Scraping the barrel

[Dilbert68]

Originally Posted by unitedabx

Ineffective in contract negotiations. Would it be better if the HKAOA changed it's focus and became an active employment agency for CX pilots looking to leave. Office staff could assist with applications and CV writing/printing and this new agency could offer airlines entire crews as required. Much better use of the monthly dues than the farce of negotiating when hopelessly out matched.

That is the best idea I have heard in a long time. Of course the HKAOA would never do this as the success of their efforts would lead to a reduction of members and their corresponding dues. How can you afford to pay the fat salaries to CB et al then?

[Slasher1]

Originally Posted by unitedabx

Ineffective in contract negotiations. Would it be better if the HKAOA changed it's focus and became an active employment agency for CX pilots looking to leave. Office staff could assist with applications and CV writing/printing and this new agency could offer airlines entire crews as required. Much better use of the monthly dues than the farce of negotiating when hopelessly out matched.

Capital idea. More of an employee welfare role for those at CX (including taking legal action to enforce what it can worldwide when there's been a breach) and job search assistance (and accredited provider--just like many other pilot contract job search entities we're always getting emails from) for those getting out. And VERY active in the latter (perhaps providing packages to seeking airlines as you mentioned as well as legal/immigration assistance in going to countries seeking pilots and how to get there). Since this is going to be a training ground like a regional seems fitting--AND may have the knock on effect of CX becoming competitive (probably not) as they see supply dwindle and really see what 'market forces' means. In fact, this may be one of the best ways TO provide advocacy for members at this point.

Not sure what kind of restrictions might be on TUs in this matter--but this could probably be worked around by amending the charter.

I do disagree that this would be contrary to the interest of maintaining membership; if you take the company's position (not saying it's accurate) there will be PLENTY of people entering on POS 18 (for whatever reason) who are using this as a court of last resort or stepping stone. Or haven't done their homework, and are looking to go ANYWHERE else after being in HKG for a couple of years. So why not do something useful with the efforts. And it might possibly result in the union getting real clout (we're helping 2000 of your well trained pilots get jobs elsewhere; if you want to compete with their suitors I'd suggest you offer something competitive and binding).

Out matched might be a bit unfair (even if accurate) in that the GC usually reflects the position and beliefs of the membership (at least in who it votes for) -- in reality, ultimately it's the membership who've gotten themselves in this position by the lack of desire to do anything that might be necessary to improve their lot (and allowing different factions to be divided up amongst the group). Folks are still training, folks are still going to work, folks are still upgrading, folks are still helping out when typhoons hit, etc. Just the reality of who comprises the pilot body. And in that there are very primitive labor laws in HKG it really does take some pretty draconian action to accomplish much of anything the company doesn't want to do (vice that of other countries which require negotiations and bargaining).

[unitedabx]

Fabulous analysis from Slasher1.