QF Strikebreakers!
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QF Strikebreakers!
Here's a heads-up for all of those, mostly ex AN crew, who have been shortlisted in the recent QF recruitment drive.
If you were one of those contacted by QF in Sydney this morning and innocently asked if it would be okay if they forwarded your personnel 'jacket' to MAM for a possible two days training over the weekend and a subsequent three days work early next week then before you say yes, do yourself a favour and ask 'what th...?'
What's happening early next week I hear you ask? Well, not much really, oh, apart from the very real possibility of industrial action by your colleagues presently incumbent at the big Q. Say around Tuesday between, say, 0200 - 1200 hrs.
Think long and hard before committing to such folly because as surely as night follows day, as soon as you no longer serve a useful purpose they WILL hang you out to dry. Who will you have left to turn to after that happens, oh, only your friends and colleagues who have been attempting to pursue their legitimate industrial claims.
This isn't to say I have a personal axe to grind against either Geoff or Maurice. They have been kind enough to allow me to indulge my expensive personal passion....flying, that is! I only use that term because a job actually PAYS the monthly bills.
They are simply looking after their own business interests and hey, they've both got bank accounts to fill too you know, fairs fair.
Well, next week will be the time for us to look after our business interests. United we stand, divided we don't stand a snowballs!
I know that some of you aren't in a strong position and could do with the cash. Join the club. But they know that too and the best time to take advantage of people is when there is a weakness in the line.
Next week will come time to hold the line, take the pain, suck it up. If we don't do this now it will just be the start.
If you were one of those contacted by QF in Sydney this morning and innocently asked if it would be okay if they forwarded your personnel 'jacket' to MAM for a possible two days training over the weekend and a subsequent three days work early next week then before you say yes, do yourself a favour and ask 'what th...?'
What's happening early next week I hear you ask? Well, not much really, oh, apart from the very real possibility of industrial action by your colleagues presently incumbent at the big Q. Say around Tuesday between, say, 0200 - 1200 hrs.
Think long and hard before committing to such folly because as surely as night follows day, as soon as you no longer serve a useful purpose they WILL hang you out to dry. Who will you have left to turn to after that happens, oh, only your friends and colleagues who have been attempting to pursue their legitimate industrial claims.
This isn't to say I have a personal axe to grind against either Geoff or Maurice. They have been kind enough to allow me to indulge my expensive personal passion....flying, that is! I only use that term because a job actually PAYS the monthly bills.
They are simply looking after their own business interests and hey, they've both got bank accounts to fill too you know, fairs fair.
Well, next week will be the time for us to look after our business interests. United we stand, divided we don't stand a snowballs!
I know that some of you aren't in a strong position and could do with the cash. Join the club. But they know that too and the best time to take advantage of people is when there is a weakness in the line.
Next week will come time to hold the line, take the pain, suck it up. If we don't do this now it will just be the start.
Last edited by Sick Squid; 21st Feb 2003 at 00:56.
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Agree with you whole heartedly Alpha Bravo, however, how will Qf treat those on the short list if they decline their most generous offer. There is the very real fear that they will never get that "call" for training school if this offer is refused. Am soooo very glad that I am not in their position. Tough call for them. 
This "very generous offer" , bear in mind, was offered with as little as 2 days warning.
Any decline would be understandable as most people holding down current employment would not be afforded much flexibility by their superiors, a predicament i am sure QF would understand and be expecting.
Any decline would be understandable as most people holding down current employment would not be afforded much flexibility by their superiors, a predicament i am sure QF would understand and be expecting.
I dont want to fly, as cabin crew anyway, which gives me the benefit of viewing this situation objectively.
Pop quiz for you;
You currently work for an operator doing a job you dont really enjoy, waiting for a start to do the only thing that makes you happy,
Your dream job HR team give you a call and offer you a spot you didnt apply for, for 3 days of work, and 3 days of work only, which present a set of circumstances that at best are described as dubious,
If your current employer gets wind of this, its back to the enemployment office,
And if you do happen to take it on, upon successfull transition to mainline
one day , you can look forward to many years knowing how people who live in leppar colonies feel...
What do you do?? What DDDOOOOOOO you do??
It's all well and good to sit there and say "if they want it bad enough they will do it", but that B.C. is the very argument that has been the basis of people getting shafted in this industry from day 1.
As long as people take these appointments without giving serious considerations to what it may be doing to the industry as a whole, the good old days of flying, which I am proud to say I was once a part of, are well and truely gone.
Pop quiz for you;
You currently work for an operator doing a job you dont really enjoy, waiting for a start to do the only thing that makes you happy,
Your dream job HR team give you a call and offer you a spot you didnt apply for, for 3 days of work, and 3 days of work only, which present a set of circumstances that at best are described as dubious,
If your current employer gets wind of this, its back to the enemployment office,
And if you do happen to take it on, upon successfull transition to mainline
one day , you can look forward to many years knowing how people who live in leppar colonies feel...
What do you do?? What DDDOOOOOOO you do??
It's all well and good to sit there and say "if they want it bad enough they will do it", but that B.C. is the very argument that has been the basis of people getting shafted in this industry from day 1.
As long as people take these appointments without giving serious considerations to what it may be doing to the industry as a whole, the good old days of flying, which I am proud to say I was once a part of, are well and truely gone.
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Alpha Charlie Bravo
I can see where your coming from, but can also see the other
side of the coin for the ex AN F/As, this is possibly their best/only
chance to fly again, and if I were in their position would most
likely go for it, and to hell with the consequenses.
One might be surprised just how many QF has shortlisted
as aspiring F/As and if the present encumbants are not happy
with their lot they can be replaced by people that would
be more than happy with the present pay and conditions.
Just a thought.
I can see where your coming from, but can also see the other
side of the coin for the ex AN F/As, this is possibly their best/only
chance to fly again, and if I were in their position would most
likely go for it, and to hell with the consequenses.
One might be surprised just how many QF has shortlisted
as aspiring F/As and if the present encumbants are not happy
with their lot they can be replaced by people that would
be more than happy with the present pay and conditions.
Just a thought.
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I received one of those calls. There is seriously no way I would enter into strike breaking no matter how much I wanted the position. My family lived thru the pilots dispute so i know how that one goes.
Anyways...what I would be interested in - is finding out more about what this is about. The phone call was very vague not much information was given out. I called friends working currently for mam and none of them had any idea on it either.
Furthermore I did contact the union who stated that this would not be a strike breaking situation...so I am at a bit of a loss and very confused as to a 3 day working contract.
Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Lastly given 1 days notice to uphold a 3 day contract position to then be put back on the shortlist to me would be highly rude of qantas to give you a thanks but no thanks for not accepting a last minute very sketchy deal.
If they offered conditions of pay...areas of travel..terms etc...and gave a little more time ..then maybe.
It will be very interesting to see where this one is heading
Anyways...what I would be interested in - is finding out more about what this is about. The phone call was very vague not much information was given out. I called friends working currently for mam and none of them had any idea on it either.
Furthermore I did contact the union who stated that this would not be a strike breaking situation...so I am at a bit of a loss and very confused as to a 3 day working contract.
Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Lastly given 1 days notice to uphold a 3 day contract position to then be put back on the shortlist to me would be highly rude of qantas to give you a thanks but no thanks for not accepting a last minute very sketchy deal.
If they offered conditions of pay...areas of travel..terms etc...and gave a little more time ..then maybe.
It will be very interesting to see where this one is heading
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unions
This is slightly off the topic but I was just wondering if there is alot of pressure for cabin crew to join unions????
I work in QFCL and there is ALOT of pressure from union representatives wanting me to join...but as far as I can see there is no reason for me to join...not when I'm trying to apply for cabin crew.
I work in QFCL and there is ALOT of pressure from union representatives wanting me to join...but as far as I can see there is no reason for me to join...not when I'm trying to apply for cabin crew.
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Recent update:
I spoke with a current MAM casual who stated that they also had been given the call after the shortlisters were called. My friend said he wasnt interested and said he felt quite pressured by them but also stuck to his guns.
The union from what I understand have received severals calls on this matter.
The qantas person who initially contacted me on behalf of MAM said they would contact me back yesterday afternoon...no call has come since...and I hope they are at least polite enough if this doesnt go ahead to offer explaination calls to those they have weighed down with this...that would be the least they could do.
Somehow I dont think this will go ahead...but i do tend to agree with Alpha bravo charlie...think before you take this on board.
3 days contract work (scabbing) to end up back on a shortlist
with no guarantees and a lifetime of being blacklisted for being a scab
Vs
Saying no and awaiting the outcome.
I'm not interested! Sometimes your own conscious is more important than 3 days work with no guarantees. Think about it
What really irks me - is to think of what this industry is coming to.
The games they play with peoples lives!
I spoke with a current MAM casual who stated that they also had been given the call after the shortlisters were called. My friend said he wasnt interested and said he felt quite pressured by them but also stuck to his guns.
The union from what I understand have received severals calls on this matter.
The qantas person who initially contacted me on behalf of MAM said they would contact me back yesterday afternoon...no call has come since...and I hope they are at least polite enough if this doesnt go ahead to offer explaination calls to those they have weighed down with this...that would be the least they could do.
Somehow I dont think this will go ahead...but i do tend to agree with Alpha bravo charlie...think before you take this on board.
3 days contract work (scabbing) to end up back on a shortlist
with no guarantees and a lifetime of being blacklisted for being a scab
Vs
Saying no and awaiting the outcome.
I'm not interested! Sometimes your own conscious is more important than 3 days work with no guarantees. Think about it
What really irks me - is to think of what this industry is coming to.
The games they play with peoples lives!
Isnt it only a stopwork meeting to get feedback on the EBA negotiations? However it begs the question, why do cabin crew feel they are worth more than all the other QF employees who manage to get by on what was it now 3% increase?
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QF StrikeBreaker?????????
I am currently a Sydney based MAM casual who was called late yesterday afternoon from QF HR asking, if I was available on the weekend for a 1 day 747 saftety Training day, & available next week to do 2-3 day international flying.
Most of the MAM casuals I have spoken too (including myself) have reluctantly accepted the offer for several reasons;
Firstly, the lack of hours this month has proven to be very financially challenging. Most of us have less than 10 hours for the month, and it is now the 21st of the month with multiple bills to pay without another source of income!!!!
Secondly, most of us are trying to secure a full time permanent position with QF & feel that if we do not support the company now, then we may be jeopordising a future full time postion.
Thirdly, Some of the MAM casuals are currently on a short list to secure fulltime employment in Perth for the new Short Haul base, and are due to hear the outcome early next week. Again not a good situation to be faced with as saying "no" to Qantas may adversely effect the outcome of their application.
I am sure that you can appreciate the terrible situation facing MAM casuals. We do not want to go against our fellow Flight Attendants, but at the same time do NOT want to jeopordise our own futures. MAM Casuals are "damed if we take it & damned if we don't"
We are not scabbs!!!!! We are merely honest hard working people who simply have been placed in a terrible situation and wanting to do the right thing for all, especially ourselves.
And we should not forget the most important stakeholder who will be effected by the stop work meeting........our PASSENGERS!!!!!
I hope this will make people see the other side of the situation!
Most of the MAM casuals I have spoken too (including myself) have reluctantly accepted the offer for several reasons;
Firstly, the lack of hours this month has proven to be very financially challenging. Most of us have less than 10 hours for the month, and it is now the 21st of the month with multiple bills to pay without another source of income!!!!
Secondly, most of us are trying to secure a full time permanent position with QF & feel that if we do not support the company now, then we may be jeopordising a future full time postion.
Thirdly, Some of the MAM casuals are currently on a short list to secure fulltime employment in Perth for the new Short Haul base, and are due to hear the outcome early next week. Again not a good situation to be faced with as saying "no" to Qantas may adversely effect the outcome of their application.
I am sure that you can appreciate the terrible situation facing MAM casuals. We do not want to go against our fellow Flight Attendants, but at the same time do NOT want to jeopordise our own futures. MAM Casuals are "damed if we take it & damned if we don't"
We are not scabbs!!!!! We are merely honest hard working people who simply have been placed in a terrible situation and wanting to do the right thing for all, especially ourselves.
And we should not forget the most important stakeholder who will be effected by the stop work meeting........our PASSENGERS!!!!!
I hope this will make people see the other side of the situation!
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Strikebreakers
Wonderwold - crew do not think they are any better than other QF employess in accepting a 3% wage increase.
The gripe is that the company are expecting us to do more hours per bid period plus redcucing crew. This effectively means a pay cut not a pay increase!
MAMPOWER - I understand the situation you are in BUT think about the day you are made permanent (and you will be). The company is trying to erode condtions for everyone and if the casuals step in to help out the company you will only have yourself to blame when you are made permanent but have crap conditions.
We have to stand up to the company. The FAAA has been trying to negotiate for weeks and the company don't want to listen. Stop work is the last resort.
The gripe is that the company are expecting us to do more hours per bid period plus redcucing crew. This effectively means a pay cut not a pay increase!
MAMPOWER - I understand the situation you are in BUT think about the day you are made permanent (and you will be). The company is trying to erode condtions for everyone and if the casuals step in to help out the company you will only have yourself to blame when you are made permanent but have crap conditions.
We have to stand up to the company. The FAAA has been trying to negotiate for weeks and the company don't want to listen. Stop work is the last resort.
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It's an age old battle tactic to divide and conquer.
As an ex member of the industry I am sitting back watching Q.F staff make the same mistakes as so many other now defunct airlines did. Striking is a useless tactic when you can be so easily and quickly replaced by a ready trained staff . There are heaps of Mam,ex ansett , compass etc etc staff who would gladly go in and accept your current award conditions and to hell with the consequences . Sad ,but true fact I'm afraid .
With d.j threatening expansion and S.Q still making noises about the aussie domestic and trans tasman markets Q.F could find itself in the situation of having to compete against seriously cashed up competitors , who have a fraction of q.F's operating cost base ,and within the next 18 months. Don't be surprised to see that the trade off for allowing Q.F to buy 25% of air sheep shagger is to allow S.Q to get their wish of an"open skies" policy in Australia. It will be really on then ! With shareholders to answer to Q.F will have to seriously address their operating costs.
And they only way to do that is to achieve serious wage reform. The easiest way to do that is to provoke a dispute , divide the workers and conquer them !
Don't fall for the trick . Make all the noises about being seriously pissed off about only getting three percent instead of seven , but for christ's sake don't put yourself in the position of giving Dixon the opportunity to screw you right over. It might cost you a 4% pay rise , but it may mean you still will have a job in the long term!
And I'm here to tell you that I wish I still had mine!
As an ex member of the industry I am sitting back watching Q.F staff make the same mistakes as so many other now defunct airlines did. Striking is a useless tactic when you can be so easily and quickly replaced by a ready trained staff . There are heaps of Mam,ex ansett , compass etc etc staff who would gladly go in and accept your current award conditions and to hell with the consequences . Sad ,but true fact I'm afraid .
With d.j threatening expansion and S.Q still making noises about the aussie domestic and trans tasman markets Q.F could find itself in the situation of having to compete against seriously cashed up competitors , who have a fraction of q.F's operating cost base ,and within the next 18 months. Don't be surprised to see that the trade off for allowing Q.F to buy 25% of air sheep shagger is to allow S.Q to get their wish of an"open skies" policy in Australia. It will be really on then ! With shareholders to answer to Q.F will have to seriously address their operating costs.
And they only way to do that is to achieve serious wage reform. The easiest way to do that is to provoke a dispute , divide the workers and conquer them !
Don't fall for the trick . Make all the noises about being seriously pissed off about only getting three percent instead of seven , but for christ's sake don't put yourself in the position of giving Dixon the opportunity to screw you right over. It might cost you a 4% pay rise , but it may mean you still will have a job in the long term!
And I'm here to tell you that I wish I still had mine!
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Subsequent to my original post I feel it is timely to remind some of you that I too am a casual F/A with many of the immediate financial concerns that some of you are facing and also with an eye to the future and that ever elusive permanent position.
For the record, I don't know whether I agree with the long haul F/A's for taking industrial action, particularly in light of the current global industry and the prospect of war in the Middle East. What I do strongly believe in, however, is their right to take such action should they feel it is appropriate and without the company attempting to undermine such lawful action by calling in strikebreakers. Be under no illusion, that is what you are, that is what you have agreed to do!
I too was called to participate and politely declined without being asked to provide a reason, which I didn't. Given the short notice, they were very cool about it, actually.
The $300+ for the training day alone would have paid my next car payment, money I don't currently have and can't hope to cover out of next weeks pay cheque, given the slim hours of late.
I'll tell you what I do have, however, my principles and the ability to look myself in the mirror each morning and like what is looking back at me. Compared to that $300, that feeling will be with me for the rest of my life. You can't put a price on that.
Far be it from me to pass judgment on any of my colleagues who choose to take the work. Some of your other colleagues may not be so charitable. If you feel you've done the right thing by taking the work, good luck to you, that's your right and your privilege.
However, one day God willing, you too will gain a permanent position with QF. One day, you too may be in the unenviable position of having to take industrial action.
Ask yourself this question. How will YOU feel about the company calling in other MAM casual F/A's to undermine your lawful industrial action and break your strike?
For the record, I don't know whether I agree with the long haul F/A's for taking industrial action, particularly in light of the current global industry and the prospect of war in the Middle East. What I do strongly believe in, however, is their right to take such action should they feel it is appropriate and without the company attempting to undermine such lawful action by calling in strikebreakers. Be under no illusion, that is what you are, that is what you have agreed to do!
I too was called to participate and politely declined without being asked to provide a reason, which I didn't. Given the short notice, they were very cool about it, actually.
The $300+ for the training day alone would have paid my next car payment, money I don't currently have and can't hope to cover out of next weeks pay cheque, given the slim hours of late.
I'll tell you what I do have, however, my principles and the ability to look myself in the mirror each morning and like what is looking back at me. Compared to that $300, that feeling will be with me for the rest of my life. You can't put a price on that.
Far be it from me to pass judgment on any of my colleagues who choose to take the work. Some of your other colleagues may not be so charitable. If you feel you've done the right thing by taking the work, good luck to you, that's your right and your privilege.
However, one day God willing, you too will gain a permanent position with QF. One day, you too may be in the unenviable position of having to take industrial action.
Ask yourself this question. How will YOU feel about the company calling in other MAM casual F/A's to undermine your lawful industrial action and break your strike?
Leemo I understand what you say re reduced crew. There are many areas within the company that have had to cope with the greatly increased flying since the collapse of Ansett without any increase in manpower. I'm talking operational areas here. Do you really understand the problems this will cause pax with many missed connections resulting in Qantas having to accomodate pax in hotels etc, not to mention many missed business meetings or whatever.
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I can appreciate the situation from the perspective of the MAM casuals, but there are a few things you need to think about.
Qantas Long Haul Flight Attendants are fighting to be recognised for the fact that since 25th Feb 2002, they are working harder than ever before. One Flight Attendant was taken off 747-400’s (was 16, now 15 crew) and 767’s (was 8 crew, now 7). Meanwhile on a 747-400 the competition has far higher staffing levels - Malaysian Airlines has 22 crew, Cathay 18 & Singapore Airlines 17 crew. In the last EBA negotiations Qantas Management agreed in writing to recognise cabin crew’s contribution in directly making an annual saving of $40 million (this saving will only increase over time). Cabin crew are asking for a 7% pay rise – which is a portion of this saving and is hardly unreasonable. If you were asked to work harder, wouldn’t you want to be paid more to do it? It’s not about wanting more than the other Qantas unions, it’s about being compensated for a specific increase in our workload. Management are simply walking away from something they committed to less than a year ago, a time when all Unions were prepared to help Management by accepting a pay freeze.
Secondly, I am sure you’ll understand that if crew don’t take a stand now, the next time conditions are negotiated, Qantas Management won’t take crew seriously and undoubtedbly, working conditions will deteriorate dramatically.
Think about the fact that by accepting these 3 days of work YOU will adversely affect the impact of the Stop Work meeting. If this truly is your dream job, surely you will want to play your part in keeping it a job worth wanting now and in the future!
Simply, all cabin crew need to stand together, whether full time, casual or part time. Poaching each other’s jobs is un-Australian and it will weaken your working conditions when finally you are offered a full time role as a Flight Attendant (which I really hope will happen). Do you really think that your role in strike breaking will guarantee you a job? I seriously doubt it.
Talking about “our” passengers – think about how important it is to keep these passengers safe. Qantas Cabin Crew have 12 days of Emergency Procedures training to become certified on their aircraft – how can 1 day of training possibly be to the same standard? Qantas prides itself on being the safest airline in the world – can you truly say that 1 day of training maintains this standard? What happens if there’s an emergency? Will people trained for one day be prepared? I know if I was a passenger or a pilot on board an aircraft during the hours of the stop work, I would be very concerned if I knew that the cabin crew were not trained to Qantas’ usual standard!
For the ex-Ansett crew – I can only say you’ve experienced being burnt once, the Union stood by you then and fought for your entitlements (who do you think got your long service leave, annual leave and redundancy entitlements), now it’s your turn to repay the favour. We’re not only talking about what will happen next week – be aware that this could change your destiny and that of Qantas Cabin Crew forever.
If you really want to learn the FACTS about this issue, I urge you to visit the FAAA Long Haul website – www.faaa.net - and PLEASE don’t accept 3 day’s work for a short term pay packet – it’s your future too!
Qantas Long Haul Flight Attendants are fighting to be recognised for the fact that since 25th Feb 2002, they are working harder than ever before. One Flight Attendant was taken off 747-400’s (was 16, now 15 crew) and 767’s (was 8 crew, now 7). Meanwhile on a 747-400 the competition has far higher staffing levels - Malaysian Airlines has 22 crew, Cathay 18 & Singapore Airlines 17 crew. In the last EBA negotiations Qantas Management agreed in writing to recognise cabin crew’s contribution in directly making an annual saving of $40 million (this saving will only increase over time). Cabin crew are asking for a 7% pay rise – which is a portion of this saving and is hardly unreasonable. If you were asked to work harder, wouldn’t you want to be paid more to do it? It’s not about wanting more than the other Qantas unions, it’s about being compensated for a specific increase in our workload. Management are simply walking away from something they committed to less than a year ago, a time when all Unions were prepared to help Management by accepting a pay freeze.
Secondly, I am sure you’ll understand that if crew don’t take a stand now, the next time conditions are negotiated, Qantas Management won’t take crew seriously and undoubtedbly, working conditions will deteriorate dramatically.
Think about the fact that by accepting these 3 days of work YOU will adversely affect the impact of the Stop Work meeting. If this truly is your dream job, surely you will want to play your part in keeping it a job worth wanting now and in the future!
Simply, all cabin crew need to stand together, whether full time, casual or part time. Poaching each other’s jobs is un-Australian and it will weaken your working conditions when finally you are offered a full time role as a Flight Attendant (which I really hope will happen). Do you really think that your role in strike breaking will guarantee you a job? I seriously doubt it.
Talking about “our” passengers – think about how important it is to keep these passengers safe. Qantas Cabin Crew have 12 days of Emergency Procedures training to become certified on their aircraft – how can 1 day of training possibly be to the same standard? Qantas prides itself on being the safest airline in the world – can you truly say that 1 day of training maintains this standard? What happens if there’s an emergency? Will people trained for one day be prepared? I know if I was a passenger or a pilot on board an aircraft during the hours of the stop work, I would be very concerned if I knew that the cabin crew were not trained to Qantas’ usual standard!
For the ex-Ansett crew – I can only say you’ve experienced being burnt once, the Union stood by you then and fought for your entitlements (who do you think got your long service leave, annual leave and redundancy entitlements), now it’s your turn to repay the favour. We’re not only talking about what will happen next week – be aware that this could change your destiny and that of Qantas Cabin Crew forever.
If you really want to learn the FACTS about this issue, I urge you to visit the FAAA Long Haul website – www.faaa.net - and PLEASE don’t accept 3 day’s work for a short term pay packet – it’s your future too!
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ACB -
Good for you! It must be a horrible position for you to be in to have to worry about money and declining hours of work each week. Then to have this fast cash dangled in front of you.... Well done on refusing! You are not only securing the conditions of all FAs in Australia but ultimatelty your own, should you choose to stay flying.
I really do not envy the position that MAM casuals face but please consider what it is you are doing should you accept this offer. Consciencecalling has hit the nail on the head!
Ask yourself this question - Is QF doing this for you? Do they feel bad about the lack of casual hours and are they trying to help you out? NOPE - It's all about them......
Good for you! It must be a horrible position for you to be in to have to worry about money and declining hours of work each week. Then to have this fast cash dangled in front of you.... Well done on refusing! You are not only securing the conditions of all FAs in Australia but ultimatelty your own, should you choose to stay flying.
I really do not envy the position that MAM casuals face but please consider what it is you are doing should you accept this offer. Consciencecalling has hit the nail on the head!
Ask yourself this question - Is QF doing this for you? Do they feel bad about the lack of casual hours and are they trying to help you out? NOPE - It's all about them......
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Wonderworld - of course I understand this will inconvienience many people, but at the end of the day we have to protect our conditions.
'consciencecalling' sums up my feelings exactly.
'consciencecalling' sums up my feelings exactly.
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Well said!
Well said consciencecalling and many others....
I felt it necessary to express my thoughts etc on this very important topic.
I too was called to be part of this and at the time of the call(informing me of two days training and a 3-4 day flight overseas and no other details) I had no idea that strike action was pending,after talking with a few people I was disappointed to hear that we were called to certainly sabbotage our future colleague's hard work & important stance that not only effects their wage & conditions but the safety of passengers.I did call them back and politely declined the offer of "short-term'contract".It's not to say that I was not excited & tempted by this offer,as I even arranged several swaps with many calleagues for time off and cancelled various arrangements-I eventually got a call back to inform me(eventhough I had called them back earlier),only hours ago,that I would not be needed.What I did not mention is that I am NOT a trained casual MAM f/a,I am only on the short-list.Yes I have flown before,but on a small aircraft for a regional airline and for this I trained 5 weeks,my emergency procedures,drills etc took me days to master(for only one SMALL a/c) so my question is this-how safe is it to provide only one-two days training for an a/c carrying hundreds of pax?Phew!Boy am I glad I don't have to work on that a/c hoping that there is not an emergency.Yes,I certainly empathise with the MAM casuals as some no doubt have only this work to pay their bills,not an easy decision to make.
I am too familiar with industrial action and the importance of unity & support as I have been a nurse for many years.I am hoping for a positive outcome next week and will certainly be listening out for news that my future(hopefully) colleagues have been rewarded for their hard work.
Good-luck
I felt it necessary to express my thoughts etc on this very important topic.
I too was called to be part of this and at the time of the call(informing me of two days training and a 3-4 day flight overseas and no other details) I had no idea that strike action was pending,after talking with a few people I was disappointed to hear that we were called to certainly sabbotage our future colleague's hard work & important stance that not only effects their wage & conditions but the safety of passengers.I did call them back and politely declined the offer of "short-term'contract".It's not to say that I was not excited & tempted by this offer,as I even arranged several swaps with many calleagues for time off and cancelled various arrangements-I eventually got a call back to inform me(eventhough I had called them back earlier),only hours ago,that I would not be needed.What I did not mention is that I am NOT a trained casual MAM f/a,I am only on the short-list.Yes I have flown before,but on a small aircraft for a regional airline and for this I trained 5 weeks,my emergency procedures,drills etc took me days to master(for only one SMALL a/c) so my question is this-how safe is it to provide only one-two days training for an a/c carrying hundreds of pax?Phew!Boy am I glad I don't have to work on that a/c hoping that there is not an emergency.Yes,I certainly empathise with the MAM casuals as some no doubt have only this work to pay their bills,not an easy decision to make.
I am too familiar with industrial action and the importance of unity & support as I have been a nurse for many years.I am hoping for a positive outcome next week and will certainly be listening out for news that my future(hopefully) colleagues have been rewarded for their hard work.
Good-luck