4,052 New Cabin Crew

[LadyMatilda]

From AAR end of year review - "349 Ab Initio courses to train 4,052 new cabin crew".

Hardly something to brag about. Perhaps if some effort went into retaining people, rather than pissing them off - the training load / cost might be well and truly reduced. Hell, we might even have some experience (instead of a kindergarten) in the cabins...
:ugh:

[Nikita81]

I guess they have to provide jobs for all of those wasta trainers at the college...

[jack schidt]

Counting on your support he says! Sorry AAR but the workforce is too far past the goodwill to go the extra mile anymore! The terms and conditions and changes which have led to a tired and demoralised workforce leads to unmotivated staff who can't give a :mad:

The truth will show in 2015, as this is going to be the year that a change will come in EKs staff where people are leaving in preference to putting up with such nonsense and complete lack of respect for its staff.

Jack

[sluggums]

You guys actually read his emails! Instantaneous delete, just like any TCAS email.

[SOPS]

He wants our support? What support does he ever give us?

[Swansafa]

I haven't read his crap but please indicate what exactly he "wants" our support for so I can do the exact opposite if possible.

[Nikita81]

Arabs are fascinated with sizes and large numbers. I guess nobody told them that some numbers are better small.


2000 EMIRATES FLIGHT ATTENDANTS RESIGNED IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR?

https://donotflyemirates.wordpress.com/2014/12/29/2000-emirates-flight-attendants-resigned-in-september-this-year/

[vfenext]

Im no fan of EK management but that do not fly emirates blog is just a load of BS. Some disgruntled nit wit being led by their ego on a stupid rant.

[777boyindubai]

It's a great blog. Well done to the lady who writes it. And to all who contributed. I am no fan of EK Management. Most of what I read is true.

[Nikita81]

This is what one commenter thinks of AAR (I don't know much about him):

Sandy:
While the Airline has been very successful in its marketing, branding and expansion, I can sense a growing lack of morals, ethics, common sense, social competence within the organization. Greed, general incompetence, laziness and “taking the easiest road” is everywhere, as is many employees paralyzing fear of doing something wrong, taking any kind of responsibility outside their work description, and pointing out cracks and problems in procedures and organizations. A lot of this stems from one persons table, AaR. This person’s inability and social and cultural incompetence is a major factor that eats this company from the inside. That he is an “untouchable” and at the same time sits on 2 chairs is extremely unfortunate. He seems to enjoy warning, scaring, punishing, shouting at and firing employees. This colors the attitudes and behaviors downwards…

Whole comment can be found this link:
https://donotflyemirates.wordpress.com/2014/11/14/consider-this-blog-as-a-way-for-your-voice-to-be-heard/

[Nikita81]

Im no fan of EK management but that do not fly emirates blog is just a load of BS. Some disgruntled nit wit being led by their ego on a stupid rant.
Didn't see this comment. :)

Glad to meet you, vfenext. I am the stupid one who writes those stupid things.

If you have any doubts regarding credibility of that blog, you can ask me about it, but, please, ask here (not in pm), I would love to provide you with evidence that everyone can read.

Kind regards,
Dragana

Edit. I guess you haven't noticed that blog contains many stories, from many different people, not just from "some disgruntled nit wit". You should read the whole blog. :) Or you think that hundreds of people who left their comments and stories there are nit wits as well?

[jack schidt]

Well replied Dragana,

You cannot beat the truth and being open and honest. I would like to hear the poster who opposes your site and post to come up with a rant/question session here and see how well he/she fairs!

Jack

[Nikita81]

thank you, jack and 777.

[777boyindubai]

Well said Jack and Dragana. Gold Najooms for you both. 366000 readers and counting in less than four months. Keep Blogging!!

[Capetonian]

I know several people who have worked for EK (CC and flight deck), and it's what I've heard from them that is one of the many reasons I boycott the airline.

Foul place, foul airline.

[Nikita81]

366000 readers and counting in less than four months

It's actually around 450.000. Wordpress has some problems in counting hits occasionally.

[777boyindubai]

Apologies, Dragana. Having read your blog over many days, your ability to tell it like it is is clear to see. I ain't crossing you, lady!!! 450,000 it is. So for every 1 cabin crew EK recruited in 12 months, 100 times that number have read your blog in four months. An interesting statistic.

[jack schidt]

I hope Dragana gets 1m + and then it might make the press or otherwise! PM sent D

[vfenext]

Or you think that hundreds of people who left their comments and stories there are nit wits as well?

Yes I do, there's never a shortage of complainers and the truth NEVER lies in one side of the story. As I said I'm no fan of the EK style of management, especially in the last couple of years but some of the comments are OTT to say the least. The truth as I know it is not represented on that blog, it's just embarrassing drivel from people who will be disruptive wherever they work. Get a job where you can join a union, see where that gets you!

[SOPS]

IMHO one person is going to be responsible in destroying this airline.

[Nikita81]

Yes I do, there's never a shortage of complainers and the truth NEVER lies in one side of the story

It is true that there is never a shortage of complainers, but I guess when that number of complainers represents majority, that side is where truth lies.

[Am NOT Sure]

Your racist comments about Arabs are not appreciated

your hatred for emirates is the result of ur attitude

Find something worthy of ur life instead of bashing EK 24/7 on every public forum

Don't mistake my intentions .. They are neither favoring ek nor you

[vfenext]

You really believe the complainers are the majority? And the truth only lies with the majority? You're more of a nit wit than I originally thought.

[Nikita81]

Being a racist is when you assume someone's intellectual and physical abilities based on their race. "Racism" is a pretty strong word here. It was rather a "burj Khalifa" kind of joke.

This is the only public forum where I participate.

I don't hate Emirates or anyone else. I am hurt by their exploitation methods and the way they treat employees like dirt. My attitude is just not an attitude that everyone would expect: "go home, find another job and leave your bullies to bully more people after you". I choose not to be a victim and I choose to get the money they owe me back.

I am not mistaken your intentions, so please - don't mistaken mine. I have the right NOT to be a victim and to fight for what belongs to me.

It's whole company against one girl. Do you really feel like defending the company? What is that saying about you or that company? When you come into a position to defend Emirates from one girl complaining of being abused and tortured with shifts and bullying, that is the best proof that something is seriously wrong with your arguments and Emirates.

I believe that at the working post truth does lie in a majority. After all - majority is what gets your job done, so if they are unsatisfied and unhappy, managers are making serious mistakes.

Since I didn't hear any question regarding credibility of my blog and things that I or others wrote there, I understand that there is no will for a rational and adult discussion here and I am withdrawing from this thread.

If you ever feel interested to know more about what is happening to people while you are telling them to shut up, accusing them of being stupid or malicious, feel free to ask me. Until then I wish you better manners in online discussions and, moreover, better arguments than insults and colourless hater attitude.

Thank you.

[FLEX/MCT]

VFEnext and am NOT sure, suffering from a bit of Stockholm syndrome?!

What I've read on the blog seems reasonable given what I've seen happen in this part of the world.

Also I'm not seeing any racism here.

Keep up the good work Dragana. :ok:

[fatbus]

Goes to show how out of touch EK management are, 4052 and no plan for attrition.

[Rather Be Skiing]

Goes to show how out of touch EK management are, 4052 and no plan for attrition.

Too true. With the number of CC wanting to resign so great that there is a cue before they can actually do so one would think EK might take notice.

A reasonable management response would be to determine why it is so high and try to address the issues to reduce it. Oh wait, the key there was "reasonable"! Never mind.

[777boyindubai]

VFEnext and am NOT sure, suffering from a bit of Stockholm syndrome?!

I guess this makes friend Flex/MCT against Swedes?

VFEnext by the same logic EK are racist against Serbians?

And AAR is the sweetest person at EK!!

Why don't you write a reasoned piece to share with us? Dragana is no racist. I've read the site as have many people I know. She strikes me as a warm and intelligent person who got royally screwed.

Why don't you guys write a piece defending EK not paying her the EOSB she was entitled to? She even reproduced the email from HR on her site.

There is no racism accepted here on pprune. None of us like it. EK are not racist. They &^%$ everyone the can regardless.

I know that the company are under some serious observation by various organisations in Europe and the US. That can only be a good thing as EK wish to fly there, then there will be a degree of scrutiny.

[Am NOT Sure]

I understand ur position .. But I have been far more tortured and abused by airlines
I like you dislike this attitude and mentality

I closely followed ur blogs and pprune comments with interest .. You had done what I failed to do and stood up for ur self

But reading some recent comments made me question ur intentions

You want to turn a company centered in a third world country into a first class European Lufthansa

Take it step by step and address core problems and perhaps one day we will catch that foul thread and burn it to the source

[givemewings]

The rapid exit of many CC nothing at ALL to do with the increasingly apparent generational dislike of being expected to act like an adult and put in a hard day's work is it?

Over the last year or so the attitude of many of the ones being recruited is appalling, they wouldn't get it away with it in many airlines let alone Emirates...

I don't disagree, that certain areas have slipped and are worthy of review, however listening to some of them whine you would think that they were here on an all expenses paid holiday and that being expected to actually work is getting in the way of their fun....

Ok so the way it's presented in the roadshows probably doesn't help but watching the eye rolling when some of them are asked to do something as simple as, oh I don't know, actually tend to the passengers is amazing to see...


No wonder all the seniors have had enough.... and I don't blame them. I'm no old fart myself but even I'm ashamed of the way some of them carry on.

Question re: EOSB, I was under the impression that if you get fired there IS no EOSB... since she was supposedly fired for misconduct then that would be why it wasn't paid.... not defending, just asking if that's correct with regard to the info....

[777boyindubai]

Givemewings

Agreed re the crew. Many of the seniors have a super work ethic. The grade 2s are a different kettle of fish. Bringing 4000 new crew this year speaks volumes for the service. Two IOs have told me that they are now trying to avoild flying EK.....

Please read Dragana's blog. She is indeed entitled to EOSB and has a letter from HRBS VP Amanda Carswell saying so.

They won't pay here in spite of that. I think it is 500 Euros or so.....

[Emmax]

If true, it's sad to see that Emirates has taken this kind of path.

I worked with them as cabin crew between 1996 and 2002. I had six good years with them. Top notch accommodation in central Dubai, really good trips, fantastic pay and a really good lifestyle in general. Adventures, parties, yachthing, shopping, sunbathing and friends. In return, they did work you hard and expected the very best of you. Even in those days, you could easily be replaced.

Still, they were a rather small airline and perhaps with a different mindset of management. Most colleagues were fine but as in any organisation, you would of course find the odd ones who were on a power trip for whatever reasons, either a co-worker of yours onboard or someone from management. As long as you kept your noise where it wasn't wanted you would be absolutely fine.

Of course there is a backside to everything. Many people come to the Middle East because there is no other option, which is the sad and hurtful truth. Emirates is not for everyone, the Middle East certainly isn't. Each and everyone has their own individual reason for being there. Do research before you go there, consider the options you have and make your decision based upon those facts.

My own reason; after nursing school I wanted to do something else and adventurous. Those six years were the best time of my life. However, all good thing must come to and end. I was fed up with the Middle East. Do I regret it? No. Would I do it again? Never.

[Desert Camel]

I read a lot of people on here moaning and saying they won't go the extra mile, they have had enough, etc... however, what I see on the line is totally different. A lot of hard working people indeed, always thinking of helping the company in general!

[falconeasydriver]

Camel, then you are working for a different airline than I do. The hard workers as you call them are mostly those that respect their colleagues and have some personal professional pride. The problem as I see it is the reporting and backstabbing mentality that is embraced by certain nationalities, and is exploited by CC managers who rule with a callous heart.
The upshot is that there are plenty who will do their job and no more, there is no initiative shown, no attempt to be proactive and certainly a self preservation mentality shows through.
The upper echelons of EK are either ignorant of this reality, or they are deliberately fostering it. In a wider sense it is indicative of the mentality of certain local elements who view employees as a cost, and not a resource, moreover their attitude merely reflects a desire to "their" pound of flesh from those who should be "grateful" that they live and work in the "greatest City in the world"

[Nikita81]

I read a lot of people on here moaning and saying they won't go the extra mile, they have had enough, etc... however, what I see on the line is totally different. A lot of hard working people indeed, always thinking of helping the company in general!

When working with people and you are a decent human being, you will be polite and helpful, regardless of your job satisfaction. This humane feeling and professional integrity in its employees are exactly what company abuses: your humane approach to customers is free of charge, they don't need to pay for it or motivate you to be humane. It's sad, actually, how far would system go to be its own purpose.

But, nobody counts in (emotional, mental and physical) exhaustion of employees when no humane approach or integrity or sense of professional responsibility can prevent errors which turn back as expenditure, even greater than if employees were paid better at the first place.

Problem in Emirates is that nobody thinks about sustainability of the business. Most of the managers will hang around just enough to collect the bonuses from the first stage (abuse of employees' integrity), but most of them will be long gone (with bonuses in their pockets) in times when errors and tiredness start to make huge damage and eat the system from within.

It happened so many times to so many big players. It's just that people don't think beyond their life times and personal benefits.

The upper echelons of EK are either ignorant of this reality, or they are deliberately fostering it. In a wider sense it is indicative of the mentality of certain local elements who view employees as a cost, and not a resource, moreover their attitude merely reflects a desire to "their" pound of flesh from those who should be "grateful" that they live and work in the "greatest City in the world"

Well said. Disastrous way of thinking. Will bring the place right back into the sand.

[ironbutt57]

yes Nikita, you are spot on, all too common here in the region, majority of "managers" just in it for themselves, no vision for the future, lots of money flowing around, so the human costs are not a factor, and it's not only in aviation unfortunately...karma is a bitch, but it always comes around to bite you...

[Dlup9]

Nikita, I am interested in applying for Emirates as Cabin Crew and I find all the information you give confusing since it doesn't seem to be shared by the majority of people I encounter who work there, and your website is basically the only real source of bad pub about them (at least written by some 1 who doesn't type like a 6 years old)

Note that I do not accuse you of lying nor am I saying that you're a bad employee or person, I am just trying to understand why it seems so terrible for some, and so amazing for others.

I am already working in the industry, as both Cabin Crew and Purser, so I know that what they show and the "image" they sell is not always the reality and helps attracting all the young naive people, but if I compare the conditions, lifestyle and experience to most other companies I know, they are fine. Now I know they might not always respect them, but I know enough Emirates CC to know they respect most.

I work in north america, unionized, and it is not rare for me to work a 20 hours shift, sleep in a 2/3 star hotel, and report for work the next morning 7-10 hours after arriving for another 10 hours shift. Our union hurts us more than it helps us, as most unions in America have become corrupted businesses trying to make money more than anything else. I have all pensions plans/health benefits and a 35$US/hour salary, so I cannot complain, but our management is as terrible (as they are completely clueless and incompetent and work there because they are well connected) I have only 2 weeks vacation and 0 sick days paid. Im not here to rant about my work, because it also has many benefits and it is a well recognized company with thousands of employees, but my job is considered by most people I know to be "top in the industry" and to me, comparing with Emirates, it doesn't seem like its the devil incarnated that you seem to make it out to be.

Now when I go online, on Blogs/Instagram/Facebook etc. all I can see is the Emirates CC sharing about having the times of their lives, having the best job ever and loving Emirates. I literally have been trying for weeks to find accounts on Instagram and blogs of people not enjoying it (and I have seen hundreds by this point) and appart from a few people who seemed to have never worked a day in their lives thinking it was going to be a luxury cruise instead of a job, I cant find any legitimate one. Also in the Facebook groups there are CC saying they're having the time of their lives, or that their CC friends are there for 3-5 years loving it.

Now I do not think you are lying, I do believe some management are racist, incompetent, and most of all corrupted, but sadly that's the reality of the a lot of the world in 2014, its just more apparent and upfront than in NA and EU for example. At my work there are also quite a lot of people who think of our company the way you do of Emirates, actually there are a lot more (no 1 quits really though because of the money... that makes for a "great" atmosphere..) But somehow there are a lot of us who do fine, never even met our managers, get promoted quickly, and there are other people who get 8 complaints per month and get met by management monthly, or call in sick or miss their trips because they partied too hard the day before and get in trouble. People's attitude is what gets them in trouble with passengers and managers more than anything and they don't realize it. I have never had a complaint towards me in years of working and I know people with more than 15 years that are the same. But the other half the company gets a complaint every month since day 1. Doesn't make sense.

Also, threads like this are contradictory to everything I read on your blog, so i'm not sure which one is true? (2 users are current CC for Emirates replying and telling their side of the stories)
THINK TWICE BEFORE APPLYING @ EMIRATES ? CabinCrew.com (http://www.cabincrew.com/forums/think-twice-before-applying-emirates/217232/1)

Finally, if there are so many thousands of people quitting every month, including half of what they recruited in the whole 2014 year in September, why are new joiners still put in hotel so often because all accommodations are full and how is the company still running when its adding planes every month? I know that they are struggling a bit and are short-staffed, but it should be WAY worse than that the way you're describing it.

Humans are selfish by nature and work only for themselves, its not a plague that affects only the middle-east, shouldnt we do the same at Emirates? Just do your work by the book, ignore the pricks, don't let them get to you and when you are off work enjoy the amazing life opportunities it offers! It happens often enough that you get good crew and make good friends and can treat work as what it is, work, and live your life the rest of the time.

[GoreTex]

Dlup9,
lets see how many years you can fly 120 hrs per month with the typical emirates passenger, the posts your read are from 21 year old girls the first time away from home, lets see what they say after the honeymoon is over.
Dont do it, that's all I can say

[777boyindubai]

Why don't EK publish the results of the recent employment survey? Could it be that the results were devestating? They actually promised to do so. More planes. Huge cc resignations means cc fly more. They get sick. Try the 330 and 340 fleet for fatigue. We are looking at around 5% attrition on crew. We are all looking outside. It isn't easy to move with kids but we are still doing it. Our T and Cs are getting worse. Inflation is rising. Some of us have seen evicted from our homes of twenty years. Those of us that have been here a while tell it like it is. It is getting worse and worse. Don't come.

[Nikita81]

Humans are selfish by nature

Excuse of every selfish human being.

If you hate it in USA, come to Emirates. I never told a single soul not to accept Emirates offer. On contrary.

Finally, if there are so many thousands of people quitting every month, including half of what they recruited in the whole 2014 year in September, why are new joiners still put in hotel so often because all accommodations are full

I am not aware of this fact, please tell me your source?

[Trader]

Dlup9 - take it from a pilot then. C Crew are leaving faster than they can hire and almost every flight lately we have senior crew working junior positions. Have had 3 pursers acting as economy crew one night.

They leave because they get worked too hard and treated poorly. The 'adventure' is gone after a year that happens.

You may think your work is difficult in the US but it is nothing compared to EK cabin crew. Your hours and work rules don't come close especially when you factor night flights and ULR flying into the equation.

It is not a career job at EK but one for young souls to come, experience and leave.

Pointing to facebook and other social sites and stating that look "they love their jobs' is misleading. Everyone posts the 'fun stuff' on facebook.

[SOPS]

Yesterday's flight...2 pursers, 3 FG1.... The defence rests....

[Capn Rex Havoc]

Yesterday, so I was told by a friend, on a Bahrain flight, the cabin crew, (not the flight deck) did a Doha turn first, then stayed on the aircraft and did a Bah turn, with the new flight deck meeting them directly on the aircraft.

[fatbus]

Double turn is not new.

[Panther 88]

It is when not rostered for it. Haven't heard of this for the last ten years. Again, what is happening to the CCs is a harbinger for what is going on through the rest of the company. Can you say Gulf Air. Simple. Those who can leave, will. Those that have few if no options, will stay. And that includes CC and flight deck.

[SOPS]

I have not heard of a double turn for years.

[ruserious]

why are new joiners still put in hotel so often because all accommodations are full and how is the company still running when its adding planes every month?

Beacuse it is easier to organise for the massive numbers, than trying to place them in company accommodation at the start. The department that organises accommodation is not the most efficient to say the least :\ :ugh:

[harry the cod]

Perhaps if they took all the paraphernalia of photos, magnets, postcards, pot plants etc off their desks, it might imbue a greater sense of professionalism. What is it they say, clutered desk, cluttered mind? Not sure what that says about their SVP then, his desk is completely empty...........as is his office most of the time!

TOGA

Hope it wasn't a Grade 1 for your sake as only SFS's can operate as a purser. All crew can only ever operate one grade above their own. Pursers can work any. :ok:

Harry