work at all? I haven't noticed that number of flights from ME has been reduced.
At the end of last year I became "short listed" for ME job position but since then there haven't been any contact . That means that you have enough qualified ATCOs.
Loking forward....

[prowler]

SINGAPURCANAC


Very simple.....

LESS BREAKS

WORKING ON MINIMUM STAFFING LEVELS...:ugh:

& soooooooon.......

FEWER TO GO ON LEAVE........:=

How worse can it get????:sad:

The new 'deal' that Management are 'TRYING' to Re-NEGOTIATE with DCA.....

Well if it does Happen, MAYBE FROM NEXT YEAR, like MOST of our Accomodation Allowances 'INCREASE'.........

& remember that SERCO is a PROFIT MAKING-Stingy Co. who only cares about profit, & not the ones in the pit!!:mad:

IF, we get the so called increase, lets see if SERCO keep a SHARE % of it for themselves, like they did this year in January, with the last 'payrise'....

We were to get 20% as per DCA/SERCO Contract, but of course, we ONLY GOT 10%...

& THE REST?????:D:D:D

Where did it go?:mad:

[Dct no speed]

Singapurcanac,
Here managers are send on specialist b:mad:,courses:

Delaying tactics 101
Lies like not telling the truth version 3
Selecting useless people into important positions bad boss 101
Pound foulish penny wise course (special course for tight arse Scotts)
Evasive question answering
Emty promise making course

The list is long but these are a few highlights.
There always seem to be a long list of "good" people on EBM's table but this place is going to be in so much B:mad:S soon, we needed tower controllers yesterday and no course this year yet, eccept for the golden oldies who are getting there Tower ratings back. If You have another option than Dubai, consider that rather. With no tower course for this year and no real effort to try and retain staff or get working on the so-called interest; Dubai must surely not need any staff!
Already 3 controllers have been diagnosed with serious cronic fatigue,booked off from work and another one is now working in the office no longer controlling. The management is oblivious to the fact that controllers are over worked here and there are more ready to move to the real world soon. They have also lost touch with reallity at how busy we are at night. We have had a constant +/- 15% increase in traffic over the last 3 years off which we did work most of this on 1 Runway. The Dca gave there staff a nice big thankyou bonus this year serco got ............................all :=

[kieranc79]

I'm a young controller in the UK and have been thinking about applying to Jobs in the middle east and abroad. When you say the salaries are no good working conditions poor etc etc, is it really any worse than the average UK unit? I'm at the bottom or the pay scale at the moment so can't imagine a tax free salary being that bad. Where else can you work overseas? anyone out there made the move? I like the unit I'm at but can't imagine working there for the next 30 years, I have no kids and don't want to get stuck wondering what if. Should I be put off by this thread or will I regret not atleast sending a CV?

[John Doe II]

Attn: Dct no speed

Have you moaned to EBM as well? Why haven't you resigned yet? Apparently the working conditions are so bad that there isn't a reason to stay, or is the tax free salary and easy life style to good to walk away from? By warning people not to join DXB, aren't you just hoping that lack of staff will get you a higher salary once the realise to pay more???

[Dct no speed]

JD 11(age1)

If I look at your age things make sense. No wonder you show such immature reasoning skills. Your way of asking questions also smell of great "office material" EBM does not listen to anyone, he has that BIG PILE of CV's on his table remember!!!! Why then will we have no tower courses for a year and only 3 on the latest radar course.BIG PILE OF CV's My Ar:mad:se!

We are 30% understaffed and are now forced into opening the second runway with only one tower controller, while the powers that be said we will never open if we do not have enough staff.:=

I am not knocking this place to get an Increase, but mearly giving the facts to those that might turn up here, with a picture of paradise and lots of money and great equipment as painted by EBM to find it far from the truth.

I have made my plans and will be moving on soon thank you very much, I am not warning people not to join DXB but just giving them a heads up. Make sure that this place is your cup of tea! Come see it for yourselve first and then make your decisions! It could be a great place to work depending on your type of personality and your reasons for coming here as for trying to negotiate anything with EBM, get it in black and white before you sign anything and dont believe any empty promises. :*

[prowler]

WELL DONE 'Dct No Spd' :D:D:D,

poor young JD II can't get a REAL Taste of whats going on here!! He has to dream about being here, BEFORE he CAN START to 'post-argue' ABOUT WHAT WE ARE REALLY going through!!

As you said, HIS AGE reflects his 'THINKING' or arguments as he PUTS them......:ugh::ugh::ugh:

Different FREQUENCY I guess.....

Lets' wait for Shk.ABSAM's 'SIGNATURE' for the go-ahead of the 'rumoured' REAL DEAL!!:cool::cool:

[kieranc79]

As a young ATCO in the UK with no kids, I have been looking at job prospects abroad and had considered applying to jobs in the middle east. Is it really as bad as made out here or is it just a case of having the problems faced by most ATC units these days. Not enough Staff, not enough leave space, Management etc etc. You could hear that at any unit. I like working at my unit but can't imagine spending the next 30 years here and so would be interested to here from UK ATCO who have moved abroad. Where can you move? I'm TWR APR rated (no area) can I get jobs in NZ SA Europe?

[TAVLA Northbound]

SA (Jo'burg App) a definite possibility. Don't even think of falling with your butt in the Cape Town butter:=

[throw a dyce]

Dct,
Most units have a certain level of medical problems,and I don't think that Dubai is any different.Is it that the real world levels of traffic are beginning to tell on those who escaped for an easy life?
As far as EBM goes he contributed to wrecking my career in the 80's at ABZ,and if I were you,I would get as far away from him as possible.This is after doing nothing but be about the most reliable Atco on the unit,then out comes the silent knife.Do not under any circumstance trust ANYTHING he says.He only got that job,because one of his blue eyed boys paid him back.Old boys network.He and the GM at the time did a lot of damage at ABZ,which has taken many years to repair.Looks like it's Dubai's turn.Listen to me from an ex expat.Get out of there.:suspect:

[Dct no speed]

Tavla Northbound-naay my bru thats not the place for a lanie in Joburg the crime is too woes ek sê! mmmmmmm Blouberg and the Stormers, Red wine and fire place? It is just the boss doen there.....

Throw a Dyce,

Oh do tell more pleeeeaaaaaase! The old boys force here is strong too. If you worked at ABZ, or even just co-ordinated with them at some stage you will climb the ladder. It also seem that having NO people skills is a requirement to get into the exclusive club.

Thanks for the heads up, like you said the Silent knife slices deep!

Thanks to some more options opening around the world, luckly some of us can move on now and hopefully look back on this someday as just a bad experience!

[roswell]

Not from DBX, but within the M/E. JDII has lost the plot here, definately no idea. Why would we encourage people not to apply and keep working harder and harder without leave etc. Really smart, not. All units are extremely short, I applaud those stating the facts to potential new comers. I would have appreciated it back when I applied. On top of the mediocre packages we are all on, lets not forget the adverse effect the weak US Dollar is having on our 'international pay'. We have to consider that GB has f#cked the US economy and confidence so badly that the US will never recover. If that is the case, nothing short of a 30% payrise would restore normality, and that is not going to happen. Things really are not as portrayed by employers in these parts either. Those looking at coming must put a lot of thought into it. I'm not going to say come, so I can have leave, have people arrive and then think what the heck am I doing, thanks for the info mate! Say it how it is so people have the facts to work on, it is a big decision to leave a home country, people deserve to know the truth.

[SINGAPURCANAC]

It seems that nothing have been changed at ME during the last 30+ years. I met some guys who worked there during the 70s and 80s and their stories were similar to today's stories. And no one of them said that was mistake in their life. As bunch of ATCOs waiting for their ME opportunity there is small possibilities that something will change in near future. Job at ME will always be :Morning TWR, afternoon APP, Night ACC and tommorow again...But bank bill in Switzerland ...

[NiceVectoring]

First post, but I followed the talk about Dubai for quite some time now. I'm currently looking for a deal in Dubai and there is a good possibilty I will show up there in the not to distant future to ease the burden for you guys a bit. I think it's really good that you guys inform us what can be expected to get at least mine expectations on a modest level.

A few quick questions...
The guys that are leaving, what kind of "fines" or whatever did they get for breaking their contracts early?
What's the average age of the controllers (youngest/oldest etc.)?
What's the extra pay for overtime?
Except the shortage of controllers (that is a worldwide shortage, except at my current workplace where we are currently the number we should be) and the payment that is no longer as good as it once was, what's the most important issue with this place, please let me know some good things as well, if there are any!?

I'm a single guy interested in trying out a different culture and a lot of traffic for a couple of years before returning home, would you advise me to come or skip it?

[choclit runway]

Hi NV

The fines have been heavy! I believe up to around AED 70K (£10000). In slight defence of the company, these guys only did a year of a three year contract and a large proportion of that fine (I am guessing now) would be to pay back the AED 35K furniture allowance on arrival (5 year tie).

No overtime worked although expect to have to work a few extra nights instead of afternoons through the summer to allow an extra leave line.

Average age? Very mixed from oldschool IAL chaps approaching retirement to young nationals in there early twenties just getting into the game.

Unfortunately manning and the money are the biggies here but other irritations are bad equipment, poor transport for getting too and from the tower/rdr room (airside), some over-zealous security staff and the automatic suspension and retraining package (min 6 days) if you have ANY kind of loss of separation. This is not a subjective, progressive learning system but a pretty draconian waste of time that encourages cover-ups. Dont expect the same levels of airmanship from our customers here as in the UK.

Good stuff. Some fantastic people, HOT weather, great bars and nightlife, cheap cars, sandy beaches, exploring the emirates, golf bla bla bla. If you've got a hobby at home the chances are you will be able to do it better and cheaper here (unless you are the Dorset Dominoes champion).

Leave work at the door and have a ball. APPARENTLY there's ANOTHER new package on the way??????????

My advice, sit back and watch for a few months!

[John Doe II]

ATTN.: Dct no speed


I am not
Quote:
warning people not to join DXB
but just giving them a heads up.


Ok, so what is this?


Considering Dubai from elsewhere in the world????

....be warned



If You have another option than Dubai, consider that rather


Isn't that a warning?


We are 30% understaffed

Based on what? Your math or Serco's?


I am not knocking this place to get an Increase


Sure you are! Otherwise you wouldn't moan :ugh:


but mearly giving the facts to those that might turn up here


Ok, so what is facts? Simple facts like salary, housing or your opinion? I hear what you're saying re. the out of control inflation in the UAE etc., but would you be living in something like "Emirates Hills" back home? Guess not! Do they pay your housing back home as well? Guess not! Do they pay flights and utility bills? Guess not! Do they give you a bonus after 3 years service back home? Guess not! Are your home country tax free? Well most likely NOT!
The lifestyle here are still easier than other conutries! Cheap cars and fuel; lots of places to travel to when you need fresh air; weather great 8-9 months of the year.


Your way of asking questions also smell of great "office material"


You guessed wrong. Just trying to see both sides of the coin. With the growth of the aviation business in the ME, increases for controllers will come, and CVs will again be knocking on the doors.

John Doe II

[NiceVectoring]

Hi NV
The fines have been heavy! I believe up to around AED 70K (£10000). In slight defence of the company, these guys only did a year of a three year contract and a large proportion of that fine (I am guessing now) would be to pay back the AED 35K furniture allowance on arrival (5 year tie).
No overtime worked although expect to have to work a few extra nights instead of afternoons through the summer to allow an extra leave line.
Average age? Very mixed from oldschool IAL chaps approaching retirement to young nationals in there early twenties just getting into the game.
Unfortunately manning and the money are the biggies here but other irritations are bad equipment, poor transport for getting too and from the tower/rdr room (airside), some over-zealous security staff and the automatic suspension and retraining package (min 6 days) if you have ANY kind of loss of separation. This is not a subjective, progressive learning system but a pretty draconian waste of time that encourages cover-ups. Dont expect the same levels of airmanship from our customers here as in the UK.
Good stuff. Some fantastic people, HOT weather, great bars and nightlife, cheap cars, sandy beaches, exploring the emirates, golf bla bla bla. If you've got a hobby at home the chances are you will be able to do it better and cheaper here (unless you are the Dorset Dominoes champion).
Leave work at the door and have a ball. APPARENTLY there's ANOTHER new package on the way??????????
My advice, sit back and watch for a few months!

Thanks for the reply!

What about social life, If I would come as a single guy without knowing anyone in the city. Do you arrange any events at work to get together? The average citizen/colleague, are they keen to make new friends, get together and do things, put simply....what can I expect? Or are there just couples and families at work, minding their own business?

[Dct no speed]

Nv,
The scene at the Barasti from Thursday to Saturday night is something to behold.......Bogey rich enviroment!

I have made some great friends out here, but also know that some guys and girls really struggle to make friends and form relationships!
I recommend that you come and look at the place first, get a feel for the place! It is not everyone's cup of tea. There are only two kinds here(my idea not fact) those who love Dubai and those who hate Dubai. Some have been here for 100's of years and hated every minute of it! Steer clear of these guys!
We have end of year functions and regular pow wow's at the Country Club (bitch and moan sesions followed by free food and booze)

Some of the crews have "Exclusive Golf Club Memberships" (good excuse to go buy Booze at the Barracuda) some have drinks after second afternoon shift to get in the mood for the night shift some Dive together and some organize Crew breakfast(WARNING !!!!!!!!!! FACT)

As I might have stated earlier, as so nicely pointed out, I am warning you that everything is not as advertised so please do your home work.

JD11(enough with the red all ready)
Maybe you do not have to pay in 25 000 a year on "Suitable" Acommodation, after you where told, that the allowance will cover your housing, after paying in 10 000 the year before or paying in half a monts salary on schoolfees that was also suppose to be covered by the allowance. Maybe you also get 3 cycles of leave as promised where some guys have been told that they can have 2 and thats it.Maybe you have not been bitten yet, so you would not know.

30% go ask the figures from the boys in the Offices. What our staff should have been for the opening of the second runway/dual ops and what we have now. Why suddenly only one tower controller when 2 was the plan?:=

Emirates hills who lives there? The guy from Finland?:}

Cheap cars and fuel .Yes! (a motivation to move here.. no!)Tax free? Road toll service fees at bars and restaurants, hidden cost here and there possible VAT?

The only reason they now pay a bonus after 3 years(not for new guys only for contracts ending 2008 and earlier) is to try and stop the damwall from breaking. It has never been done before ever in Dubai.....never....looks like someone is worried that with more staff leaving we could be in some serious pooo!!!!!

I actually like Dubai but after seeing some guys leave recently who had the wool pulled over their, eyes felt the need to warn my fellow man about the pitfalls here. I am Happy that you are happy, at least not another resignation from you then!

NV,
I think that Dubai for a young guy/girl can be a great place (if you can addapt here) You will get to work with people from all over the world and in a multi cultural mixingpot. You will see cars and driving like nowhere else in the world(FACT) The nightshifts are something to get use to!

Travel when you are here and go see the world; places like Thailand, Jordan, Maldives, Oman and so much more, can be done on off days!
Go out and explore around the City, but be warned not all the ladies here might like you for your good looks and sparkling personality, but more for your way of paying!

Just one thing......make sure that anything that you negotiate before you do make your decision to come here, is in Black and White, as gentelman's agreements are quickly forgotten in the heat of summer!

Come visit and bring your sunnies, sunblock, sense of humor and sense of adventure. Leave the camera behind you can buy a flashy new one here summer specials are on! :ok:

SEE NOT JUST MOANING! :O

[NiceVectoring]

Great reply, Dct!! Very much appreciated! I'm gonna dig in to that a bit and see if there is anything else that might be of interest! Thanks again!

A quick question, DUAL runways and only ONE twr-controller? How many ground controllers? Let's just ask, what is the typical high-traffic staffing in the tower? It can't be just ONE ground and ONE twr right? Clearence delivery? Lots of curious questions, please enlighten me!

[choclit runway]

Are your home country tax free? Well most likely NOT!

At least the taxes are not hidden back home. I have never been to a country where so many hidden extras are added on (municipality fees and service charges, admin charges, parking meters everywhere and road tolls to come etc). A state that professes to be tax free should be just that.The powers that be are just too scared to put the name 'tax' to some of these expenses. That said.... It admittedly amounts to alot less than the 40% back home!:eek:

NV

Great social!!! Obviously the watches vary as do the people but if YOU are up for it then you wont go short of nights out. It can be a bit of a case of inviting yourself sometimes but in my experience anybody making the effort to get on the social scene here is warmly welcomed and tends to fit in much better at work and the whole Dxb experience becomes a very pleasurable one.

Dct, spot on again mate.

JD2, you make some valid points and none of the serco employees would argue with what you said, however, if you still don't get what you are promised it can be very frustrating. Housing is rarely completely covered for a large family, neither is schooling and our medical plan leaves a bit to be desired also. Some of us do lead a better lifestyle than back home but that is kind of balanced by the fact that we left our family and friends there. YES, it's our choice, but Serco could certainly smooth the passage for us a bit more.

That said, I'm sat fat dumb and happy and had a very easy move here but I do sympathise with some of the people here that seem to get nailed by Serco.

CR:ok:

[choclit runway]

NV

Lost the thread a bit there........

Yeah, for now the dual r/way plan is one of each controller with GMP (delivery) 24/7. To be honest I think with a decent delivery controller restricting departure flow and if radar play the game, one controller will be enough. Especially when the airport is finished (ha ha), and we are in a position (taxiway wise) to fully utilise both runways.

At the mo' gmp is always rostered (when full staff compliment, i.e no-one sick) and opens for specified periods and as required.

I believe though that the plan is to have 2 tower controllers (air), one gmc, one gmp. I'm prepared to be corrected.

Been lots of talk of refurbs and electronic strips but not holding our breaths! Things can move slowly here!

If you are from a unit with a busy rt freq you will be fine here. The traffic and procedures are not complex. The biggest challenge for alot of westerners is tuning your ear to strong Iranian, Indian, and Russian accents to name a few... Oh and some of the SA controller sorts (oooh, the controversy, wait for the Jo'burg backlash shall I?).

Anyhows, like I said, wait for a pay announcement if I was you then come have look!

Ciao.

[throw a dyce]

Dct,
To answer your point(sorry bit slow responding) about ABZ mafia then you're correct to a point.It was called the Kemnay triangle here,and if you weren't in that lodge you had ''Nae chance''.EBM's blue eyed boys have done well,largely due to the fact they were that,but things have moved on hugely since EBM was in the UK.His style of management is from the stone age now,and could get you sacked in Nats.That's unless he was removed already,but he and the ex GM at the time,left ABZ a disaster zone.Lying about people on promotion application forms was a special.We used to see trawl notices,but said except at ABZ cos management will say anything to block it.I could give many examples but I think if anyone has a chance to escape the sandpit,then take it.There will always be people go to the sandpit for whatever reason,but take some body armour and don't be surprised when the knife flies at you.:hmm:

[Short Approach?]

Held my pen to the paper, ready to scribble my signature when I saw this thread. Surely it raises some issues, but I'm fortunate enough to be leaving something that isn't that great either so that seems to make the decision a bit easier.

Questions: Is overtime mandatory or will I be allowed to pass? I'm coming for the time off, not the job.

Extra nightshifts. Is it MMENNNSOOO then? Or will I loose some of my days off?

Where do all you guys live? We are thinking about a house in Springs or Lakes. What would your advice be?

Hang in, the beer drinking substitutes are coming before you know it. Get that raise please!!!

Cheers!

[choclit runway]

Hey SA

Glad to hear we are getting a fresh one!!!

Through summer, to allow an extra leave line, you will have to do one, maybe two cycles of this pattern: mmnnnnsooo. You wont loose days off. Overtime rarely offered and not mandatory, you are more likely to be offered a deal, some kind of swap, if staffing becomes a real problem.

Springs and particularly Lakes are great if you can get in. A few of your Scandinavian Brethren are in Mirdiff which is an up and coming area very close to airport. You will avoid the traffic but beware low flying aircraft.

We live across the city. My advice is get your name on the list for Palma Springs Villas with the admin office. It's not for everyone and the waiting list is long but offers prime location at bargain prices and with the rumoured leavers the list should move fairly quickly. The villas are a bit older than average but very spacious with nice communal pool area etc. If you go and have look when you arrive and dont like it you can take your name off the list with no harm done.

Will look forward to that cold one. Any more questions, just ask, PM me if you like.
CR:ok:

[prowler]

hey guys

TAKEN on ANOTHER RIDE here in the SANDPIT...

For all those thinking or still CONSIDERING a move here..Think MORE THAN TWICE!

Apart from the so called Retention Scheme, & the increases in allowances, these so called increases will ONLY be effective ONCE our OLD Contracts have expired.......:yuk:

Also for 'those' who think that us in the SANDPIT are trying to keep people away from joining, they got it wrong again! For sure they dont know the place as much as we do, & for us it would be better to have more staff for more breaks , as in the meantime people ARE STILL LEAVING & are ABOUT TO CONTINUE LEAVING by YEAR END!:hmm:

And, for our dear management, to show their appreciation for our few breaks off, we have ALREADY started working on twin rwy ops on 12 direction,, BUT WITH ONLY 1 ATCO, as opposed to what our dear 'friends' down in AUH - GCAA have recommended......although soon we should get 2...of course when......the Staffing Levels are increased....one day ...one day....:D

Last thing,, as the so called 'Retention Scheme' did not have any positive results...... we were told that a NEW Increase could be on the way.....

Approved by Middle Management.....DCA Management......but..

waiting for H.H.Sheikh Ahmed to sign it off... & EBM to......

Guess what...

Both are AWAY on either EXTENDED OFF - LEAVE or recently away for a Month or more.....

It is TRUE...TIME = MONEY!!!!!!:ugh::ugh::ugh: