Pilots of Australia - time to unite - Meeting Aug 23
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Media
Interesting to see how it will be reported by some
Maybe unlikely to be reported by Ch7 (Jetstar sponsors Sunrise) or Ch9 (QF Inflight news).
Great turnout. Thanks to those who spoke (great to see QF Capts vowing their support too).
Unity is the key.
Maybe unlikely to be reported by Ch7 (Jetstar sponsors Sunrise) or Ch9 (QF Inflight news).
Great turnout. Thanks to those who spoke (great to see QF Capts vowing their support too).
Unity is the key.
Time to unite guys, I'm glad something is finally happening that is positive for us all.
If the Pilots could do it in the US recently, I'm sure we can too. Hopefully we can pin on the wings and walk through the terminal with our heads held high once again, instead of avoiding eye contact with the punters as we scurry through the halls to our fortified office.
One for all and all for one!
If the Pilots could do it in the US recently, I'm sure we can too. Hopefully we can pin on the wings and walk through the terminal with our heads held high once again, instead of avoiding eye contact with the punters as we scurry through the halls to our fortified office.
One for all and all for one!
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Call me a communist but its also time to make a kick back where it will hurt. To stop these cost cutting, terms and conditions eroding, corporate fat cats from paying themselves millions of dollars from their respective companies in the form of bonuses and shares, the government needs to change the taxation laws. A taxation rate of 99c in the dollar for taxable income above $1M would restrict how much these people can rip out from their companies' profits.
How can anyone justify $1M+ salaries for pushing papers around and slashing costs by cutting workers pay and conditions. This is not just restricted to airline executives. Bank CEOs spring to mind, as I'm sure there are many other examples.
How can anyone justify $1M+ salaries for pushing papers around and slashing costs by cutting workers pay and conditions. This is not just restricted to airline executives. Bank CEOs spring to mind, as I'm sure there are many other examples.
Sitting in that room with the other aviation professionals it really did feel like we were on the way back from the brink. Thanks to everyone who spoke , showed up and backed the day in any way shape or form.
Special mention to the mainline , vb , tiger and ga pilots .
FSO 136 will go down as the wonderful management idea that brought back pilot unity after a rather lengthy break.
good job people
Special mention to the mainline , vb , tiger and ga pilots .
FSO 136 will go down as the wonderful management idea that brought back pilot unity after a rather lengthy break.
good job people
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Westaway suggests some gutlessness amongst Jetstar pilots? Hollow threats?His point - Go-slows have been threatened but never acted upon.
From Fairfax media today...
Jetstar plan September go-slow
Paul Bibby
August 23, 2010 - 5:56PM
A meeting of four hundred mainly Jetstar and Qantas pilots has been encouraged to "not to do the airline any favours" next month - setting the scene for a go-slow that could cause delays for passengers across the network.
In an unprecedented show of unity, pilots from across the country packed into Sydney's Wolli Creek Rowers Club this afternoon to express their anger over the employment arrangements proposed by Jetstar as part of its expansion into Asia and Europe.
The media was excluded from most of the meeting, but a source close to the pilots said some had called for a strike as soon as tomorrow.
Officials from the Australian and International Pilots Association dissuaded the pilots from doing this - it would be considered illegal industrial action. But the source said the pilots were encouraged to "do what they could within the law".
This included refusing to show up early for pre-flight planning needed to ensure flights depart on time.
It is understood they are also considering refusing to work outside their scheduled hours to fill in for sick colleagues or to meet increased demand, and refusing to take on more than a minimum load of fuel, so that if there is an in-flight delay as a result of weather or air traffic, flights will have to be diverted.
"We don't want to do anything that will cause delays to passengers," a Jetstar pilot who declined to be named, said.
"But we do want Jetstar and Qantas to stop undermining our wages and conditions and opportunities to progress through the company by putting pilots into shelf companies where our EBA (enterprise bargaining agreement" doesn't apply."
Under the Jetstar's plans to expand into Asia, pilots will be transferred to the airline's new Singapore-Melbourne route where - despite flying Australian-registered A330 aircraft into Australia - they will be employed on private contracts under Singapore laws.
Singapore and Vietnam-based pilots would also be transferred to Australia where they would not be employed under the Jetstar Australia employment agreement, but through a "new Jetstar Group company" that would only be required to pay the award rate.
The pilots passed a unanimous motion declaring this strategy to be "an offensive attempt by Jetstar management...to pit pilots against each other to secure their careers". They also declared that they "no longer have confidence Bruce Buchanan as the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Jetstar group".
Every pilot was provided with printed extracts from the Fair Work Act explaining what actions they could take without being considered to have taken illegal industrial action.
Under the heading, "Industrial action does not include the following", was listed "the employee did not unreasonably fail to comply with a direction of his or her employer to perform other available work...that was safe and appropriate for the employee to perform".
Jetstar's head of corporate relations, Simon Westaway, said there had been rumours of a go-slow by Jetstar pilots for some time, but the airline's on-time performance figures remained among the highest of any Australian airline.
"We've got a good, tight airline that is committed to the best service delivery to customers," Mr Westaway said.
From Fairfax media today...
Jetstar plan September go-slow
Paul Bibby
August 23, 2010 - 5:56PM
A meeting of four hundred mainly Jetstar and Qantas pilots has been encouraged to "not to do the airline any favours" next month - setting the scene for a go-slow that could cause delays for passengers across the network.
In an unprecedented show of unity, pilots from across the country packed into Sydney's Wolli Creek Rowers Club this afternoon to express their anger over the employment arrangements proposed by Jetstar as part of its expansion into Asia and Europe.
The media was excluded from most of the meeting, but a source close to the pilots said some had called for a strike as soon as tomorrow.
Officials from the Australian and International Pilots Association dissuaded the pilots from doing this - it would be considered illegal industrial action. But the source said the pilots were encouraged to "do what they could within the law".
This included refusing to show up early for pre-flight planning needed to ensure flights depart on time.
It is understood they are also considering refusing to work outside their scheduled hours to fill in for sick colleagues or to meet increased demand, and refusing to take on more than a minimum load of fuel, so that if there is an in-flight delay as a result of weather or air traffic, flights will have to be diverted.
"We don't want to do anything that will cause delays to passengers," a Jetstar pilot who declined to be named, said.
"But we do want Jetstar and Qantas to stop undermining our wages and conditions and opportunities to progress through the company by putting pilots into shelf companies where our EBA (enterprise bargaining agreement" doesn't apply."
Under the Jetstar's plans to expand into Asia, pilots will be transferred to the airline's new Singapore-Melbourne route where - despite flying Australian-registered A330 aircraft into Australia - they will be employed on private contracts under Singapore laws.
Singapore and Vietnam-based pilots would also be transferred to Australia where they would not be employed under the Jetstar Australia employment agreement, but through a "new Jetstar Group company" that would only be required to pay the award rate.
The pilots passed a unanimous motion declaring this strategy to be "an offensive attempt by Jetstar management...to pit pilots against each other to secure their careers". They also declared that they "no longer have confidence Bruce Buchanan as the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Jetstar group".
Every pilot was provided with printed extracts from the Fair Work Act explaining what actions they could take without being considered to have taken illegal industrial action.
Under the heading, "Industrial action does not include the following", was listed "the employee did not unreasonably fail to comply with a direction of his or her employer to perform other available work...that was safe and appropriate for the employee to perform".
Jetstar's head of corporate relations, Simon Westaway, said there had been rumours of a go-slow by Jetstar pilots for some time, but the airline's on-time performance figures remained among the highest of any Australian airline.
"We've got a good, tight airline that is committed to the best service delivery to customers," Mr Westaway said.
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This is sad I have been discussing this issue with members and volunteers at an aeroclub where I am employed and too many say the industry has gone to the dogs, as a new grade III this is a sad start to a career I have dreamed of for a long time. With all the cadetships, the financial crisis and now the threat of jobs going offshore I see students starting to questions why they are doing their CPL's anymore. I tell them to be positive and do not give up on your dream and it is when others unite and fight to good fight it gives me hope that there are still those willing to make a stand. 
So now I ask what can I do to help?
So now I ask what can I do to help?
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Onya, all of you. You are now longer living in the shadow of 89, at last you have moved on, you have now become a force to be dealt with, keep the ball rolling, you deserve better, us 89ers are cheering!
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...and refusing to take on more than a minimum load of fuel, so that if there is an in-flight delay as a result of weather or air traffic, flights will have to be diverted.
Personally I'd be vowing to tanker as much fuel as possible & watch the delta burn go through the roof.
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I totally agree like that...
Sunday, I was on the brink of giving up the CPL (again!), disillusioned by the whole industry.
After attending the meeting, my fighting spirit was renewed...it was staggering to see such a turn-out, such solidarity and support, with a focus on the industry rather than individual benefits.
And although I'm not an AIPA member, or in any way involved in the airlines, I feel we in GA can watch and learn from yesterday's meeting....if we had that sort of togetherness in GA, perhaps we wouldn't have such shiiite T&Cs ourselves.
GWaS
Sunday, I was on the brink of giving up the CPL (again!), disillusioned by the whole industry.
After attending the meeting, my fighting spirit was renewed...it was staggering to see such a turn-out, such solidarity and support, with a focus on the industry rather than individual benefits.
And although I'm not an AIPA member, or in any way involved in the airlines, I feel we in GA can watch and learn from yesterday's meeting....if we had that sort of togetherness in GA, perhaps we wouldn't have such shiiite T&Cs ourselves.
GWaS
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Thank you girl with a stick,
This 'disillusion' can be contagious. My head drops when I hear a pilot whine and complain about the current situation and joke how you would have a better career elsewhere.
I completely agree, a united front would benefit many hopefully one day for those in GA.
Don't give up!!
This 'disillusion' can be contagious. My head drops when I hear a pilot whine and complain about the current situation and joke how you would have a better career elsewhere.
I completely agree, a united front would benefit many hopefully one day for those in GA.
Don't give up!!
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Today (24th August) is the 21st anniversary of the day many would say that the rot that sees Australian aviation in the sorry state it's in today set in - the day the domestic pilots resigned en masse (the vast - and I mean vast - majority of them unknowingly, but let's not go there),
Gents, let me wish you well with all my heart.
I'm so glad to see, after all this time, that someone has at last cried "enough!". There'll be the naysayers, the company stooges, those looking to take advantage of the situation, the gloom and doomers... and any number of dirty tricks by (the misnamed) management. You simply have to stick together and stay within the law - and most importantly, keep the public informed of your side of the story by employing a professional PR company, because the companies will be spreading the 'underworked, fat cat, silver-tailed pilots' line to everyone who'll listen - and too many of the Australian Great Unwashed are all too ready to believe that.
Gents, let me wish you well with all my heart.
I'm so glad to see, after all this time, that someone has at last cried "enough!". There'll be the naysayers, the company stooges, those looking to take advantage of the situation, the gloom and doomers... and any number of dirty tricks by (the misnamed) management. You simply have to stick together and stay within the law - and most importantly, keep the public informed of your side of the story by employing a professional PR company, because the companies will be spreading the 'underworked, fat cat, silver-tailed pilots' line to everyone who'll listen - and too many of the Australian Great Unwashed are all too ready to believe that.
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The Burrito attended a fantastic meeting yesterday to show support for my colleges.
Accolades: Organisers of the meeting. Special hat tip to Joe Eakins who gave an excellent speech, hopefully AIPA will make this available in some form & all attendee's.
Others have done a good job of summarising proceedings, so I want to touch on another theme that I see running in this thread - those that desired to be at the meeting (to be honest, you wouldn't have fitted), but couldn't for all sorts of reasons. This group wants to know what they can do. Here's my take.
Barry Jackson spoke of the need for the action to come from the bottom up - Negotiators need leverage in order to be able to negotiate from a position of strength. What he is really saying is that there is only so much the unions can do without the support of the members & the industry. This is YOU.
This was reiterated by the gentleman from the ME - his comments were that we were able to organise, unlike some other pilots in less "free" regions of the world. He also pointed out that there were numerous Oz Expats who kept looking and rejecting the T&C's offered by the LCC's here as a "retirement job", because after doing 900 hours a year longhaul, didn't want to do 900 shorthaul on poor conditions. Don't fear the "returning Expat" syndrome to further drive down T&C's. Hat tip to you sir for your bravery & words.
This situation will continue to deteriorate with apathy and waiting for the Unions to solve "the issue". You need to take personal responsibility to improve your own circumstances. The unions will do whatever they can to support you, however, the resolution to this is going to be across a negotiating table. To support the negotiators we at the grass routes need to stand together & do our bit by providing the leverage.
So, here's an action plan for everyone, especially those that couldn't attend:
Ladies & gentlemen, the ball is now in your court.
Accolades: Organisers of the meeting. Special hat tip to Joe Eakins who gave an excellent speech, hopefully AIPA will make this available in some form & all attendee's.
Others have done a good job of summarising proceedings, so I want to touch on another theme that I see running in this thread - those that desired to be at the meeting (to be honest, you wouldn't have fitted), but couldn't for all sorts of reasons. This group wants to know what they can do. Here's my take.
Barry Jackson spoke of the need for the action to come from the bottom up - Negotiators need leverage in order to be able to negotiate from a position of strength. What he is really saying is that there is only so much the unions can do without the support of the members & the industry. This is YOU.
This was reiterated by the gentleman from the ME - his comments were that we were able to organise, unlike some other pilots in less "free" regions of the world. He also pointed out that there were numerous Oz Expats who kept looking and rejecting the T&C's offered by the LCC's here as a "retirement job", because after doing 900 hours a year longhaul, didn't want to do 900 shorthaul on poor conditions. Don't fear the "returning Expat" syndrome to further drive down T&C's. Hat tip to you sir for your bravery & words.
This situation will continue to deteriorate with apathy and waiting for the Unions to solve "the issue". You need to take personal responsibility to improve your own circumstances. The unions will do whatever they can to support you, however, the resolution to this is going to be across a negotiating table. To support the negotiators we at the grass routes need to stand together & do our bit by providing the leverage.
So, here's an action plan for everyone, especially those that couldn't attend:
- Unite get under the AusALPA unbrella.
- Join a union affiliated with AusALPA - AIPA, AFAP or VIPA.
- Write to AIPA, AFAP or VIPA - tell them that you have their support. Ask for you mobile & email address for this campaign to be added to their contact list.
- Talk - to your colleges & mates about what is going on. Convince them taking a SIN base is a short term job gain for long term career destruction.
- Organise geographic GA groups, either through PPRuNe or other means. Get AIPA or AFAP involved. Natural centres for this would be ADL, PER, DRW, ASP, CNS & the northwest WA region.
- Ensure that you are working for at least minimum award conditions - the Air Pilots Award 2010. Don't work for free, don't sell yourselves short.
- Write to your local member of parliament. Explain to them that the Labour, Tax & immigration laws are being subverted by these contrived shell company schemes. Point out the excellent safety record & the wealth of experience. Point out any "pilot shortage" is in fact a T&C shortage - experience just won't come home for the poor T&C on offer. Point out that whilst the pay is lower in Asia, these pilots are generally fully trained by their respective companies. This is the worst of all scenario's for Australians - Pay for all your own training and be paid third world rates as if someone else has spent the money to train you. A true double wammy.
- Write to the lower house independents & the Greens - The independents are particularly interested in Air travel issues as they are all regionally based & therefore heavily dependant upon the stability of this industry. They likely hold the balance of power & will be able to exert significant pressure in our favour if they can see the logic of our arguments.
Ladies & gentlemen, the ball is now in your court.
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And most importantly don't forget the PR Spin of Safety, Safety, Safety.
Australian airlines must utilise Australian pilots - Australian trained and Australian licenced pilots with a defined minimum experience level.
This is not just PR spin either. I genuinely wouldn't let my family fly on a number of overseas airlines but I'm in the know about which airlines are killers. Why should the Australian public risk this scenario just because some ladder climbing CEO wants to line his pocket with bigger bonus payments because he's saved money by employing potentially very dodgy but cheap non-Australian licenced or trained pilots?
It's mind boggling that it's even considered. Part of me suggests that it's not really being considered at all, it's just a tactic to engender fear in you guys and inflict even poorer working conditions on you.
You have taken the first step to ensure that not only are those poorer conditions rejected but that you finally claw back some of the conditions already lost.
Create a truly united union that focuses only on 2010 Forward and combined with the looming/already happening global pilot shortage you will be unbeatable.
Australian airlines must utilise Australian pilots - Australian trained and Australian licenced pilots with a defined minimum experience level.
This is not just PR spin either. I genuinely wouldn't let my family fly on a number of overseas airlines but I'm in the know about which airlines are killers. Why should the Australian public risk this scenario just because some ladder climbing CEO wants to line his pocket with bigger bonus payments because he's saved money by employing potentially very dodgy but cheap non-Australian licenced or trained pilots?
It's mind boggling that it's even considered. Part of me suggests that it's not really being considered at all, it's just a tactic to engender fear in you guys and inflict even poorer working conditions on you.
You have taken the first step to ensure that not only are those poorer conditions rejected but that you finally claw back some of the conditions already lost.
Create a truly united union that focuses only on 2010 Forward and combined with the looming/already happening global pilot shortage you will be unbeatable.
VIPA/AIPA and AFAP just don't seem to be on the same page anymore. They still seem to be bickering about their own differences rather than getting on with the job and supporting their members wishes.
Perhaps a change from the top is in order, or, we simply start a new union which embraces all it's members equally and uses the increased revenue from the fatcats at the top to support and gain loyalty from the pups down below.
How do we get into the contact and email list? If we can have en email address posted here and can reply with our contact details, company and ARN as proof we are not management trolls.
United we stand.
Perhaps a change from the top is in order, or, we simply start a new union which embraces all it's members equally and uses the increased revenue from the fatcats at the top to support and gain loyalty from the pups down below.
How do we get into the contact and email list? If we can have en email address posted here and can reply with our contact details, company and ARN as proof we are not management trolls.
United we stand.
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Good start but it's amateur hour at AIPA
So . . . AIPA handing out information on why you can't take industrial action . . . sounds like another meeting I was at where Alana Stark did exactly that but, I suspect, for slightly different reasons. Same effect though - neutralises the option and degrades the newsworthiness of the issue and the meeting overall.
Guess what - if you are really concerned about the issue of standards or pay or whatever it is - you don't rule out industrial action. Another example of amateur hour at AIPA. Similarly, having called the meeting - what do they do? The very gentlemanly option of a "no confidence" motion - just proves how ineffectual the exercise was.
As others have written - it needs to be about SAFETY! Damage to the brand is what hurts Qantas and J* - it's why Sue Bussell made reference to it in her recent speech on the Fair Work Act:
'Unions wrong to use safety to attack Qantas
Bussell lambasted those unions that had used safety issues as a bargaining tactic.
"There is an unfortunate tendency for a small number of unions to damage the employer brand" as a way of, or "instead of, bargaining", she said.
They were borrowing from the US model and "using safety as a tactic", she said.'
You said it Sue - and it hurts that's why it's effective.
On the other hand - the meeting should have encouraged QF and J* crew in regard ot he support they have from their colleagues and the need to be more unified in their approach to the underlying job security issue.
However, the issue of offshoring jobs needs to be run as a campaign in all it's component parts. Who would run a meeting like this on the first business day after a Federal Election when, regardless of the outcome, election news would dominate. The report on PM didn't come on until 6.40 with election news dominating. The saving grace was the FO who was interviewed - did an excellent interview and was very compelling. He should immediately be co-opted to the AIPA COM.
By comparison listen to the AIPA President from a couple of weeks ago - just awful:
Pilots angry over Jetstar's new 'group' company - Radio National Breakfast - 23 July 2010
Or Woody's garbled message on ABC Radio news on Saturday.
Maybe AIPA can tell us what follow up is planned? What is the ongoing media strategy - what follow ups are planned? OF course, I would ask what the political strategy is except we don't have a Federal Government at the moment. What follow up with CASA? Or a dozen other key players?
By the way - just an observation - AIPA is now taking QF to court, attempting to get some media traction, is working with the ACTU, has a LH EA in the offing and is contemplating pilot unity - what year is it? Try 2008 . . .
The more things change . . . the more they stay the same . . . except 2 valuable years have been wasted.
Guess what - if you are really concerned about the issue of standards or pay or whatever it is - you don't rule out industrial action. Another example of amateur hour at AIPA. Similarly, having called the meeting - what do they do? The very gentlemanly option of a "no confidence" motion - just proves how ineffectual the exercise was.
As others have written - it needs to be about SAFETY! Damage to the brand is what hurts Qantas and J* - it's why Sue Bussell made reference to it in her recent speech on the Fair Work Act:
'Unions wrong to use safety to attack Qantas
Bussell lambasted those unions that had used safety issues as a bargaining tactic.
"There is an unfortunate tendency for a small number of unions to damage the employer brand" as a way of, or "instead of, bargaining", she said.
They were borrowing from the US model and "using safety as a tactic", she said.'
You said it Sue - and it hurts that's why it's effective.
On the other hand - the meeting should have encouraged QF and J* crew in regard ot he support they have from their colleagues and the need to be more unified in their approach to the underlying job security issue.
However, the issue of offshoring jobs needs to be run as a campaign in all it's component parts. Who would run a meeting like this on the first business day after a Federal Election when, regardless of the outcome, election news would dominate. The report on PM didn't come on until 6.40 with election news dominating. The saving grace was the FO who was interviewed - did an excellent interview and was very compelling. He should immediately be co-opted to the AIPA COM.
By comparison listen to the AIPA President from a couple of weeks ago - just awful:
Pilots angry over Jetstar's new 'group' company - Radio National Breakfast - 23 July 2010
Or Woody's garbled message on ABC Radio news on Saturday.
Maybe AIPA can tell us what follow up is planned? What is the ongoing media strategy - what follow ups are planned? OF course, I would ask what the political strategy is except we don't have a Federal Government at the moment. What follow up with CASA? Or a dozen other key players?
By the way - just an observation - AIPA is now taking QF to court, attempting to get some media traction, is working with the ACTU, has a LH EA in the offing and is contemplating pilot unity - what year is it? Try 2008 . . .
The more things change . . . the more they stay the same . . . except 2 valuable years have been wasted.
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AIPA, AFAP & VIPA are well aware of the representation model used to unite all British airlines and pilots under the BALPA umbrella.
That the ‘Will to Unite’ has not been forthcoming down-under is indeed a worry.
Hopefully the creation of the Australian Pilots Association (APA) will now be forthcoming.
Without it, directing Australia’s aviation industry will increasingly fall to those who believe that the pursuit of profit maximisation has no obligation to sustainable quality outcomes built over generations on government largess and military standards, but now taken for granted by just about all.
No APA = No chance.
Think United!
That the ‘Will to Unite’ has not been forthcoming down-under is indeed a worry.
Hopefully the creation of the Australian Pilots Association (APA) will now be forthcoming.
Without it, directing Australia’s aviation industry will increasingly fall to those who believe that the pursuit of profit maximisation has no obligation to sustainable quality outcomes built over generations on government largess and military standards, but now taken for granted by just about all.
No APA = No chance.
Think United!
How do we get the ball rolling and would the very senior members who have devoted so much time into their unions be prepared to give something like that a go?
We need a union to be something that you want (and need) to be a part of rather than an option to get access to the MBF with a bit litigation security etc etc.
The union needs to be as active in the entry level GA side of the industry as it is in the issues at the top end of town.
Being an AFAP member I'd love to see them step up to the plate and do the right thing. I'm sure they would have everyones support if they got involved at ground level with us all.
We need a union to be something that you want (and need) to be a part of rather than an option to get access to the MBF with a bit litigation security etc etc.
The union needs to be as active in the entry level GA side of the industry as it is in the issues at the top end of town.
Being an AFAP member I'd love to see them step up to the plate and do the right thing. I'm sure they would have everyones support if they got involved at ground level with us all.
Inspired by the breakfastburrito!! (And others...)
Well said bb
I have written a bit of an email here, feel free to use it as a bit of a template (in fact, that's the idea)... Now, I never professed to be a "Roads Skolar" so I'm hoping that those out there who are more eloquent than I (ahem, Sherm - are you there? 
) will use it as a start, to write something which could perhaps be sent en masse from members, to their respective industrial representative body.
Perhaps I am naive, but I would hate to see all this unity (that has been so lacking in the past), miss it's full potential!!
Cheers,
CR
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Good afternoon xxxx,
I'm sure when I refer to the recent "meeting", you will be in no doubt as to what I am referring to! I am sending this email to you, as Manager, Industrial Relations, at xxxx, to make clear my sentiments with respect to these developments, as a(n) xxxx member.
Specifically,
1) Whilst unable to attend the meeting, I wish to express my full support for the sentiments of those who attended. [maybe -]I am at present not directly affected, however proposals to create crewing structures allowing "off-shoring" concern me tremendously.
2) Assuming that xxxx had representatives present, I would as a member, request a formal account of the discussions in general, and any motions proposed and carried.
3) I would expect to see xxxx using every means possible, to raise public awareness of the behaviour of this employer, in attempting to use smoke and mirrors to move Australian jobs, under Australian IR laws, offshore - for the sole reason of obtaining the labour cheaper than they presently can. This should be coupled with strong comment on the obvious safety implications of making these positions untenable to experienced, well-trained Australian pilots.
[maybe - AFAP have sent some out, refer to earlier comment in this thread]
I understand, and am pleased to see, that several letters and submissions to this effect have already been sent. They need to be vigourously followed up.
Generally,
I would like to express my delight in the show of unity at St George Rowing Club!
Some of those pilots attending were xxxx members, some were not, and they were from a range of different employers, which could have perhaps in the past seen them considered as rivals, or adversaries, to some extent. They have come together, to present a united front, in the face of very worrying developments, and further proposals, by management at certain employers.
I would like to ask, that just as these pilots have done, xxxx remains focused on the future in this issue, and as such can work as closely as possible with yyyy, zzzz, and any other industry bodies who's members also have a great stake in the outcome. I expect this as a member, and believe that many other members feel the same.
Please note, I would ask exactly the same of those other industrial bodies, however I am not a member there. I sincerely hope that their own members echo these same sentiments, in turn, to their management.
Sincerely,
[insert name]
Ladies & gentlemen, the ball is now in your court
so I'm hoping that those out there who are more eloquent than I (ahem, Sherm - are you there? ) will use it as a start, to write something which could perhaps be sent en masse from members, to their respective industrial representative body.Perhaps I am naive, but I would hate to see all this unity (that has been so lacking in the past), miss it's full potential!!
Cheers,
CR
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Good afternoon xxxx,
I'm sure when I refer to the recent "meeting", you will be in no doubt as to what I am referring to! I am sending this email to you, as Manager, Industrial Relations, at xxxx, to make clear my sentiments with respect to these developments, as a(n) xxxx member.
Specifically,
1) Whilst unable to attend the meeting, I wish to express my full support for the sentiments of those who attended. [maybe -]I am at present not directly affected, however proposals to create crewing structures allowing "off-shoring" concern me tremendously.
2) Assuming that xxxx had representatives present, I would as a member, request a formal account of the discussions in general, and any motions proposed and carried.
3) I would expect to see xxxx using every means possible, to raise public awareness of the behaviour of this employer, in attempting to use smoke and mirrors to move Australian jobs, under Australian IR laws, offshore - for the sole reason of obtaining the labour cheaper than they presently can. This should be coupled with strong comment on the obvious safety implications of making these positions untenable to experienced, well-trained Australian pilots.
[maybe - AFAP have sent some out, refer to earlier comment in this thread]
I understand, and am pleased to see, that several letters and submissions to this effect have already been sent. They need to be vigourously followed up.
Generally,
I would like to express my delight in the show of unity at St George Rowing Club!
Some of those pilots attending were xxxx members, some were not, and they were from a range of different employers, which could have perhaps in the past seen them considered as rivals, or adversaries, to some extent. They have come together, to present a united front, in the face of very worrying developments, and further proposals, by management at certain employers.
I would like to ask, that just as these pilots have done, xxxx remains focused on the future in this issue, and as such can work as closely as possible with yyyy, zzzz, and any other industry bodies who's members also have a great stake in the outcome. I expect this as a member, and believe that many other members feel the same.
Please note, I would ask exactly the same of those other industrial bodies, however I am not a member there. I sincerely hope that their own members echo these same sentiments, in turn, to their management.
Sincerely,
[insert name
]