Hi,

I've heard rumours about it as well. I actually rang JG and MB about the rumours to ask if it was true and he said that nothing official has been released, although he admitted he too had heard rumours about the idea, but apparently they were being bantered around by some SYD based pilot.

I guess a NTL base would make sense... given the number of NTL flights that we're doing.

A NTL base could be quite interesting. I wonder how many crew it would need.

I can't see it happening although some "know it alls" particularly Sydney based crew who residing in Newcastle are pushing for it. There are a number of additional costs and facilities involved along side crew set up costs.

If a base was to be opened in NTL then why not open up another base in every port and eliminate all overnights? Lets do it, lets turn into Jetstar!

Realisticly, I don't even see the point in setting up a Newcastle base. Jetstar is expanding and they could eaisly take that route from Qantaslink and allow Qantaslink to increase services to other ports that JQ don't operate too. Who knows? Who cares?

FA1 .... you dont even make sence. The reason that a base in NTL would need to open is because we overnight 9 crew there 6 nights a week as aposed to 3 or 4 crew on a regular overnight. Dont you think its justified. :D

Cant help but notice guys saying that qantaslink pay for your accomodation whilst you do your ground school in sydney. Is this still the case?? Im doing my endo at the end of this month and there has been no mention of accomo, but then again theres been no mention of course layout etc etc.

Can anyone shed me some light ?

I can't see it happening and I don't care either way. :)

bodex666, accommodation is paid for if your overnighting anywhere other than your home base.

So if your offered a position based out of Sydney, accommodation won't be offered during training in Sydney.

Newcastle Base
 

Given that the company finds the Sunstate EBA more compatible with the business' needs, I think it would make more sense to open a Sunstate base in Newcastle.

It would be interesting to know how much money would be saved by opening the base...

Rumours, Rumours, Rumours...

If they're actually rumours, how do we know BI is actually saying this then?! And again, given that you yoursel said that they're 'rumours', why would we demand the FAAA maek someone stand down on the basis of rumour?

Now don't get me wrong, I think BI is a two-faced SOAB... however, he's no worse than the greasy Melb rep who was apparently kicked out of the FAAA (and apparently worked for LongHaul - but no one can recall him...)

Ahh well. Another day in paradise!

No seriously though, I did hear another rumour... Apparently Dubbo and Devenport are getting runways big enough to take an A380. This must mean QantasLink's getting the big bird.... has anyone told LongHaul yet?! ;-) :p

The EBA
 

Even though it has been months since we were first offered our EBA, I still can't help but get angry about it. I think it has mainly to do with the ABSOLUTE GALL of management giving it to us, and stating how ungrateful we were for not accepting it.

Some points in question:

*Why is one of the world's most profitable airlines trying to make US feel guilty about the competitive airline industry? Personally I spend my time worrying about other things, like how I'm going to pay my rent this fortnight. :confused:

* How is the 13 hour rule making us so restrictive? They just put another F/A on after we finish, that's all! :rolleyes:

* Why is the DTA we were offered so dismal? Considering our level of responsibility, that rate is an insult. :mad:

* If we have to work longer hours, how will those of us who need second jobs to survive be able to hold two jobs? :uhoh:

* Why on earth would we give up the things we have fought for in the past just because Sunstate don't have them in their EBA? :yuk:

Worst of all, I am sick to death of the whole "Sunstate do it fine" crap. Well Sunstate employees don't live in the 2 most expensive cities in Australia.

Throughout the whole meeting process, NG and DH kept saying "This EBA is great because it means you won't have to get drafted or work on your days off". SFW? We shouldn't have to do that on this current EBA either!

The part that really bothered me at the EBA meetings was that DH told a flat out lie. When someone asked if we would be getting trips away, another F/A mentioned how the CBR F/A's had been told they would be doing Brisbane flying (which they aren't doing now).

He then turned around and said "No, they were never told that". BULLS***! They were obviously told that so they could fill up that dismal base! You can ask ANY of the F/A's and pilots there that one. How the hell are we supposed to trust these people when they lie to us?? :ugh:

It saddens me so much that I now hate going to a job that I used to love and look forward to so much. If management's intention was to destroy our morale well, mission accomplished. They've destroyed mine.:D

The Sunstate crew earn a bit of DTA (based on one of my good mates who USED to work there a while back - it MAY have changed since then...) because of multi-day trips up from BNE to CNS. As I recall, the trip used to take about 4 days return - DTA paid the whole time from Sign on to Sign off, of course.

Different story if you're talking about a 2-day trip. BNE to CNS is a long 'milk run' between two very separate cities, with numerous stops there and back. Does Eastern do anything similar at the moment?

Progression
 

I guess you've all heard the news about progression today.

How absolutely heart-breaking. To wait all this time and only have 5 of us from Eastern progress. :{

Clearly staying there is really not worth it, particularly after that devastating EBA that had the nerve to offer us.

We have so little and yet management won't be happy until they take it all.

And the real sore spot is that 20 from MAM did progress. :mad:

Progression
 

Hi Mr Boo! From my reading it was 5 per base, for EEA & SSA. ie. 5 from Mel/Syd/Mql etc (well five from MQL would be pointless HAHA!). At least its something!

Also re. EBA. Dont you find it strange that we have not heard anything in months! Maybe EEA & SSA will be merging sooner than we think! That leads to another question! If we merge, will the EEA FA's be told to sign the SSA agreement?

Hang in there!

Mouse:E

Sorry Mouse, 5 per AIRLINE...5 from Eastern, 5 from Sunnies, 5 from JQ.

Some movement better than none...wish it could have been more.

Boo,

I don't think the numbers had much to do with our management, I think it sounds like Qantas are the ones to dictate that. Personally I think if they knew far enough in advance our management would let as many of the more longer serving crew go as they could, that way they could bring in fresh f/a's who don't reallly know what its all about and possibly get that EBA through !

Its good news for those at the top though. Congrats to the lucky 5 !

Mr Seatback

Are you one of the lucky ones ? ...... drum roll..... crossing fingers for you

No...missed out this time...past number 5. :mad:

Mr Seatback

I'm really sorry to hear that. Are you close to the top ? Is there any chance enough will say no to Perth ? Presuming you would say yes of course :-)

So close I can taste it...but not close enough where it counts.

Very small chance that some will say no...but, it's now a game of wait and see.

Knowing my luck, I'll be left as the 'number 6' to this callout.

Off to get drunk. :{

regional.. what do you mean would there be enough to say no to perth?

If crew who have "ANY" base or PER listed as their preferred option for CP and are who are in the tope 5 this time, they will be offerred a progression place and may just say no. Yes its a longshot but you never know. If you are in the top 5 and have listed SYD/BNE/MEL as your preferred base you don't even get asked the question.

5 from each airline is very disappointing, especially since it has been so long since the last intake.
I don't think anyone will turn down this offer because that would mean going to the end of the list.

There's a recruitment day in Carins shortly for Qantaslink... can someone tell me what the working conditions are like in CNS? I presume one is employed on a fulltime basis? Casuals? Staff travel?

Thanks.