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Merged: Joe Eakins: Brave?....or....

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Old 28th Nov 2010, 03:58
  #281 (permalink)  
 
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Apologies if this has been stated previous.

Did the author of that article have in his contract no talking to the press, or words to that effect? If he did, then he hasn't a leg to stand on of course. Yes I admire the b**lls of the guy actually speaking the truth. However as pilots will never ever stick together on issues such as this, his actions maybe seen as foolish. Did any of his colleagues make a stand for him when he got the boot? Of course not. He should have known he would get not one bit of support from anyone, union member or not, after being in aviation 10years.
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Old 28th Nov 2010, 04:21
  #282 (permalink)  
 
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Spinner,
If we discuss that,it will definitely go off topic. If you set up a topic on snakes and other reptiles of aviation, it will be worth the chat.
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Old 28th Nov 2010, 04:41
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Captain Sherm,

It may well be perceived as a cruel post and I accept your opinion that it presents an unprofessional image, IMHO, the decisions that were made by some in the name of personal gain was done at the great cost to others.

Theirs is not a victimless act ( yes, I know, grammatically incorrect, but I hope you get my point ).

I do not believe this issue has anything to do with employing overseas pilots, it is about corporate ethics, a one star does not change its spots.....

cut cut cut, slash slash slash, money money money.

First it was, employing on lower conditions - increased shareholder profit (ISHP), less service - ISHP, cheaper maintenance - ISHP, an attempt to again lower conditions - ISHP, reduce training cost (candidate pay) - ISHP and ISHP = increased executive bonuses....

As stated in my earlier posts, good luck to Joe, but the horse bolted quite some time ago WRT to engaging some sort of corporate ethics.
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Old 28th Nov 2010, 06:01
  #284 (permalink)  
 
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I would like to hear what Mark R has done in a previous life, must admit I don't trust the man
Let's see...........

Week 15
  • 40 Mark R............. A320 MEL C
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Old 28th Nov 2010, 06:32
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Wiskery,

Although I agree its not really relevant, as a lot of water has gone under the bridge.... But indulge me anyway.....

What were the rest of the JQ management pilots doing 21 years ago ?

It might help the boys at JQ to know who they can trust.
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Old 28th Nov 2010, 06:37
  #286 (permalink)  
 
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Chocolate Sunday

What were the rest of the JQ management pilots doing 21 years ago ?
Doing the same they are now but with a with a different airline somewhere around the globe -licking ass !
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Old 28th Nov 2010, 07:01
  #287 (permalink)  
 
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Let's not start this. As important a lesson as the 1989 Pilot's Strike is, I can hold my hand on my heart and say, those that did not or were not taken back, are some of the most psychopathic monsters in the work place I have come across when in management roles.
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Old 28th Nov 2010, 09:34
  #288 (permalink)  
 
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Just an opinion and it may be relevant.

How many countless volumes of policy are Jetstar or for that matter Qantas Group employees bound by? How is it possible to have read and digested every one of those policies that the airlines claim make up your employment contract?

In my view the policies are there in such great volumes that you cannot possibly abide by every one of them. At any point in time an airline can claim that your actions are in some way a breach of a policy that they have created.

Was Alan Joyce bound by these policies when he stated that Asian rates need to be paid to compete with Asian Airlines? If that was true, was Hall in breach of the policies when he said that Joe had been misleading when he said the same thing? Isn't there something in the policies about acting with the highest integrity? If so, one of them was lying to the public. I'd be happy if they both went.
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Old 28th Nov 2010, 11:03
  #289 (permalink)  
 
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Joe Eakins is a Legend

Honestly, not many Pilots impress me industrially, but, Joe is everything a Pilot Union Representative should be.

Support Joe financially, for life if necessary, and morally, but, widen your gaze to the real game.

In every group of Employees there is 20% who will never side with the Company, 20% who will always side with the Company and 60% up for grabs.

This all about that 60%.

The Company is testing you.

Will you cower or will you stand and fight?

The Company wants to find out. Greed is a disease and is insatiable.

There is no limits to cost-cutting and the Executives will never stop.

That's why they always talk in percentages and never fixed dollar values.

BUT, please realise the Employees have all the power.

If you don't come to work even the CEO will be out on the street.

Does the Company have a Whistleblower Policy?

AIPA President Capt Barry Jackson should write the next article. Will he be sacked? Maybe.

If so, every Union Representative should write an article.

Will they be sacked? Maybe.

If so, every Pilot in the Group should write an article. Will they be sacked? Who cares!! The Bosses will be sacked at that stage.

Also realise, the Company's management may have damaged the Company's reputation more than a single news article.

The management's current actions may cause you stress, anxiety, anger or depression.

If these emotions impair you in any way then the Law, and Company Policy, state that you should not operate an Aircraft.

Simple, take some time off, seek medical attention and write to the CEO advising the specific reasons for taking sick leave.

Safety First.

Most importantly guard your health and learn to deal with stress effectively. Stress can kill you!!

Joe, I'll send you some money every week for as long as it takes, send me a PM if you want chat.

Regards,

WWIP
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Old 28th Nov 2010, 13:04
  #290 (permalink)  
 
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WWIP.........Best idea yet!!!
Why dont you J* guys draft a letter along the same lines as JE and then all put your signatures to it?
Now, sacking one poor bloke is one thing, but dismissal of all operational crews might be a little more difficult.
Thing is, there is only strength in numbers when the numbers stick together.
J* management may just call it a stunt, but they are going to look a little hypocritical if the same rule does'nt apply to all.
It would certainly be a poke-in-the-eye to J* management, and a morale booster to Joe!
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Old 28th Nov 2010, 13:49
  #291 (permalink)  
 
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Hans and everyone else

What i'm suggesting is a bit of a pipe dream, but if ALL (ok, read majority) JQ & QF drivers (and any Virgin or Tiger comrades) put our signatures to it in the national media (read full page ads, and even TV ads), they could sack almost 3000 professional pilots, and stop this nation from moving right now, due to breach of code of conduct.

Would they? I'm doubting it. With the punch Qf group is copping regarding safety, and the looming senate enquiry, they are backed into the corner like nothing else.

As pilots we are not demanding more money ala 1989 (no disrespect), or ridiculous & outrageous condtions regarding this particular situation, but ultimately (to get Joe his job back &) stop the rot with the industry, and the corporate bullies that seem to dictate where we are headed.

This situation right now is pivotal to the industry in years to come.

Putting the pilot politics aside between mainline & Jetstar and anything else for that matter for what has happened in the past, right now is the most important time in our careers.

No one wants to disrupt mum & dad and the kids over summer holidays, but we have to take a stand.

I urge everyone that sits in their window seats and looks out at the sky, day in, day out, and remembers why they got into this industry to harden up a little, and put any short term monetry gain aside (ie working days off) to enjoy lifestyle, and the career they chose for the benefit of themselves.

If we drop the ball on this troops, we are completely f a r k e d for a long time. These managers will get their KPI's and retire happily ever after, not giving two hoots at a pilots career, and the money we've invested.
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Old 28th Nov 2010, 13:55
  #292 (permalink)  
 
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Sent via J* Feedback

"Dear Sir/Madam,
RE: Sacking of First Officer Joeseph Eakins.
As a customer of Jetstar and other airlines of the QANTAS Group I wish to express my utter disgust at the summarial dismissal of First Officer Joeseph Eakins for informing the general public and your customers of the concerns of the wider pilot community with regards to the safety implications of cost cutting measures that the management of your company seek to implement.
What you have done in dismissing First Officer Eakins is totaly un-australian and the manner in which you have done so raises many questions about the lengths at which your company executives will go to save a dollar and I, as a member of the travelling public are now more concerned than ever about the future of safety when travelling on any QANTAS group airlines aircraft.
It would seem in this case that Jetstar is not only the home of low fares but is now also becoming the home of low concern for safety and low life scumbags for management.
I challenge anyone from your company to justify to me why I, any member of my family, circle of friends or work collegues should trust Jetstar or any QANTAS Group airline any more and until such time as somebody can I will no longer be a customer of yours.
I am absoloutely filthy with the way your company has handled this situation.
Sincerely"

I dont expect a reply any time soon !

Come on J* Pilots its time to pull the rug out from under DH and his DH mates in management, dont stand behind Joe, stand right beside him and show these low life scumbags who the real bosses are, it's now or never.
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Old 28th Nov 2010, 15:18
  #293 (permalink)  
 
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CASA should act.
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Old 28th Nov 2010, 18:30
  #294 (permalink)  
 
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CASA should act.


That's funny.
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Old 28th Nov 2010, 20:23
  #295 (permalink)  
 
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Hold a Meeting

If you are a Union Delegate or Organiser with membership within the Group then call a meeting today to discuss Joe Eakins and the possible SAFETY ramfications of Management silencing vocal critics.

Use your right of entry, be visible, invite a member of the press and talk to your membership.

Tonight's Headlines should read 'OTHER PILOTS SPEAK OUT'

If you are member of a union then contact them today and request a meeting. Stand up and be counted!!

Please realise, You have the Power.

You need to demonstrate that the Workforce will not be controlled by UNFAIR and UNAUSTRALIAN management practices!!

Regards,

WWIP
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Old 28th Nov 2010, 22:26
  #296 (permalink)  
 
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Firstly, let me say that I wholly support Joe in his endeavours, and I have no beef with any individual Jetstar pilot.

But I do relate to Shed Dogs comments, and no Sherm, they werent cruel at all, they were realistic. Indeed I offer the following in relation to your reply:

I was not around at the time but I don't think that AIPA wanted to discuss life with the Impulse pilots
No, they didnt. And why should they? Are you suggesting that AIPA should embrace every pilot group that springs up and threatens to undercut them? That would hasten our race to the bottom, wouldnt you say? What happens when Airlines of Meekathara now step in and tell Qantas they will fly Jetstar and Qantas' routes for 20% less crew costs? You think AIPA should be pleased and welcome and support them? Hardly!

And has AIPA expelled the myriad QF drivers who transferred across to JQ under the MOA?
No, they are dealing with this situation the best way that they can. But look what is now happenning. The undercutters are being undercut. There is a serious irony there. Shed Dog has pointed out that these guys started that race, and Joe Eakins was the only one in that organisation to recognise it and say STOP, enough is enough. The rest of Jetstar should be up in arms, but ironically enough, we are hearing more from Qantas pilots than we are Jetstar.

Do QF drivers refuse to travel on JQ aircraft when they're on hols? Do QF drivers blacklist and refuse to carry JQ code-share passengers.
Of course they don't. That would be stupid unauthorised industrial action. Why on earth would you expect them to?

The industry would be very different now had AIPA taken a firm stand to support their domestic colleagues in 1989.
For F***s sake, this has NOTHING to do with 1989. Get over it. AIPA and Qantas is a totally different entity now. The possibility that you still harbour this bitterness and are willing to bring it into this discussion completely devalues the quality of some of your previous posts.

Is this the ideal: that no Australian pilot would have ever joined VB after Ansett's demise and no Australian pilot would have ever flown for JQ?
Well, how long is a peice of string? I dont know, nor do you, and nor does anyone else. Airline managements are going to try to find a way to screw us no matter what. If it wasnt Jetstar, Impulse, Virgin or Tiger, it would have been someone or something else.

Keg said:

Shed Dog Tosser, what the original members of Impulse and J* did to QF crew is water under the bridge now. At the time many QF drivers begged for unity and yes, some IPC/ J* crew laughed in our faces. I've got no doubt that some of those guys would do the same again. That said, the overwhelming majority of J* crew joined after these times. In that respect, once they've joined, both they and the current QF pilots would be nuts if they didn't see that our futures are aligned and that we've got more in common than what separates us.
An altruistic statememt if ever I've heard one. Yes - the Impulse guys likely precipitated this slide. But it is what it is now and we must fight it.
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Old 28th Nov 2010, 23:00
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Balance

Let's not let this opportunity pass to get some closure in all the areas, not just 1989....

What should the Impulse drivers have done when their airline was bought?

What should a pilot do when JQ offers him a job but Qantas doesn't? It's not illegal to have a low cost subsidiary. There was no IFALPA recruitment ban and many QF pilots crossed over within a short time to get quick commands. So exactly what should a pilot do when he receives the job offer knowing that he cannot ever expect to join those on the QF EBA?

The Qantas Board, which runs a whole suite of AOC-holding operations, took a view, quite legal, that they would set up the JQ operation and pursue their pan-Asian strategy. Time will tell whether that is good strategy or not. But it is not illegal and if that is where the jobs are then what should pilots do?

For me....and only me....I have my own standards. I would not cross an AIPA (or indeed AFAP or any other union) picket line. I would not apply for a job where there was an IFALPA recruitment ban. And if QF drivers were on strike to get a scope clause then I would not fly with Qantas. If I were a Qantas EBA pilot and my union AIPA had a ban on transfers to JQ then I would not apply for a transfer. If I were an AFAP pilot with JQ and the union had a ban on transfers to JQ Asia or indeed QF I would follow that ban.

But that's only me. I have never taken a job overseas or Australia where the local union wasn't happy and yes I have always checked.

But I can't answer for everyone. 1989 is etched in my soul so that guides anything I would do or helps me explain to anyone who asks. But what exactly is your advice in retrospect to each individual who got a job offer from Jetstar knowing that there were no other jobs available?
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Old 28th Nov 2010, 23:20
  #298 (permalink)  
 
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Just a quick clarification of events thus far, if I may.
It appears Jetstar management are going to town on Joe for a misdemeanor of the Corporate Policy manual.

Yet wasn't it alleged ,just a few short years ago that Boston Bruce was caught in first class, "red handed" so to speak, under a dancing blanket, in flagranti delicto?
I wonder why that issue wasn't pursued similarly as per Corporate policy?
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Old 28th Nov 2010, 23:22
  #299 (permalink)  
 
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Balance

AIPA and QANTAS is a totally different entity now
(my emphasis)

Freudian slip or reality?

The unity would explain a lot!

Maui
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Old 28th Nov 2010, 23:50
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Sherm, with respect:

What should the Impulse drivers have done when their airline was bought?
Ahh, negotiated a better deal? One which reflected long established benchmarks for pilot remuneration in this country? Fought for their profession, rather than say (as you suggest) "I cant get a better job, so I'll accept this one on crappy terms". This might have slowed or maybe even prevented this rapid slide to the bottom, I dont know?

It is very easy for spectators to make a judgement on this situation. Sherm, I presume you hold flying in Australia very deeply in your soul, and what happened in 1989 has helped shape who you are. But I fly for Qantas, I earned that position, and it too has shaped me. I'm one of those senior FO's who should have had a command by now, but by virtue of the LCC subsidiaries of QF, that is now quite a distance away. I'm watching as Jetstar recruits with one fifth of my experience gain a command on a shiny new A320.

Yes, I am annoyed at that, just as you are annoyed at those involved in 1989. So I expect that you might understand and share a little of my pain, because effectively, I am watching very similar things happen as happened to you back then. Trouble is, the two have zero to do with one another. We must fight the battle that we face now, not the demons of the past.

In fighting this battle, we must understand what brought about this situation. I can recall arguing with Impulse / Jetstar pilots at the start of this madness, and it gives me no pleasure to say "I told you so", because their unwillingness to negotiate, their "this is the best job I can get" attitude, their contempt for AIPA / Qantas, has dropped us all in it.

But what exactly is your advice in retrospect to each individual who got a job offer from Jetstar knowing that there were no other jobs available?
Was there no other job available to these guys? How do you know there wasnt? Where is your evidence?

I would suggest to you that most of these guys joined Jetstar to fly a shiny new A320, to get jet time up before moving to another higher paying carrier, only to find that the higher paying carrier doesnt exist! Is Jetstar a career oriented company? I think not, therefore, this was clearly a temporary gig for most of these people.

So, in truth, I cant answer your question fully. I can say that I understand why an individual might take a Jetstar job and again, I have no issue with any one Jetstar pilot, except perhaps for "MR", who seems to have turned his back on his bretheren, rather like "WK" in Qantas. I can also say that I am angry at the Jetstar pilot collective, for not having some collective "balls", and standing up and fighting for a career path, decent terms, and starting us on this downhill.

But again, it is in my interest as a QF pilot, and in the interest of my colleagues, to fight this battle on the Jetstar pilots behalf. Because I sure havent heard one peep from the Jetstar Pilot Council, or any other Jetstar pilot for that matter. This tends to confirm my suspicions that the Jetstar Pilot group, as a collective, is spineless and weak, and without our assistance, will be walked over once again, further denigrating our profession.

Sorry Sherm, you just happened to be nearby when I needed a rant. Thanks for listening.
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