Shady Contract

[Philip III]

Just got a contract for an interview with salary and expenses by reputable co. When real contract came out, expenses were included in salary and I was told salary I saw was for Capt not FO. Anyone heard of that?

[Hansol]

Give us a clue, which company and where would you be based?

[Philip III]

Ok, Storm aviation to work for Xl in UK and Miami Air in US

[Hansol]

Storms an agency right? Those guys make their own rules up.

[A Very Civil Pilot]

Warning, non legal advice follows:

If they offered you a specific salary and expenses at interview, even verbally, and you accepted and agreed to those conditions, then you have entered a contract. If they then choose to change these details it's up to you to challenge it.

You need to weigh up the pros and cons of this, the worst case being the job offer cancelled. However as it is an agency, there might be more scope for negotiation, as whatever they are paying you, they will receive far more from the airline.

[Dan Winterland]

You have to be careful with dealing with any contract company. Even the more 'reputable' companies try and pull fast ones. I had verbally agreed to do a contract through a large contract company which I won't name, but may or may not be based in Ireland. Once I had agreed, I got a phone call to say the pay was reducing by quite a considerable amount.

I told them to get lost. :p

[411A]

Ah yes, the 'ole bait and switch game.

Remember, if it ain't WRITTEN, it is no good.
Verbal agreements are he said-she said, and are worthless, legally, in the air contractors arena.

[devokeuk]

Is there a bench mark when it comes to daily rates? I am 757/767 rated SFO with over 2000 hours, and will be looking for contract work in the winter. I have never done this before so its a new playing field for me.

Is it acceptable to contact airlines directly rather than going through an agency? I understand that the tax side of things then becomes my responsibility.

I would be grateful for any advise,

Ta.

[411A]

I hate to break it to you, devokeuk, but unless the agency/company has agreed to pay the taxes for you (highly unlikely) the taxes due are most certainly your responsibility....either way.

And, airline companies use an agency for a reason, among them is the ability of sheding folks without recourse for any reason whatsoever, and oftentimes sign an exclusive with one agency, so going 'directly' to the specific airline is generally not possible.

So, what we have is...

keep your nose clean, and follow company and agency procedures and, most important...don't believe anything without getting it firmly in writing, and even then it can be changed by the airline company at their whim.
The agency works for the airline, so they have no leverage whatsoever and in most cases, will not go to bat for you if difficulties develop.

Not being negative you understand...just realistic.
Better you should know now rather than find out the hard way.

[Molokai]

Exercie caution! The present scramble for experienced pilots has brought about a lot of shady and dodgy character and agencies. I had read something of such a scam with agencies dealing with Korean as well as in the thread about Jet Airways Recruitment in Malasia. As the ever wise 411A said, get everything in writing! Good luck.

[wheelbarrow]

Yes be very careful indeed.

Quite a few people professional pilots are being ripped off with very dodgy deals indeed,
Recent case which going to court soon should show up alot of fraud and embesselment within a Scottish Airline and a contract agency in Woking Surrey.

Beware of the Fossil and The blond!!!

[devokeuk]

Thanks folks for your replies.

Wise words from all of you. I understand the importance of getting things in writing, as I have been stung in the past!

Thanks again,

Devokeuk