Qantas Australia Interviews - Anyone heard back yet?
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waiting_game
I see you point, I suppose you could save during an 11 month contract. But there is no guarantee of flying during that time either so it could be just basic salary.
At least you guys are being offered something, spare a thought for all the people recently thrown off the short list only for QF to recruit and offer fixed term positions. Those people were actually promised permanent, fixed term and casual at their assessment centre's.
As for calling chinup, go your hardest have you ever tried to call the recruitment department if you had you would know 99.9% of the time its just voice mail especially during a major recruitment drive like now. The e-mail address for Geoff Dixon is on this board somewhere just e-mail him.
If you think you are treated bad now before you have even accepted a position wait until you actually get in and see how badly QF treat their staff, you will be just a number im afraid.
I see you point, I suppose you could save during an 11 month contract. But there is no guarantee of flying during that time either so it could be just basic salary.
At least you guys are being offered something, spare a thought for all the people recently thrown off the short list only for QF to recruit and offer fixed term positions. Those people were actually promised permanent, fixed term and casual at their assessment centre's.
As for calling chinup, go your hardest have you ever tried to call the recruitment department if you had you would know 99.9% of the time its just voice mail especially during a major recruitment drive like now. The e-mail address for Geoff Dixon is on this board somewhere just e-mail him.
If you think you are treated bad now before you have even accepted a position wait until you actually get in and see how badly QF treat their staff, you will be just a number im afraid.
Join Date: Apr 2004
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GalleyHag;
I appreciate that your comments are representative of the majority of SH crew, it must be terrible to be just a numbered cog in the huge machine that is QF. Your support will be appreciated im sure
The reason most fixed term people have these opinions is that they have no idea why QF is doing these contracts. In the group assesment day I attended in PER, the Adecco people freely admitted they dont know the motives, and then they said it probably is to do with QF posting massive profits, and expanding the size of the workforce, opening new routes, and incresing the level of service. (Ha! We who read about this know they are giving the profits to the Executives, dropping destinations and its all about cost cutting, not increasing service)
Unfortunatley, there are too many people who this kind of contract will suit, those waiting to go back to University, or those unemployed at the moment. There are also those who are prepared to scab...
So interesting times lie ahead. The Australian travelling public will still be able to fly Domestically, and Regionally (on the A330), as well as on Jet*, so those travellers will not be to inconvienienced. Lets hope that BA and SG (and the other OneWorld partners) dont have to much spare space to codeshare during strike times, it appears that the only way this action will have any affect is to affect the hip pockets of the Roo.
JB
I appreciate that your comments are representative of the majority of SH crew, it must be terrible to be just a numbered cog in the huge machine that is QF. Your support will be appreciated im sure
The reason most fixed term people have these opinions is that they have no idea why QF is doing these contracts. In the group assesment day I attended in PER, the Adecco people freely admitted they dont know the motives, and then they said it probably is to do with QF posting massive profits, and expanding the size of the workforce, opening new routes, and incresing the level of service. (Ha! We who read about this know they are giving the profits to the Executives, dropping destinations and its all about cost cutting, not increasing service)
Unfortunatley, there are too many people who this kind of contract will suit, those waiting to go back to University, or those unemployed at the moment. There are also those who are prepared to scab...
So interesting times lie ahead. The Australian travelling public will still be able to fly Domestically, and Regionally (on the A330), as well as on Jet*, so those travellers will not be to inconvienienced. Lets hope that BA and SG (and the other OneWorld partners) dont have to much spare space to codeshare during strike times, it appears that the only way this action will have any affect is to affect the hip pockets of the Roo.
JB
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galley u r full of it
I called recruitment on Tues 3rd try got in. No voice message! Called again yesterday with some details got thru again, don't know what ur talking about, sure it was busy 2 or 3 times
Geoff Dixon's e-maila ddress is listed but that goes straight to a 3rd party secretart his e-mail address does not even have his Christian name in it, so go and get your info spot on b4 posting. QF long haul CC are great go and do ur sH and post elsewhere
Geoff Dixon's e-maila ddress is listed but that goes straight to a 3rd party secretart his e-mail address does not even have his Christian name in it, so go and get your info spot on b4 posting. QF long haul CC are great go and do ur sH and post elsewhere
Join Date: Jan 2002
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Chinup,
Though you may disagree with what GalleyHag is saying, perhaps you could put your opinion across a little more eloquently?
GalleyHag is actually just "telling it how it is". Whether you like it or not is entirely up to you.
The three month "extendable" contracts are in place so QF can use these people to cover flying when they anticipate their permanent FA's will go on strike. In otherwords, scab labour.
It doesn't take a brain surgeon to work out what's going on here.
SG
Though you may disagree with what GalleyHag is saying, perhaps you could put your opinion across a little more eloquently?
GalleyHag is actually just "telling it how it is". Whether you like it or not is entirely up to you.
The three month "extendable" contracts are in place so QF can use these people to cover flying when they anticipate their permanent FA's will go on strike. In otherwords, scab labour.
It doesn't take a brain surgeon to work out what's going on here.
SG
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chinup grow up.
Chinup, I think maybe you should take a little bit of your own advice, ie get your facts straight before you post a reply. You were quick to accuse me of being full of it, which I definitely am not. I came on and shared information that I thought may be helpful to others waiting for responses from QF and if you don't like it or don't agree with it why do you even bother logging on and reading/replying! And no my last name doesn't start with an A.
I sincerely hope that you do not get a position with QF as I would not like to work with someone who has such a bad attitude. Also, if I was a customer I don't think i'd like being served by you either.
Your quick to snap at people's opinions yet your quite prepared to share your own and expect people to listen to it.
I'm sure your a decent person, but maybe you should think before you type.
SydGirl is correct, it doesn't take a brain surgeon to figure it out, and the people who are getting offered the position are being told exactly why they are being hired. This is why I came on and told you all this, I'm not making it up just passing on the info I received.. take it or leave it.
I sincerely hope that you do not get a position with QF as I would not like to work with someone who has such a bad attitude. Also, if I was a customer I don't think i'd like being served by you either.
Your quick to snap at people's opinions yet your quite prepared to share your own and expect people to listen to it.
I'm sure your a decent person, but maybe you should think before you type.
SydGirl is correct, it doesn't take a brain surgeon to figure it out, and the people who are getting offered the position are being told exactly why they are being hired. This is why I came on and told you all this, I'm not making it up just passing on the info I received.. take it or leave it.
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chinup
Please read your posts before clicking 'submit' most of the time your posts don't make any sense.
As for Geoff Dixons email address I can assure you he does open them sometimes as I have contacted him directly through the address [email protected]
Email addresses on the QF internal email network only use first initial as an identifier. No full christian name required.
Please read your posts before clicking 'submit' most of the time your posts don't make any sense.
As for Geoff Dixons email address I can assure you he does open them sometimes as I have contacted him directly through the address [email protected]
Email addresses on the QF internal email network only use first initial as an identifier. No full christian name required.
Join Date: Dec 2003
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Arm Doors,
Ahhhhh.........................no.
QF do not wish fulltime crew to have any contact with those employed as strikebreakers/scabs.
Our last stop work meeting had QF training members of our ground/office staff as scabs.
This training was conducted around similar hours.
EP trainers who are also part time FA's had their access to the EP department denied via their swipe cards whilst this training was being carried out.
How people who knowingly scab on others live with themselves is beyond me.
L2P
Ahhhhh.........................no.
QF do not wish fulltime crew to have any contact with those employed as strikebreakers/scabs.
Our last stop work meeting had QF training members of our ground/office staff as scabs.
This training was conducted around similar hours.
EP trainers who are also part time FA's had their access to the EP department denied via their swipe cards whilst this training was being carried out.
How people who knowingly scab on others live with themselves is beyond me.
L2P
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I don't want to start anything here because I'm relatively new but I don't think some people have a choice.
If you've got mortgage payments, kids and the like then sometimes it isn't possible to go without money. Regardless of how sympathetic you are to the cause. I'm afraid many bank managers are not particularly sensitive to the line "sorry, no money this month because I'm striking" and how do you tell your kids "sorry kids, no food tonight, I'm striking".
I didn't take this job to be a strike breaker - in fact at the time I was completely unaware that this might have been a possibility - it certainly wasn't in the recruitment information package!
I'm not concerned about having my contract renewed as it was made abundantly clear it would not be so I'm not being selfish and self interested, but quite frankly I simply cannot afford a protracted strike nor can I afford to lose my job.
I'm left with a few options:
* strike and be everyone's best friend (although your lucky for anyone to speak to you anyway once they hear your fixed term) and be potentially homeless;
* work through the strike (which won't make much difference whether people speak to you or not) and continue to have a home;
*or leave now and get a new job (and how many of you permanent people are prepared to do that?).
What many of you don't understand is that very few of us are willing strike breakers. Very few of us were aware that industrial action was on the cards when we applied almost 2 years ago and we certaintly weren't told when we were offered the job. So you can see how we've been positioned by the company to take the fall.
There are other ways to make your point rather than a long and protracted strike which will get the company's & shareholders notice. If you know that there is a small army of "strike breakers" at the company's disposal why go on strike? It defeats the purpose - initiate an alternative plan like work bans.
And I don't want to hear that I'm selfish, self serving and self interested and that I should do what's good for the many and not the few when there is a bidding system that benefits the top 10% of the crew and disadvantages the remaining 90%.
Just remember that most of us are unwilling participants in this little exercise and we didn't choose this path that has been thrust upon us.
If you've got mortgage payments, kids and the like then sometimes it isn't possible to go without money. Regardless of how sympathetic you are to the cause. I'm afraid many bank managers are not particularly sensitive to the line "sorry, no money this month because I'm striking" and how do you tell your kids "sorry kids, no food tonight, I'm striking".
I didn't take this job to be a strike breaker - in fact at the time I was completely unaware that this might have been a possibility - it certainly wasn't in the recruitment information package!
I'm not concerned about having my contract renewed as it was made abundantly clear it would not be so I'm not being selfish and self interested, but quite frankly I simply cannot afford a protracted strike nor can I afford to lose my job.
I'm left with a few options:
* strike and be everyone's best friend (although your lucky for anyone to speak to you anyway once they hear your fixed term) and be potentially homeless;
* work through the strike (which won't make much difference whether people speak to you or not) and continue to have a home;
*or leave now and get a new job (and how many of you permanent people are prepared to do that?).
What many of you don't understand is that very few of us are willing strike breakers. Very few of us were aware that industrial action was on the cards when we applied almost 2 years ago and we certaintly weren't told when we were offered the job. So you can see how we've been positioned by the company to take the fall.
There are other ways to make your point rather than a long and protracted strike which will get the company's & shareholders notice. If you know that there is a small army of "strike breakers" at the company's disposal why go on strike? It defeats the purpose - initiate an alternative plan like work bans.
And I don't want to hear that I'm selfish, self serving and self interested and that I should do what's good for the many and not the few when there is a bidding system that benefits the top 10% of the crew and disadvantages the remaining 90%.
Just remember that most of us are unwilling participants in this little exercise and we didn't choose this path that has been thrust upon us.
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If you are so concerned about your house, kids etc etc why are you taking the position? You make it sound like this is the only job you can get, which I find hard to believe.
Why not get an on-going casual position or seek employment which is more stable if your so worried.
Your post just doesnt make sense and then to give everyone your impression of the bidding system!!
Are you just trying to justify your actions?
Why not get an on-going casual position or seek employment which is more stable if your so worried.
Your post just doesnt make sense and then to give everyone your impression of the bidding system!!
Are you just trying to justify your actions?
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Correct me if I am wrong, but have QF hired any experienced crew for L/H fixed term contracts? It appears that Qantas have hired "wannabes" for the fixed term for a reason. No experienced crew from another company would dare take up this offer no matter how much they wanted to work for QF, let alone, let themselves be used as "strike breakers". QF know that this fixed termers will not strike. The "wannabes" are here to impress their employer in hope that they will be offered a permanent position and need industry experience. It is a sad world when you are being used, damned if you do and damned if you don't. Double damned if you work with a permanent L/H employee who can make each and every flight a living hell. Fixed Termers watch your back, no one else will be watching out for you........ Together we stand , divided we all fall!
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Does it list your type of employment on the crew list? is that how the rest of the crew find out if youre a strikebreaker/fixedtermer?
SIDE NOTE: i thought it used to reveal your DOB
(that would be fine with me tho... i love my age
)
TSSOV
SIDE NOTE: i thought it used to reveal your DOB
(that would be fine with me tho... i love my age
)TSSOV
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And its precisely that attitude why I feel I have little choice. What exactly do I have to lose? The industrial action hasn't even started and you start firing off at the very people who are stuck in the middle.
GH: I took up the position a few weeks ago. Not coming from the aviation industry I was blissfully unaware of impending industrial action. I only discovered this site when I started training and another colleague mentioned it. Hence, I took the job at the time unaware that potentially I could have to work during a strike (bear in mind I'll still be in my probation period during this time also). You are correct in saying that this is not the only job I could find. However, you may have slightly missed the point - are you prepared to leave your job for someone else or to do what you think is right for a group of people who say you should? I bet you wouldn't! Essentially, what some have suggested is that I should give up this job now and find another (assuming that I can just walk into one immediately).
I'm not sure why your suggesting I should get a casual position - I need to work in a full time position not a casual position.
As for the bidding system reference - perhaps I can make it clearer for you. It is suggested that I should do whats right for the majority of the crew - strike or leave. If this admirable principle is to be applied to me and other fixed term employee's then why do we have a bidding system that benefits a minority? It seems to smack with hypocrisy to me. I don't need to justify my actions, I'm just highlighting the obvious. I mean really - I have to do whats right because its benefits the majority, but the minority don't have to do whats right because it doesn't benefit the minority! Come on....
All this aside, aren't you short haul and now taking over a fair proportion of our LH flying? I trust you'll be going out on strike with us (despite it not being permitted under the industrial relations legislation) - you'll do the right thing won't you Galley Hag? You'll put your job on the line for the majority won't you Galley Hag? See you on the picket line!!
syd777 - I applied almost 2 years ago and took up the offer prior to it being an "industrial issue". Yes, many of the fixed term employee's are "wannabes" - but doesn't that describe anyone not currently employed as a flight attendant? I've no intention of using the strike to impress Qantas to keep me on after the contract period - I won't be staying anyway. I haven't decided what I'll do when the strikes start, the post above was purely to highlight some of the considerations I have to make. However, its great to read that I should be watching my back and the industrial action hasn't even started yet! Permanent L/H employees can make trips a living hell yes, but then again make it too much of a living hell and you might find yourself in court and out of a job if a complaint is made in relation to harassment.
Freedom of association is a right and so is freedom of choice. Not everyone necessarily agrees with you all the time and its not your right to bully them into agreeing with you.
Together we stand, divided we all fall? Please - our own union is divided! And from reading recent posts its Short Haul -v- Long Haul at the moment regarding mid haul flying. Don't give me that old chestnut when yet again it smacks of hypocrisy.
GH: I took up the position a few weeks ago. Not coming from the aviation industry I was blissfully unaware of impending industrial action. I only discovered this site when I started training and another colleague mentioned it. Hence, I took the job at the time unaware that potentially I could have to work during a strike (bear in mind I'll still be in my probation period during this time also). You are correct in saying that this is not the only job I could find. However, you may have slightly missed the point - are you prepared to leave your job for someone else or to do what you think is right for a group of people who say you should? I bet you wouldn't! Essentially, what some have suggested is that I should give up this job now and find another (assuming that I can just walk into one immediately).
I'm not sure why your suggesting I should get a casual position - I need to work in a full time position not a casual position.
As for the bidding system reference - perhaps I can make it clearer for you. It is suggested that I should do whats right for the majority of the crew - strike or leave. If this admirable principle is to be applied to me and other fixed term employee's then why do we have a bidding system that benefits a minority? It seems to smack with hypocrisy to me. I don't need to justify my actions, I'm just highlighting the obvious. I mean really - I have to do whats right because its benefits the majority, but the minority don't have to do whats right because it doesn't benefit the minority! Come on....
All this aside, aren't you short haul and now taking over a fair proportion of our LH flying? I trust you'll be going out on strike with us (despite it not being permitted under the industrial relations legislation) - you'll do the right thing won't you Galley Hag? You'll put your job on the line for the majority won't you Galley Hag? See you on the picket line!!
syd777 - I applied almost 2 years ago and took up the offer prior to it being an "industrial issue". Yes, many of the fixed term employee's are "wannabes" - but doesn't that describe anyone not currently employed as a flight attendant? I've no intention of using the strike to impress Qantas to keep me on after the contract period - I won't be staying anyway. I haven't decided what I'll do when the strikes start, the post above was purely to highlight some of the considerations I have to make. However, its great to read that I should be watching my back and the industrial action hasn't even started yet! Permanent L/H employees can make trips a living hell yes, but then again make it too much of a living hell and you might find yourself in court and out of a job if a complaint is made in relation to harassment.
Freedom of association is a right and so is freedom of choice. Not everyone necessarily agrees with you all the time and its not your right to bully them into agreeing with you.
Together we stand, divided we all fall? Please - our own union is divided! And from reading recent posts its Short Haul -v- Long Haul at the moment regarding mid haul flying. Don't give me that old chestnut when yet again it smacks of hypocrisy.
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Watch your back?.....permanant f/a's making fixed termers life a living hell??.............Ah are we back in high school??
For all the permanant f/a's i can sympathise with you and understand your position but there is no need to treat people like crap and call them scabs etc.
Put yourself in the fixed termers situation..... you want to be an f/a the opportunity doesn't come along very often and when it does you take it. You don't take because you see it as an opportunity to "scab" other peoples jobs you take because its something you have wanted for a long time.
For all the permanant f/a's i can sympathise with you and understand your position but there is no need to treat people like crap and call them scabs etc.
Put yourself in the fixed termers situation..... you want to be an f/a the opportunity doesn't come along very often and when it does you take it. You don't take because you see it as an opportunity to "scab" other peoples jobs you take because its something you have wanted for a long time.
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syd777
"...a permanent L/H employee who can make each and every flight a living hell. Fixed Termers watch your back..."
Be careful what you put in writing. Sounds like a lawsuit waiting to happen!
Be careful what you put in writing. Sounds like a lawsuit waiting to happen!
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Waiting -game you are on the money. Haven't you noticed the rift between L/H vs S/H. It is totally high school. That is exactly my point. Individuals need industry experience, this is an excellent way to get it, it is just a shame to used in this situation. QF know how the permanents will react, it is now not possible for QF f/a's to stand united.
Arm Doors. Cross check and report please. I am on the fixed termers side. I think it is awful how this is playing out. Damned either way you look at it, piggy in the middle. The f/a's are all divided on this one, hence my quote, divided we all fall. And Yes I meant "wannabe" as no f/a experience. I am not attacking you!!!!!
Please don't defensive - my personal opinion on this "fixed term" contract is it is crime. Employee Vs Employee it is not cool and morally bankrupt. Perhaps instead of watch you back I should have written develop thick skin and don't take bullying to heart. I think I was just "pointing out the obvious".
Arm Doors. Cross check and report please. I am on the fixed termers side. I think it is awful how this is playing out. Damned either way you look at it, piggy in the middle. The f/a's are all divided on this one, hence my quote, divided we all fall. And Yes I meant "wannabe" as no f/a experience. I am not attacking you!!!!!
Please don't defensive - my personal opinion on this "fixed term" contract is it is crime. Employee Vs Employee it is not cool and morally bankrupt. Perhaps instead of watch you back I should have written develop thick skin and don't take bullying to heart. I think I was just "pointing out the obvious".
Last edited by syd777; 24th Sep 2004 at 02:29.
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Arms Doors you say our union is divided. Where are you getting that from? I speak with the LH union weekly and they are all commited to working out the best result for existing crew and new crew entering the industry.
As for the seniority system lets put it like this. I am very junior, only been flying 4 years, I have no bidding power what so ever. Yes I would love to go to Honolulu now and again but I don't begrudge the crew who have been flying 25+ years from going on those trips. They've worked for the company for years, the seniority system was FORCED on crew by the company and I think they deserve to get trips they want. They were junior once.
Would you rather just be given a roster and have no choice at all?
At least I know that in a few years I will start getting the odd trip I bid for.
If you desperately need a job to pay the mortgage etc. why did you take a fixed term position? You could have found full time permanent work easily enough.
Finally, I think any fixed termers who work during the strikes will regret it when next year you are handing over your ID and uniform to someone at QCC. If we all stick together we can stop them lifting the overseas crew cap.
As for the seniority system lets put it like this. I am very junior, only been flying 4 years, I have no bidding power what so ever. Yes I would love to go to Honolulu now and again but I don't begrudge the crew who have been flying 25+ years from going on those trips. They've worked for the company for years, the seniority system was FORCED on crew by the company and I think they deserve to get trips they want. They were junior once.
Would you rather just be given a roster and have no choice at all?
At least I know that in a few years I will start getting the odd trip I bid for.
If you desperately need a job to pay the mortgage etc. why did you take a fixed term position? You could have found full time permanent work easily enough.
Finally, I think any fixed termers who work during the strikes will regret it when next year you are handing over your ID and uniform to someone at QCC. If we all stick together we can stop them lifting the overseas crew cap.
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nans
Again, I am not personally attacking anyone here and I treat everyone one with positive regard and do my best not to judge. At work I make a point of not discussing politics or religion and respect everyones personal opinions. Never assume anything in this world.. Otherwise you make an ass out of u and me! By the way that is a light hearted joke and not meant to be personal.
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Syd777 - My sincerest apologies - I misunderstood your post.
Str - Its quite clear the union is divided - a review of the posts only support the view. However, if the union isn't divided then why is there a domestic division and a international division? How is it that seemingly the company can pit one division against the other in regards to flying and the unions can't seem to work it out. Don't get me wrong, I'm a union member so I'm certainly not anti unions at all, but it just seems a tad funny that we should stand united yet we have two divisions and we squabble over flying.
As for the seniority system - again my point is this - there is an expectation that I should do the right thing for the majority (permanent ongoing crew). This is advertised as the "right thing to do" because it benefits the majority and its the fair thing to do. "The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few" is the principle of sorts. If this principle is to be applied to fixed term employees then why isn't applied across the board?
I had a full time job when I took this position up. I am keen, obviously, to maintain my financial and family obligations for obvious reasons. I have a job to go to when this contract is up. Why is it, that I should have to give this job up? I applied and got the job on my merits - now I should give it up rather than work through a strike. Well, thats one hell of an ask.
I think most of the fixed term employees are patently aware that at the end of contract we'll all be out on ear. It was made more than clear both verbally and in writing.
There are other alternatives to striking which are equally as effective and less divisive for the crew demographic. However, it seems that we're hell bent on having a strike rather than considering other options that might be as effective and will stop pitting crew member against crew member and division against division.
But that wouldn't be any fun now would it.....
Str - Its quite clear the union is divided - a review of the posts only support the view. However, if the union isn't divided then why is there a domestic division and a international division? How is it that seemingly the company can pit one division against the other in regards to flying and the unions can't seem to work it out. Don't get me wrong, I'm a union member so I'm certainly not anti unions at all, but it just seems a tad funny that we should stand united yet we have two divisions and we squabble over flying.
As for the seniority system - again my point is this - there is an expectation that I should do the right thing for the majority (permanent ongoing crew). This is advertised as the "right thing to do" because it benefits the majority and its the fair thing to do. "The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few" is the principle of sorts. If this principle is to be applied to fixed term employees then why isn't applied across the board?
I had a full time job when I took this position up. I am keen, obviously, to maintain my financial and family obligations for obvious reasons. I have a job to go to when this contract is up. Why is it, that I should have to give this job up? I applied and got the job on my merits - now I should give it up rather than work through a strike. Well, thats one hell of an ask.
I think most of the fixed term employees are patently aware that at the end of contract we'll all be out on ear. It was made more than clear both verbally and in writing.
There are other alternatives to striking which are equally as effective and less divisive for the crew demographic. However, it seems that we're hell bent on having a strike rather than considering other options that might be as effective and will stop pitting crew member against crew member and division against division.
But that wouldn't be any fun now would it.....