There was something on the ABC about farmers reporting stood-down pilots applying for agriculture work. Would be a welcome (temporary) change of pace for some I'd say! Anyone heard similar?

Sounds like you are assuming that work on the farm is easy and relaxing.
Ignorance is bliss!

Running around the yards chasing sheep and cattle will definitely get you in shape for your next medical :8

Yes. Agreed!

With exception of walking the terminal our job is certainly not physically demanding, so depending on the individual it may very well benefit their health.

Return of service obligations
 

Can anyone give me a little advice with regards to return of service obligations during these difficult times?

Situation - I’ve been employed by an operator for less than six months and my contract states that I’m obligated to pay for a return of service relating to certain things that I won’t mention here. Pretty general and fair stuff if circumstances were normal.....

I’m now looking at potentially being forced to take leave without pay for an indefinite period. Question is, if I were lucky enough to get another job (which is likely as I’ve got a few other qualifications) what would my obligations be with regards to paying any outstanding return of service penalties? Obviously I’d resign if I was able to get another job.

Essentially I’d be walking away with nothing, however I’m not in a position to sit around on zero pay for months.

I’m probably one of the luckier ones, however the short term future still looks grim. I also lost my previous job last year due to reasons beyond my control, which caused a heap of stress, hence I’m still trying to recover from that disaster!

I cannot offer legal advice, but I think that obligations are a two-way street. If they don’t feel obligated to pay you why would your obligation continue?

That is a good point. Many will find themselves on a stand down that could last months (years?), some of which would or could move on from the industry. Look at what is happening over in New Zealand -- safe to say that we won't be immune to such measures.

In my case, and I assume it's the same for most other employers, any stand down period does not impact continuity of service. As an example, the only commitment I currently have is a type rating bond for a period of 3 years. Hypothetically, if my employer stands me down after 1 year, my bond keeps decreasing during the stand down. If however, I choose to resign during the stand down period then I am obliged to repay the pro rata amount.

If you're thinking of switching jobs, industries or whatever during your stand down then my suggestion would be DON'T resign. You're allowed to seek alternate employment during the stand down and it makes no sense (financially) to resign - even if you dont intend to return. Wait until your employer wants to stand you back up and then resign. That way you maximise annual and long service leave accruals and reduce any, if not all (depending on the length of stand down) of your bond repayments.

Hope that helps somewhat...

Starting to see more and more posts on internal Woolworths Google+ groups of airline staff fronting up in various Woolies, BWS and Dan Murphy stores so it looks like some of the "re-deployment" is working.

From the cockpit to stacking shelves
 

First timer here. New account and new career. Been on the 737 for almost 7 years and for the past few weeks, been stacking shelves at Woollies. I applied at Coles and got rejected but luckily, Woollies had some positions near my suburb. Anyone else in the same/similar position? Very tough considering I have just over 60-70k of debt, a small family. Anyway... life is crazy.
Stay safe my friends. Hopefully this will pass in the next 6-12 months and I can graduate from night fill.

A320 checkie, been flying last 18 years and have just started my new job in security. I find it helps to get out of the house even though it is only 3 days a week. The income in a week is what I did earn in half a day but I have always been a believer in ‘if you can work you should’. Funnily enough the big boss found out I had a history in airline safety and came to have a talk to me about aviation safety and how it may translate to his business and asked if I might be interested in a role in this area in a few months time. You never know where this crazy journey will go and what opportunities may pop up. I have enrolled as well for extramural study for a qualification where I can start earning after a year and be qualified after two leading to a decent wage and a career that is totally non-aviation related. I hope to get back flying but don’t want to waste the next 12 months to the be let go.

I like how proactive you are! I haven't yet wrapped my head around going from the cockpit to stacking shelves. Stay safe...

Super Payout is now live via MyGov.