Corporate 'Own Goal'
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Corporate 'Own Goal'
I have just finished reading AT's newsletter regarding housing. Through the fog of anger and frustration on the matter, a few observations:
1) They effectively kicked the ball down the road for a year, and in the meantime have caused three months of stress, worry and concern for almost 2000 pilots and their families.
2) I suspect they never had any real intention of changing the housing at this point. They were interested in bluffing, and seeing our reaction. I am satisfied that the reaction they received convinced them that corporate doom would quickly ensue if they cancelled ARAPA.
3) It is better to negotiate (not impose) a fair, mutually agreeable solution to the ongoing situation with the company's evolution, and the market it operates in.
4) True unity and and resolve is the only solution to ensuring a proper career environment in CX. I believe that there was a firm and convincing display of this over the past few months that encouraged our management to take a needed step back.
I don't wish to gloat. My personal opinion is that CX always intended to approach the situation in this manner. In fact, I believe it is a page out of "Employee Hostage 101': threaten to take something away, then, when they don't, it feels like you've actually been GIVEN something. It is cynical and cheap.
Anna, you could have avoided this terrible and costly situation if you had shown us some respect and understanding from the beginning. I am entitled to the full amount of housing under ARAPA, based on the commitment the company made to me when I left my home country and joined CX. I have never taken more than about 65% of the maximum. Many of us have always been reasonable and fair. I am single, I don't need a three bedroom apartment in Central. I have a modest one bedroom, and am happy with it. However, some of my colleagues with three kids NEED that three bedroom, costing the top whack of the housing, and they should have that provided.
You have done us, and yourself no favours with how you have handled this. In fact, you have brought this airline to the brink. Many of my fellow C and T friends have said they are resigning. Many other of my colleagues are looking for new careers with other airlines. They don't trust you, the Swire's in general or have any faith towards a career with this company. Why, so you can save a few $ on the bottom line? You have lost sight of the great intangibles that all great businesses in the service industry figure out. It's about the PEOPLE. Without dedicated, motivated and positive employees, you have NOTHING. That is what your attitude towards us has wrought. Perhaps you can take some lessons from great people in the airline industry such as Herb Kelleher and Gordon Bethune. They focused on their PEOPLE, knowing they would help make the business succeed.
We all want a healthy and prosperous airline, but it can't be accomplished through intimidation and threat. The AOA offered you a reasonable package. You chose to throw it back in their face. Further, you have insulted and shown contempt to the very people (the Captains) who have a direct impact on the operational cost of this airline. Why, to save a few more $$ (did you really think that not paying the Captains would be seen as anything other than contempt and disrespect?). Have you no idea of the vitriol and anger that you have generated? This will surely result in far more cost than anything you have saved. Let me count the ways we can and will restore the balance in this scenario.
The reality is this: you have alienated the very people who control a large amount of the cost and efficiency in the airline. You have disgusted and lost many of the people in C and T who you rely on. You have convinced many of the FO’s and SO's of the fact that they must move on to better careers elsewhere. All just to prove that 'managers have the right to manage'. Well, you sure showed us.
If you want to get this airline firing on all cylinders, then it is time to take two or three steps back, reach out and sincerely engage in a manner that respects and values us. We are reasonable men and women, but we've been treated badly for too long. Change how you deal with us, and you will find us cooperative and open to fair and mutually beneficial ideas. More of the current attitude and disrespect will surely lead to a corporate disaster.
I am glad you have extended housing for a further year. Use that time wisely and beneficially for ALL parties. This airline is hanging on a knife edge. There is no further margin of error in how you treat YOUR people.
1) They effectively kicked the ball down the road for a year, and in the meantime have caused three months of stress, worry and concern for almost 2000 pilots and their families.
2) I suspect they never had any real intention of changing the housing at this point. They were interested in bluffing, and seeing our reaction. I am satisfied that the reaction they received convinced them that corporate doom would quickly ensue if they cancelled ARAPA.
3) It is better to negotiate (not impose) a fair, mutually agreeable solution to the ongoing situation with the company's evolution, and the market it operates in.
4) True unity and and resolve is the only solution to ensuring a proper career environment in CX. I believe that there was a firm and convincing display of this over the past few months that encouraged our management to take a needed step back.
I don't wish to gloat. My personal opinion is that CX always intended to approach the situation in this manner. In fact, I believe it is a page out of "Employee Hostage 101': threaten to take something away, then, when they don't, it feels like you've actually been GIVEN something. It is cynical and cheap.
Anna, you could have avoided this terrible and costly situation if you had shown us some respect and understanding from the beginning. I am entitled to the full amount of housing under ARAPA, based on the commitment the company made to me when I left my home country and joined CX. I have never taken more than about 65% of the maximum. Many of us have always been reasonable and fair. I am single, I don't need a three bedroom apartment in Central. I have a modest one bedroom, and am happy with it. However, some of my colleagues with three kids NEED that three bedroom, costing the top whack of the housing, and they should have that provided.
You have done us, and yourself no favours with how you have handled this. In fact, you have brought this airline to the brink. Many of my fellow C and T friends have said they are resigning. Many other of my colleagues are looking for new careers with other airlines. They don't trust you, the Swire's in general or have any faith towards a career with this company. Why, so you can save a few $ on the bottom line? You have lost sight of the great intangibles that all great businesses in the service industry figure out. It's about the PEOPLE. Without dedicated, motivated and positive employees, you have NOTHING. That is what your attitude towards us has wrought. Perhaps you can take some lessons from great people in the airline industry such as Herb Kelleher and Gordon Bethune. They focused on their PEOPLE, knowing they would help make the business succeed.
We all want a healthy and prosperous airline, but it can't be accomplished through intimidation and threat. The AOA offered you a reasonable package. You chose to throw it back in their face. Further, you have insulted and shown contempt to the very people (the Captains) who have a direct impact on the operational cost of this airline. Why, to save a few more $$ (did you really think that not paying the Captains would be seen as anything other than contempt and disrespect?). Have you no idea of the vitriol and anger that you have generated? This will surely result in far more cost than anything you have saved. Let me count the ways we can and will restore the balance in this scenario.
The reality is this: you have alienated the very people who control a large amount of the cost and efficiency in the airline. You have disgusted and lost many of the people in C and T who you rely on. You have convinced many of the FO’s and SO's of the fact that they must move on to better careers elsewhere. All just to prove that 'managers have the right to manage'. Well, you sure showed us.
If you want to get this airline firing on all cylinders, then it is time to take two or three steps back, reach out and sincerely engage in a manner that respects and values us. We are reasonable men and women, but we've been treated badly for too long. Change how you deal with us, and you will find us cooperative and open to fair and mutually beneficial ideas. More of the current attitude and disrespect will surely lead to a corporate disaster.
I am glad you have extended housing for a further year. Use that time wisely and beneficially for ALL parties. This airline is hanging on a knife edge. There is no further margin of error in how you treat YOUR people.
Last edited by Trafalgar; 8th Dec 2017 at 12:50.
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Good right up T.
But I suspect that more was in play in the background....lots of resignations last week .....CT is in dire straits ....and I wonder how great that recruitment drive was like....throw into the mix that company survey....like did you see a mention in all that data any result from the pilots. Nope bet it made a horrible read and they couldnt post it.
I suspect they blinked. They had already walked away from HPE and said any AoA offer wasnt want they wanted and now at this latest hour they give us a bone and say they will work with the us to reach an agreement.
But I suspect that more was in play in the background....lots of resignations last week .....CT is in dire straits ....and I wonder how great that recruitment drive was like....throw into the mix that company survey....like did you see a mention in all that data any result from the pilots. Nope bet it made a horrible read and they couldnt post it.
I suspect they blinked. They had already walked away from HPE and said any AoA offer wasnt want they wanted and now at this latest hour they give us a bone and say they will work with the us to reach an agreement.
When was the last time CX had to advertise in Flight Global?
Our recruitment team is now in the same league as Korean, Asiana, Ethiopian Airlines and all the other regulars.
Congrats Anna
Our recruitment team is now in the same league as Korean, Asiana, Ethiopian Airlines and all the other regulars.
Congrats Anna
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I fear it is far from over. They were concerned about the holiday season. They realized no/reduced 13th months for pilots plus reduction of ARAPA would have been pushing too far and had the potential of significant chaos.
Mark my words, as soon as January comes the pilots COS will be the main focus again for cost savings and concessions.
Mark my words, as soon as January comes the pilots COS will be the main focus again for cost savings and concessions.
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An interesting point to note is the number of new posters here , I am convinced that it is indicative of the depth of feeling engendered by managements latest moves which have been too much for all Captains
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GTC. You are correct. They spit the dummy regarding the possible consequences for the holidays, and have only given us an insight into the chaos and stress to come over the following year. For all their vaunted 'management genius', they truly do come across as absolute morons. They intend to go back on the attack as soon as CNY is over. Well, they will first experience a taste of their own medicine. AT and RH can be certain of 'our' threat to the coming holiday. They can experience an operation without pilots. Maybe that will help focus their minds a bit better for the negotiation after CNY. In the meantime, they reap what they sow. I promised the $35K will cost them three times that. And it will. Most of my colleagues will be sending a reply to their contempt and insult. Perhaps after they have put out the corporate equivalent of the 'california brush fire', they can start to negotiate in good faith. Oh, and btw, after they have admitted they made a 'mistake' and have paid me my full 13th month (and everyone else). Then we might have a basis for peace. Not until.
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Forests and trees
For twenty odd years you have been at the mercy of a long and protracted battle, I think it is safe to say the Pilot body is battered and bruised and the antagonist, whilst the same entity has changed generals many times. One thing is clear, they pretty much get what they want through lies, coercion or deceit.
Ask the question: Will this change? I think the answer is obvious, they will not change their approach. How many times have things been offered and then retracted at a later date, and how many times has this happened around Christmas and Chinese New Year?
They are not going away, they are not cowering. And so the battle has been furloughed for a short time to help them through the next two festive periods.
Their next move? Sign or be......... February 19 2018.
Just an opinion, or one of many scenarios to consider before breathing a sigh of relief. It isn't over, and if history teaches anything in this battle it will only continue one way.
Keep the march on track.
Ask the question: Will this change? I think the answer is obvious, they will not change their approach. How many times have things been offered and then retracted at a later date, and how many times has this happened around Christmas and Chinese New Year?
They are not going away, they are not cowering. And so the battle has been furloughed for a short time to help them through the next two festive periods.
Their next move? Sign or be......... February 19 2018.
Just an opinion, or one of many scenarios to consider before breathing a sigh of relief. It isn't over, and if history teaches anything in this battle it will only continue one way.
Keep the march on track.
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Of course this is to just get them through the busy period. That is why it is IMPERATIVE to take individual action. Every pilot must do their part to send a message to this management that our careers have value. If you are not doing your part, then you are no better than AT or RH. In fact, you are worse, as you will have helped them to undermine not only yourself and your family, but your colleagues and their families. I also believe it is time to let the C and T members know that a higher standard of responsibility is expected. After what the company did in respect of the 13th month, there can be no other response to their insult and contempt. This is the final chance we will have as a group to fight on what is anything like advantageous terms. If we let the holiday period go by without dramatically demonstrating our value, then there is an open road for management to completely gut our careers.
To all my former C and T colleagues: Now is the time to demonstrate integrity, both from a personal standpoint and a professional one. I left the organization and don't regret it for one moment. The extra money is NOT worth the cost to your integrity, honour and professional responsibility. This management is not deserving of our support. Either you will be thought of as a person of high character for resigning, or you will condemned as 'useful idiots' by the management, and even worse by your fellow aviators. There is no other choice.
To all my former C and T colleagues: Now is the time to demonstrate integrity, both from a personal standpoint and a professional one. I left the organization and don't regret it for one moment. The extra money is NOT worth the cost to your integrity, honour and professional responsibility. This management is not deserving of our support. Either you will be thought of as a person of high character for resigning, or you will condemned as 'useful idiots' by the management, and even worse by your fellow aviators. There is no other choice.
Last edited by Trafalgar; 9th Dec 2017 at 02:31.
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Just a word to the younger pilots. I have been involved in fighting this management for over 20 years now, without let up. Let that sink in: this company has been attacking their pilots for over 20 years without respite. That is the point you need to focus on: they will continue to fight every pay raise, every profit share, every work condition, every benefit year after year...for the next 20 years and longer. You will be fighting the same battles that I have had to fight for your ENTIRE CAREER if you stay here. Why? Because that is what the Swire's do. They like conflict. They only see you as a nail to hit with a hammer, not a valuable and respected employee. Look at the absolute contempt they have just shown the Captains. They will be treating you the very same way for the rest of your careers. That is a fact. And I say that with certainty as I have LIVED that VERY EXPERIENCE. I only hope that most of you don't have to experience that, by enjoying a career at a better airline with better management. Here at CX, you WILL have nothing but frustration, lack of income and a continuing slide to oblivion in retirement. That is what the Swire's have managed to turn this once great airline into. The graveyard of aviation hopes. You may not like what I have just said, but don't doubt I am correct in what I say.
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So did Qantas, until the 'dispute' and 'terminal decline' in 2011.
From memory John Travolta a Qantas tragic and brand ambassador, was the man that said in the introduction to the safety demonstration "There is no one I would prefer up the front than a Qantas pilot"
Rather amusingly that was yanked off the screens and replaced with something else.
Shows you just how petty they are! No one grows up wanting to an airline administrator, they want to be train drivers, firemen or even pilots...Even airline administrators do. So given many didn't make the grade, envy gets the better of them! Mr joyce claims eyesight stopped him being a pilot, that is the public story anyway. Privately it was a little more personal
Make no mistake some of us possess qualifications better than most of an airline's board. Sadly not the same thing can be said for airline boards or senior management....
From memory John Travolta a Qantas tragic and brand ambassador, was the man that said in the introduction to the safety demonstration "There is no one I would prefer up the front than a Qantas pilot"
Rather amusingly that was yanked off the screens and replaced with something else.
Shows you just how petty they are! No one grows up wanting to an airline administrator, they want to be train drivers, firemen or even pilots...Even airline administrators do. So given many didn't make the grade, envy gets the better of them! Mr joyce claims eyesight stopped him being a pilot, that is the public story anyway. Privately it was a little more personal
Make no mistake some of us possess qualifications better than most of an airline's board. Sadly not the same thing can be said for airline boards or senior management....
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Collective
One group must not be tasked with all the heavy lifting, it must be a consolidated approach. If you sit back and wring your hands hoping for a reasonable outcome then the fight is already lost.
It is the end game, sit back now and do little and fate will be sealed. If they are setting up for a fire sale, or a close and re-brand then the fight is already lost.
Doing little has done nothing to improve the plight in the last two plus decades, the closest was when Air China were sitting on the tarmac ready to be used and that advantage was not played.
It is the end game, sit back now and do little and fate will be sealed. If they are setting up for a fire sale, or a close and re-brand then the fight is already lost.
Doing little has done nothing to improve the plight in the last two plus decades, the closest was when Air China were sitting on the tarmac ready to be used and that advantage was not played.
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Curtain, I don't completely agree. Although the trainers have a high responsibility, and they should and must resign, every pilot needs to play a part. Over this holiday season especially, each one must take some action to push this company's back against the wall.
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The irony here is that this one year extension does nothing but extend the very stress and uncertainty that is pushing people out the door. In my opinion this will result in even more departures.
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777300ER - good point.
The ARAP continuation also means there are no "savings" to fund HKPA increases, so that forces another group out the door. Is the company now between a rock and a hard place? Probably not, I doubt they care.
Less pilots, less pilots costs, 10% savings, target hit, bonus time.....
Time to Win.... People make an airline... TTW is not just a renaming of departments.
The ARAP continuation also means there are no "savings" to fund HKPA increases, so that forces another group out the door. Is the company now between a rock and a hard place? Probably not, I doubt they care.
Less pilots, less pilots costs, 10% savings, target hit, bonus time.....
Time to Win.... People make an airline... TTW is not just a renaming of departments.
Joyce was ex Aer Lingus, as is Willy Walsh, now IAG CEO.
Walsh studiously divorced himself from all connections with his pilot origins. He knew it was a fundamental obstacle to his ambitions in higher management.
Joyce was never a pilot, so he’s permitted his romantic delusions.