Sept 29 then reply from Ghosh on 3 Oct -- all below :ugh::ugh::ugh:
-----Original Message-----
From: indigo flightcrew <
[email protected]>
Date: Mon, 10 Oct 2011
Subject: pilot/pilot management_ mis-management issues
Dear All
We are moved to tears by the CEO's well meaning email below.
he missed the point completely..pasted below are some pilot responses
for info of all.
.Yes he went to bat for the crew that screwed up but this was more
out of concern for the Airlines' reputation than for the pilots. .Did
he go to bat for pilots that anonymously work and have got kicked
about by OCC (roster).
We have the worst Flight operation department in the country run by
clerks and the executive pilots are all ball-less **** licking
suckers who should all resign.
Surprised that VP Operations has chosen not to respond. the issues are
flight operations related/specific and not CEO specific.
.We are sick of hearing that the CEO is working on the numbers and
pilot quality of life issue are important to him. This has been going
on since launch. WE do not see them being solved by well meaning
mails.its time someone kicked **** before the company's performance
slips behind the power curve.
Where are the chief pilots fleet captains and supervisors. Are so many needed?
The tear jerk-er mail failed to understand or address the basic
issues. Pilots in the Airline are orphans due to a lack of pilot
management.The VP and his cahoots have abdicated their
responsibilities.Meeting and get- together do not solve problems
decisive action does.
MR CEO please sit down and identify the basic issues and not the non
issues like pilot food and hotels that you have addressed. If you do
so earnestly we will not demand collective bargaining through a union.
The issues are:
1) Give flight Operations a leader and a decision maker.
2) Stop this practice of 7 month joining bonus for a few. Acknowledge
and appreciate ( words and kind) the role played by your existing
pilots.
3) Stop discriminating between co pilots All Jr co pilots, co pilots
and Sr co pilots should be on same terms and condition of employment
as applicable to each category.( Same pay and base pay etc)
4) stop discriminating between Captains and co pilots with respect to
layover allowance and 11/2 rotation.Have uniform fair and equitable
treatment for your pilots
5) Honour your Employment agreement in letter and spirit.VP HR should
consentrate on Human Resource development and not just pleasing the
Boss. To our mind HR should have not let the situation arise. Total HR
failure.
6) institute roster reforms,
7) sack those responsible for the present situation and show your
employees that you have taken control.
8) Do not try and buy pilot loyalty.Earn by your deeds and actions. We
are not whores.
9) Your pilots are demoralized and demotivated. They are tired and
becoming unsafe. Do not only talk about safety The SMS is for use and
not pleasing dGCA and your manuals. Identify the risks and the
earnestly take action to reduce it. .FDTL is as important as SOPs
tired are your major risk factor and flirting with FDTL limits will
only bring you grief.
10). Work on improving pilot moral and stop needless harassment of
pilots for minor SOP infringements.
If you earnestly desire better pilot/pilot managements relations
address the above ASAP.
If you start doing so by informing us rather than talking down to us.
Indigo Flight crew willing will declare peace and a ceasefire.....
cease fire u pto 31st dec '11.
No more mails from us till then
Hey guys lets give them a chance.
Flight Operations needs leadership and decision making
I
-----------------------
2. trainee pilots who still have to start their Carrier
3. company sponsored pilots who will never say any thing
4. Pilots with 50 hour contract who would fear that if they speak they
will be thrown out and will never get a salary hike
5. Co-pilots with AT who are in line for upgrade and mostly are too
young so count them out
6. now newly released captains who still do not have experience so in
case they loose their jobs they are as good as co-pilots
7. now Captains who want to become check pilots they would never say anything
8. also captains who have become check pilots want to become examiners
so count them out
9. captains eyeing management positions, count them out
10. captains who want to become fleet captains
11. beware of some moles in management who are two sided knifes.
12. never trust anyone in this game not even your left hand.
13. air force pilots who are like cheap labour and yes boss men
the road ahead is difficult but not impossible. its time to give them
back. what ever they are today its because of pilots. And one man who
is responsible for this sorry condition of pilots is SHAKTI LUMBA who
always treated every individual like an idiot.
when the time will come very few would stand up. once threatened by
company every one would back out as it is common Indian mentality that
i was not involved he is the one who started and forced every one into
it.
if we actually want to do some thing then it has to be full blown open
war. first get yourself a secure job so that in case management chuck
you out and every one backs out atleast you are safe with a job in
hand, once you have a job then call everyone for a meeting and there
and then make members keep all the formalities ready and complete and
waste no time and get the association registered before management
starts divide and rule.
pilot unity jindabad
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
03 October
From: Aditya Ghosh (President, GBP)
Sent: 03 October 2011 23:07
Subject: Reflections
Dear Pilot Colleagues,
I saw this email on Friday and the days and nights since then have
been extremely painful and sad for me. Actually, I am angry, sad and
disgusted - all at the same time.
Angry – because the email is anonymous and malicious; Sad – because
despite my best efforts at being personally available to back you,
support you and listen to you, the sender(s) did not feel the need to
come up to me directly and have a professional face-to-face
conversation; and disgusted – because of the language and tenor of the
email.
At first, I thought of ignoring this anonymous email. But I feel that
as I have remained accessible at all times and communicated with each
of you through some of the most challenging times our business has
ever faced, I will do so even now. The mail pasted at the end was
received on Friday, and I thought I would pass it on to all of you so
that everyone is in the loop, as I notice that the anonymous sender
(
[email protected]<mailto:
[email protected]>) did
not have all your email IDs.
While most of the content of the email is hurtful and incorrect, I
think we should pick on the ones that reflect your genuine issues and
we should work to resolve them.
I know that you are tired and frustrated. I am acutely aware of this.
Getting the numbers right and improving your quality of life is my top
priority. We need numbers and we need them fast! That’s the only
fundamental way to solve the rostering issues.
Would it not have been better to just come and talk to me? All of you
have my email id. Most of you have my mobile number. If you have an
issue, come and talk to me. If you are facing a problem, come and
raise it with me. If you have an issue with anyone, send me an email
directly. My job is to support you and protect you, keeping the best
interests of the organisation in mind.
I will not respond to any of the personal attacks on me. It is below
my dignity to do so.
This email forced me to reflect and recall if there has been a single
instance in my time at IndiGo where I have spoken or addressed or
dealt with any of my colleagues in an unprofessional manner. If I have
ever been rude to anyone. If I have ignored anyone. If I have ever
treated anyone with indignity. I tried to think of one problem or
challenge that any of my colleagues brought up to me – whether it be
professional or personal in nature - and it remained unresolved. If I
have ever used language that compromises your dignity. I could not
think of one. But then again, you are better judges than me.
What flashed before my eyes, were the scores of instances where I have
actively and personally defended our pilots before the DGCA,
passengers, police, media and competitors. Of all the hours that I
spend on seeing whether your meals are edible, whether your hotels are
comfortable and safe, whether your cars are clean. You, pilots, decide
your crew meals. You decide what you want to eat and how much you want
to eat. I have never interfered with crew meals. Is this what it comes
down to? I don’t know how many of you know this, but this anonymous
email was even forwarded to the media by some of our colleagues! I
leave it to you to decide, how ethical and professional it was to do
that.
It is ironical that this email comes at a time, when I have personally
been spending hours for the past several weeks on working out a Pilot
Welfare Scheme that will benefit all IndiGo pilots. I will announce it
soon once I have ironed out some details.
I am working on a Dead-Heading Allowance for you all.
I revised the international layover allowance.
I have been working to see how soon we can start layovers in Bangkok.
All this, not because you asked me for it. I work on these ideas because I care.
I find it strange that while the whole world is at the brink of a
major financial crisis, while the western economies are on their
knees, while the middle east is reeling under the burden of debt and
insolvencies, while every business worth its salt is running to India,
some of my colleagues are considering leaving behind a stable career,
growth opportunities and their homes for a few dollars more. I wish
some of my younger colleagues take time to talk to some of the senior
pilots to find out what it feels like to go through an economic
downturn and the value of a stable job and career.
While some of our competitor airlines are melting down around us,
IndiGo is the only airline where there hasn’t been a single instance
when a salary has got delayed even by a day, where there has been
never any retrenchments, where there has been never any salary freeze
– let alone pay cut, where every year we have had promotions and
upgrades, where regular bonuses have been paid to the crew. Today, we
have one of the best compensation packages and terms and conditions of
employment in the industry. We are reputed to be the most
professional. We are the only ones who can confidently show a path of
growth for all our colleagues.
Is everything perfect? Absolutely Not! Are we the best in India?
Absolutely Yes! Will we do everything possible to improve
continuously? Without a doubt!
Just over a month back, I wrote to each one of you and said that I
know that each one of you is putting in an incredible amount of effort
to keep our planes flying safely. I truly appreciate the fact that
whenever almost any of you have been approached to take a flight
assignment either at a short notice or on your day off, maximum
cooperation has been received from all. I often say that I have the
best job in the world because I get the opportunity to come to work
every day with such a bunch of talented and dedicated colleagues. We
are in the midst of rapid and sustained expansion. IndiGo plans to
reach 55 aircraft strength by end of March 2012, a growth which lot of
airline take years to achieve. By any measure, anywhere in the world,
this is a phenomenal rate of growth and such bold moves have taken
IndiGo to no. 2 position in the Indian aviation sector in just 5 years
of operations. This growth does have it’s share of challenges too.
Since the launch of operations, we have faced many challenges in our
pursuit of making IndiGo the best airline in India. We have succeeded
in meeting every one of these challenges with the support of each one
of you. It’s our constant endeavor to ensure that IndiGo grows and
succeeds at every step and I take this opportunity to thank each one
of you for your hard work and sustained efforts. The contribution made
by each one of you has been commendable. IndiGo is not what it is
today because of just you or me or any individual, but it is the
result of what we all contribute together …. as one team! Having said
that, we will never compromise on safety. We will never flout any
rules.
I would like to apprise you that we are making all efforts to improve
the Pilot numbers and leaving no stone unturned to get maximum numbers
on board. Innovative hiring techniques and through consistent efforts
by our Pilot Resourcing team. Some of these efforts include offering
“temporary” financial incentives for new pilots to join us. This is
not because the company wants to spend more money than it needs to,
but only because I want to ensure that we have adequate numbers … and
quickly. So that each of you gets enough rest and relief. So that
roster issues become a thing of the past. So that you feel comfortable
in contributing to our growth.
You can help too. Try to convince as many good human beings and good
pilots to apply with us and join the line as soon as possible. Several
matters directly hinge on our success in this endeavour, including the
core of all our pilot complaints – rostering disruptions.
I had said that it will take a few months to get us there and asked
you to hang in there with me! However, this anonymous email appeared
in less than a month.
My personal commitment and responsibility to make IndiGo, not only the
best airline to work for but also one of the best companies to work
for remains unchanged. If you have ideas, then don’t keep it to
yourself. Send them to me. If you want to do something about it, apply
to become a Fleet Supervisor or just support me on the line. Come be a
part of the solution with me. I always say, while we can’t solve all
the problems, if I know the issues directly – big or small, we can do
something about it.
You and I are “colleagues”. I hate the word “management”. I never use
it. We are with you, and together, I have no doubt that we will
overcome this challenge. You are good and dedicated professionals, and
we are going to come out of this feeling proud that we worked
shoulder-to-shoulder through this difficult period and emerged as
victors on the battlefield. It is time to unite … but unite as one
company … as one organization … as one IndiGo.
I am waiting to hear from you individually.
I know that – I am the I in IndiGo. Are you?
Aditya
-----------------
Sep 29
On Thu, Sep 29, 2011 at 7:14 PM, indigo flightcrew <
[email protected]> wrote:
Hello Comrades,
"Lal Salam"
The time has now come to unite and demand fair labour practice, equal
work equal pay,workman rights, workman protection under the Industrial
disputes act, a n effective grievance redressal system,bettter working
conditions, right for collective bargaining and work hour limits,
fatigue protection as per the DGCA CAR on FDTL IMMEDIATELY, rather
than 6 months down the line. Pilot fatigue is now becoming a major
safety issue and a very very high risk factor. These safety aspects
have to be addresses specially with the demanding Int'l flight
rostering and minimum rest provided.
we feel that the company has lost its commitment to pilots,its respect
of pilots and no longer proactively addresses our
grievances.employment contracts are no longer uniform and equitable or
fair.IN FACT THE CONTRACT IS BEING VIOLATED BY MANAGEMENT'S OWN AND
CONVENIENT INTERPRETATIONS. In the absence of any united front flight
ops and HR have started taking advantage of the non solicitation
clause,unfortunately they have forgotten that pilots are ' highly
skilled workmen'and not unskilled labour.The CEO is too busy " pussy
footing" and the airline for him begins and ends with cabin attendant
who are deemed to be his right. IndiGo can no longer boast of as a
Best place to work for company specially for pilots.In fact it is now
the worst airline for pilots to work for..... its either we unite and
asset ourselves of continue to be discriminated and just quit in
DISGUST.
Anumber of us are already on the look out for other jobs and are
considering ME&SE Asian Airlines specially after The Emirates Work
shop and open houses. Singapore is coming next followed by others as
we get to know of any interviews we will let you all know. Pilot
placement firms( address avail on the net just google pilot placement)
are looking for pilots for China expect at lease 16,000USD Tax
free..Let IndiGo try and get its pilots with 30L or 50L or 80 L
joining bonus if they desire. The demand for pilots in Asia far
exceeds the available supply and this airlines thinks and treats
pilots are whores. They seem to forget that its us poor suckers who
are flying our buts off and giving them their OTP, safe operations and
schedule integrity..... and Not the Cabin Crtew or HR or Finance Or
Commercial.If we do not push that throttle.. Gangwal and Bhatia can
start an a aircraft leasing company
. For how long chums are you going to be screwed and the Air India
guys collect a cool 30 L to join and then a full 1 to 2 month salary
for sitting on their arses while the "Sahara style Operations
Management and Training Dept fiddles while the Airline burns. The
Airline is being run by clerks since the pilot managers are to busy
politicking. Big boss Mian is to high and mighty and can not be
disturbed he is a Vice President. The Chief pilots if contactable only
promise to get back to you finally no resolution, on decisions on
lectures in perfect English.
There is no pilot shortage,. Only pilot utilisation mismanagement,
training failures due policy and training slot management. Only 60%
of pilots are available to fly the rest are on paid holiday since no
body is committed to the airline. We 60% suckers are getting screwed
with cancelled leave, differed off days 100 hrs a month and more than
20days a month. A number will be hit the 1000 hour limit. Then perhaps
we will get some rest.
The Co Pilot are being discriominated against in a big way.A Co Pilot
is as important a member of the crew as the Captain then Why are they
not entitled to the 11/2 rtration, why are there 3 different co pilot
salary structures..
Pilot grouses go on and the spouses are also likelyto go away if we
husbands/wifes are absent so long and when home just too god damned
tired to do anything but sleep.....Poor Quality of life issues are
now wrecking our family lives.
We are now getting fed up of bengali babu rumtumtum,school master
saleem mian and his band of chum cha executive pilots and the actual
bosses who are the training section and roster clerks.
If there are other like thinking pilots then just do a copy to all
post your comments on this forum site.
Theilot personal email data base is only partially complete and will
take time to consolidate. you are requested encouraged to forward
this mail to as many of your
friends who may not be on the '''''To Field'''''
The next step is a referendum by mail and then to nominate at least 5
members to start a Pilot welfare society followed by a full blown
registered pilot association.... for which the time has come now.
pilots can always get protection also by becoming members of any one
of the PILOT ASSOCIATIONS.
You cam contact Girish Kaushi, former JetAirways who reired at 65 and
has open membership to non JetAirways pilots also.
........
long live indigo pilot unity