Qantas Crew Discussions - I
Join Date: May 2007
Location: cns
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so now with the most recent news of cutting the CNS-NRT qf flights does it seem viable to just keep the cabin crew there to mainly take over other bases flying? Granted we do many ADL overnights where there is no base, but many other flying is based out of MEL doing day trips and SYD? brace ourselves here we go again i guess....
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: AUSTRALIA
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Here we go again.
Slap in the face number 8 awarded to the Cairns based QF crew.
I've always been a supporter of having the base remain from AO to QF wetlease to QF S/H. But now, 6 years of worry and uncertainty has done my head in.
Close the base, move us to BNE,SYD OR MEL and cut the crap. So sick of living like this !
As far as putting JQ on the NRT flights. I won't even comment because what I have to say will not be nice.
Somehow AO managed to fill up 4 767's a day for four years. Now, not even after one year operating to NGO and KIX we are seeing JQ cutting the route. Big round of applause ! Imagine what will now happen to NRT ! The Japanese do not like Jetstar, will QF management ever understand ?
I feel sorry for everyone in Cairns - the ground staff who will lose their jobs with the axing of the only 2 Qantas operated flights from the international terminal in Cairns, the cabin crew who yet again face an uncertain future due to an oversized base , and the tech crew 767 base of which many don't want to leave when the tech crew base closes in December.
R.I.P the best years of my life in Cairns.
' Australian Airlines - Catch the Holiday Spirit '
Slap in the face number 8 awarded to the Cairns based QF crew.
I've always been a supporter of having the base remain from AO to QF wetlease to QF S/H. But now, 6 years of worry and uncertainty has done my head in.
Close the base, move us to BNE,SYD OR MEL and cut the crap. So sick of living like this !
As far as putting JQ on the NRT flights. I won't even comment because what I have to say will not be nice.
Somehow AO managed to fill up 4 767's a day for four years. Now, not even after one year operating to NGO and KIX we are seeing JQ cutting the route. Big round of applause ! Imagine what will now happen to NRT ! The Japanese do not like Jetstar, will QF management ever understand ?
I feel sorry for everyone in Cairns - the ground staff who will lose their jobs with the axing of the only 2 Qantas operated flights from the international terminal in Cairns, the cabin crew who yet again face an uncertain future due to an oversized base , and the tech crew 767 base of which many don't want to leave when the tech crew base closes in December.
R.I.P the best years of my life in Cairns.
' Australian Airlines - Catch the Holiday Spirit '
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Does it matter
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I dont blame you Qf Skywalker for feeling like you do. It must suck big time
having to constantly worry about whats around the corner, especially after all the changes you have already been through.
I just would like to know why they are so keen to keep it open. I guess its just
political, needing to be seen as not deserting the FNQ economy too much too soon as QF have already announced big cutbacks up there.
Interesting to see what happens!!
having to constantly worry about whats around the corner, especially after all the changes you have already been through.
I just would like to know why they are so keen to keep it open. I guess its just
political, needing to be seen as not deserting the FNQ economy too much too soon as QF have already announced big cutbacks up there.
Interesting to see what happens!!
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Brisbane, Australia
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Long live AO! Fantasic f/a's and can always tell the difference on SH flights...
What doesn't make sense to me is, there was comment that one could interpret when B787's arrive that CNS QF SH will again do CNS-NRT? And also if CNS are sitting on RES so much then why continue to recruit MAM casuals? I mean there have been more than 10MAM recruitment days this year so far and still SH complain of being short?
As for JQi and NRT, I presume that this would operate or atleast codeshare with QF so they can get into NRT as there is a long waiting list for NRT?
What doesn't make sense to me is, there was comment that one could interpret when B787's arrive that CNS QF SH will again do CNS-NRT? And also if CNS are sitting on RES so much then why continue to recruit MAM casuals? I mean there have been more than 10MAM recruitment days this year so far and still SH complain of being short?
As for JQi and NRT, I presume that this would operate or atleast codeshare with QF so they can get into NRT as there is a long waiting list for NRT?
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: australia
Age: 59
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1 day before per l/h base was closed down the base manager was assuring crew that the base would remain open. don't listen to the base manager, they will say what they want you to hear and do what they want, or have, to do.
i still see sense in keeping the base even with a reduced base size to cover early flights out and late flights in. completely shutting down a base is not cheap and who knows what the flying will be in a year or two down the track. good luck!
i still see sense in keeping the base even with a reduced base size to cover early flights out and late flights in. completely shutting down a base is not cheap and who knows what the flying will be in a year or two down the track. good luck!
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: AUSTRALIA
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In my experience the base managers are not told anything either.
When Alison Webster visited she firmly committed to the Cairns base remaining operational for some time. So, if anything changes we can point the finger at her. Our current base manager is very supportive of the Cairns base and its crew.
Bring on secondments to QCCA. If they did this in the beginning we all would have taken off down south. Cairns has a base of 'true' Long Haul hosties in it.
When Alison Webster visited she firmly committed to the Cairns base remaining operational for some time. So, if anything changes we can point the finger at her. Our current base manager is very supportive of the Cairns base and its crew.
Bring on secondments to QCCA. If they did this in the beginning we all would have taken off down south. Cairns has a base of 'true' Long Haul hosties in it.
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Queensland
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Managers will say what they are told to say. If they say we will be closing down in 6months crew would all leave and nobody would be in cns to continue the flying until the very last day. They need crew to continue the flying other bases wont do, or can't for crew numbers.
As for the MAM recruitment.... Well, they will never hire crew as good as CNS crew. What a difference on a flight to have people that love being there and know how to serve business class on an International flight. CNS crew do not suit Domestic! Why they didnt get pushed to L/H is beyond me! So let them hire MAM.
As for the MAM recruitment.... Well, they will never hire crew as good as CNS crew. What a difference on a flight to have people that love being there and know how to serve business class on an International flight. CNS crew do not suit Domestic! Why they didnt get pushed to L/H is beyond me! So let them hire MAM.
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Australia
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Who knows what's happening up north, have we ever??
To my fellow CNS base crew. Thankyou so much for the past 6 years. It’s been the best time of my life. Remember the days of BKI, 8 day DPS and 4 day FUK and Aust Day Parties. It’s been a turbulent 6-year battle with the company that is for sure.
I just want to wish everyone the best of luck for our next batch of ‘clear air’ and remember we all know each other’s true value, as crew even if the company thinks cheap is better.
Who knows London might just be an AO base after all, if only we could take the weather with us!
I just want to wish everyone the best of luck for our next batch of ‘clear air’ and remember we all know each other’s true value, as crew even if the company thinks cheap is better.
Who knows London might just be an AO base after all, if only we could take the weather with us!
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: AUSTRALIA
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Flygrl are you going somewhere ??
At last count we had about 30 odd crew up in London. It really is turning into an AO base ! If you can't beat em, join em ! I just might yet. Flying with 'some' of the non smiling, unfriendly whinge bags is doing my head in. I reckon we need more MAM. Bring on the young MAM casuals to help pull the old girls in to line.
Inca_44 - Thank you for your nice comments about the cns crew. As soon as I fly with other crew they automatically know we are AO crew. It's quite funny actually.
And yes flygrl, who could ever forget the Sabah and Bali overnights. The long Hong Kong and Singapore 3 nighters and of course the Phuket 4 day slips.
Life was good.
At last count we had about 30 odd crew up in London. It really is turning into an AO base ! If you can't beat em, join em ! I just might yet. Flying with 'some' of the non smiling, unfriendly whinge bags is doing my head in. I reckon we need more MAM. Bring on the young MAM casuals to help pull the old girls in to line.
Inca_44 - Thank you for your nice comments about the cns crew. As soon as I fly with other crew they automatically know we are AO crew. It's quite funny actually.
And yes flygrl, who could ever forget the Sabah and Bali overnights. The long Hong Kong and Singapore 3 nighters and of course the Phuket 4 day slips.
Life was good.
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: australia
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be warned
QF skywalker, if they shut down the cairns base do not wish for secondment to QCCA. i have already flown with some ex mam crew who came over to longhaul and are stunned by the pay decrease they have taken. whatever else, remain permanent crew with seniority, higher base pay whether you are shorthaul or longhaul, all penalties on the relevant award and the protection that goes with it. i earn as much,if not more, than what a QCCA CSM will earn. your superannuation will increase faster as it is based on minimum annual pay and you will not be on a 6 month probationary period as QCCA are subject to.... one has already been sacked! fly with them but do not become one of them (except in spirit). you have done the pain, still are, don't give up the gain. to the ex AN crew, i am so sorry for all of you
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Australia
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just to share
spoke to union this afternoon to see what they had to say.. was told a meeting scheduled thurs and hopefully an update will be out that afternoon or friday.
lets wait and see... i just hope it has the words 'long haul transfers offered'
lets wait and see... i just hope it has the words 'long haul transfers offered'
Join Date: May 2007
Location: cns
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it seems from reading the posts that many CNS crew want to move from CNS, be it to SYD/MEL or to long haul even London, so why doesn't the company offer it?! it would save them money for not having an over sized base, make half the base happy, and solve alot of issues for them and for people wanting to move! isn't that a win-win?!
Join Date: Apr 2003
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If they offer us transfers to SYD/MEL/BNE then the PER crew will be up in arms.
If they offer us L/H transfers then people on the divisonal transfer list will be up in arms.
Whatever the outcome, I can see decisions relating to the CNS base causing conflict amongst other bases.
Please give us Long Haul transfers. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE.
If they offer us L/H transfers then people on the divisonal transfer list will be up in arms.
Whatever the outcome, I can see decisions relating to the CNS base causing conflict amongst other bases.
Please give us Long Haul transfers. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE.
Join Date: Jan 2007
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Good Luck to you all
I am ex AN and was offered a position with QF after that day in Sept. I decided to move on and after reading the above I am so glad I did. I just hope everything works out for you all as I do know how it feels when you have no say in what happens. Just remember there is life after flying so go for it.
All the best.
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Alpha Centauri
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Available Days
These so called 'A' days are infact defacto standby days.If CC resources become scarce on these days you can used to fill the void and assist in crewing an aircraft.This would destroy the remainder of your line.
You need to understand the mentality in Operations.They do not plan ahead effectively and operate on a "just in time' basis.Short term crisis management if you will.You are not considered to be a crew member with a life but rather a "unit of work".
PRA(personal roster adjustments)are rife as CC strive to balance home and work life.
When your employer offers no assistance in this regard you use the rules to provide the balance.
Your employer does not understand that this why sick leave amongst CC is high.
The new fatigue protocol will also help address this imbalance.
If you are fatigued and unable to perform your safety duties effectively write a safety hazard report.
In the company's own words this must be treated discretely,confidentially and sensitively.
With rosters of 240 hours 'fatigue' will become both your friend and enemy
You need to understand the mentality in Operations.They do not plan ahead effectively and operate on a "just in time' basis.Short term crisis management if you will.You are not considered to be a crew member with a life but rather a "unit of work".
PRA(personal roster adjustments)are rife as CC strive to balance home and work life.
When your employer offers no assistance in this regard you use the rules to provide the balance.
Your employer does not understand that this why sick leave amongst CC is high.
The new fatigue protocol will also help address this imbalance.
If you are fatigued and unable to perform your safety duties effectively write a safety hazard report.
In the company's own words this must be treated discretely,confidentially and sensitively.
With rosters of 240 hours 'fatigue' will become both your friend and enemy
Join Date: May 2007
Location: cns
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the union sent an email today about 'short-term measures' to solve the over establishment of cairns base, as I'm away & won't get any notices does anyone know what these measure are?? and how come everytime the union meets with the company all they seem to get out of it is another date to discuss the matter?!!
Join Date: Apr 2003
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Just read the FAAA newsletter. Let me guess what the short term measure will be - ' Extension of non reciprocal port swaps !!! '
Fantastic - pffffft
Great for people who don't mind paying rent in another city for a chance to get a flying line rather than Reserve in Cairns !
Pull your finger out Qantas. Long Haul transfers - NOW.
Fantastic - pffffft
Great for people who don't mind paying rent in another city for a chance to get a flying line rather than Reserve in Cairns !
Pull your finger out Qantas. Long Haul transfers - NOW.
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Queensland
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The CNS base had the best flying that has ever been, its no wonder that some crew are finding the change to domestic hard. The reality is that that the flying we had in AO was not the norm, what we do now is. Why does anyone expect Qantas to give us the long haul transfer before those who have been doing the "norm" for years and waited on the list for their turn to come up. Wake up guys it just wont happen. Your only option now is to take up with QCCA (and be one of Uncle Geoff's chosen) or go to London. By the way.....Long live the CNS base!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Join Date: Mar 2006
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this is norm? help
its great some people really enjoy domestic. however, when you applied for and absolutely loved what you were doing, to be thrown into tandem, it would be nice to have the offer available. hell i'd rather do a 3am muffin service then a per rtn.
the flying was the best at ao, we all know that and aren't looking for it. but i think we have been keep waiting, continually working hard, and when we thought it was going to get better once 'we were in', we still have had no casuals, flying our butts off and earning less.
my fingers are just crossed that with all the new aircraft coming, there will be some 'qantas' divisional movement.
but quick, before we go out... where's the chux! where's the chux!
oh my god.
its great some people really enjoy domestic. however, when you applied for and absolutely loved what you were doing, to be thrown into tandem, it would be nice to have the offer available. hell i'd rather do a 3am muffin service then a per rtn.
the flying was the best at ao, we all know that and aren't looking for it. but i think we have been keep waiting, continually working hard, and when we thought it was going to get better once 'we were in', we still have had no casuals, flying our butts off and earning less.
my fingers are just crossed that with all the new aircraft coming, there will be some 'qantas' divisional movement.
but quick, before we go out... where's the chux! where's the chux!
oh my god.