QR's Caring Sharing Management
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QR's Caring Sharing Management
You just have to love the wonderful management folk in QR flight operations. What a caring sharing and considerate bunch they are. When they are not consumed by their own self importance and internecine feuding they take a bit of time out to thoroughly shaft the pilots in right royal style, a sport mainly perpetrated by those so hungry for the soon to be vacant EVPO ‘hot seat’ they will stop at nothing in order to impress the Overload on the 9th floor that they are tough and hard enough.
Let’s have a look at the recent history.....
The roster bidding system for all its apparent faults, has effectively been hijacked by BM (HaM) in the name of the Overlord, in particular the interference to the pilots’ ability to bid for a run of consecutive days off that would allow them to have a life. An essential lifeline for those that have lives beyond the shores of Qatar, but now messed up because 3 DOs is the max allowed in one block. Hence the March rosters are effectively ruined for a huge number of pilots because anywhere that a run of more than 3 DOs could have been given it is deliberately spoiled by the insertion of a SBY or a TBN, even when there is already plenty of SBY cover. SBYs and TBNs are also used as general flillers once all the work is covered and each pilot is allocated the legal minimum DOs. This is done on a wholesale basis even though manpower levels could easily allow more than the minimum DOs to be allocated and give the operation more than adequate SBY cover.
What is even more galling about all of this is that the staff have been instructed to state that ‘system error’ is the reason for the max of 3 DOs. An insult to the intelligence, but as usual any ‘bad news’ connected to the Overlord is massaged and some other BS reason is given. How many of the FOs have been told the real reason their command upgrade is mysteriously blocked when all other aspects of their files are in order?
The reason for all this is nothing short of a spiteful and contemptuous attitude that the Overlord and his lackey henchmen hold towards the 1300 or so pilots that QR now ‘employs’.
The ‘caring sharing’ attitude just oozes out of every pore.... look no further that the recent crop of FCNs that threaten disciplinary action, or otherwise use appalling tones and thinly veiled threats.
Let’s look at some examples:-
WTF!? Clearly the burden of proof is slapped straight onto the head of the pilot who is not an individual that, after recovering from an illness, is to be treated with any respect, trust or compassion. Any failure in the process may lead to discipline and/ or loss of pay or leave – and the key point here is that this will be done with no due process whatsoever – no hearing, or opportunity to put your side of the story.
You have to love this one, again its brevity and naked menacing tone remind us all that we are so valued by the management. This is a completely unacceptable curtailment of freedom and effectively renders each pilot under house arrest during the SBY (unless of course we ask crew control for ‘permission’) and unable use normal modern techniques such as an voicemail to remain contactable at moments when a phone cannot physically be in your hand. If any attempt by crew control to contact a pilot fails for an innocent reason, he is presumed to be ‘non-contactable’ and reported, potentially leading to disciplinary sanction and/or loss of pay. If the crewing officer on the day is lazy and hangs up before you get to answer the phone then you have had it.
What a relief that this time disciplinary action is not mentioned. However the thinly veiled threat remains... it’s the pilots’ problem and the company has now abrogated its responsibilities in this area despite clear QCARs/ JARs in force that places clear operator responsibility to ensure that all crew are properly trained and licensed before they operate. An operator must set up and maintain systems that accurately store and track every element of crews’ qualification and training. The history behind this one is a series of balls ups where pilots flew out of check or with other bits and pieces lapsed (eg SEP) all due to sloppy or non-existent company systems and procedures. After various failed remedies the company takes the easy route and makes the pilot himself responsible.
I saved the best until last – let’s be honest this one takes the biscuit. Even with the simple introduction of a long awaited canteen (at a building where some 5000 aircrew hitherto had no ability to purchase hot/ cold beverages or food/ snacks) the all embracing caring sharing tone is used to the max – not! The look of astonishment of the faces of colleagues reading this for the first time is a picture in itself. Enuff said! To add to insult to injury not a single manager will stand up and be counted for any of these FCNs – not a single signature to be seen in the entire FCN listing hence to the reader no clue as to who prepared it or who approved it. Amazing that the QCAA allow this practice. Alas accountability is not something that is even remotely understood by the incumbent managers in flight ops.
Just for a bit of fun and as a post script, check out this ‘beaut’ of an email that was sent to the entire QR distribution list:-
At least the author (top HR stooge) had the decency to sign it but once again we see that the iron fist is right behind every word. Never mind that fact that the strip of parking spaces in question is 'general parking' and does not belong to QR – but let us not be concerned with little details like this.
Wakbar
Let’s have a look at the recent history.....
The roster bidding system for all its apparent faults, has effectively been hijacked by BM (HaM) in the name of the Overlord, in particular the interference to the pilots’ ability to bid for a run of consecutive days off that would allow them to have a life. An essential lifeline for those that have lives beyond the shores of Qatar, but now messed up because 3 DOs is the max allowed in one block. Hence the March rosters are effectively ruined for a huge number of pilots because anywhere that a run of more than 3 DOs could have been given it is deliberately spoiled by the insertion of a SBY or a TBN, even when there is already plenty of SBY cover. SBYs and TBNs are also used as general flillers once all the work is covered and each pilot is allocated the legal minimum DOs. This is done on a wholesale basis even though manpower levels could easily allow more than the minimum DOs to be allocated and give the operation more than adequate SBY cover.
What is even more galling about all of this is that the staff have been instructed to state that ‘system error’ is the reason for the max of 3 DOs. An insult to the intelligence, but as usual any ‘bad news’ connected to the Overlord is massaged and some other BS reason is given. How many of the FOs have been told the real reason their command upgrade is mysteriously blocked when all other aspects of their files are in order?
The reason for all this is nothing short of a spiteful and contemptuous attitude that the Overlord and his lackey henchmen hold towards the 1300 or so pilots that QR now ‘employs’.
The ‘caring sharing’ attitude just oozes out of every pore.... look no further that the recent crop of FCNs that threaten disciplinary action, or otherwise use appalling tones and thinly veiled threats.
Let’s look at some examples:-
PILOTS SICK LEAVE
All Pilots must submit a sick note for any sick leave taken, even if it is for only one (1) day. If a sick note from a Company approved Hospital/Clinic has not been provided within three (3) office working days after reporting for duty, then the sick leave will not be paid and may lead to disciplinary action.
If a Pilot is absent from work without obtaining a valid Medical Certificate, it will be considered Unpaid Leave. Pilots must present the Medical Certificate to the respective Fleet Secretary for processing and filing.
For clarification purposes, the following process must be followed:
1. Medical leave may not be accrued from year to year, nor may it be encashed.
2. Staff privileges cannot be used by employees whilst on Medical Leave.
All Pilots must submit a sick note for any sick leave taken, even if it is for only one (1) day. If a sick note from a Company approved Hospital/Clinic has not been provided within three (3) office working days after reporting for duty, then the sick leave will not be paid and may lead to disciplinary action.
If a Pilot is absent from work without obtaining a valid Medical Certificate, it will be considered Unpaid Leave. Pilots must present the Medical Certificate to the respective Fleet Secretary for processing and filing.
For clarification purposes, the following process must be followed:
- Upon return to duty, the Pilot must present the original of the Medical Certificate to the respective Fleet Secretary within three (3) office working days
- The Fleet Secretary will stamp, date and sign the original Medical Certificate and give a copy to the Pilot for future reference.
- Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action.
- If a Medical Certificate has not been received by the Fleet Secretary within three (3) office working days after the Pilot has returned to duty, a note will be put in AIMS as a final reminder to present the Medical Certificate within the following 3 days.
- Medical Certificates will be sent to QRMC for validation, if not issued by them.
- If QRMC does not validate the time as recorded in the Medical Certificate, or validates only part of it, they will inform HR to correct the files and process the new information as per Company Policies and Procedures, and send a copy of the validated Medical Certificate to the respective Fleet Secretary for filing.
- The Fleet Secretary will inform the Pilot concerned of the change of QRMC validation of the Medical Certificate.
- It is Pilot’s responsibility to inform the crewing as soon as he/she falls sick and is unable to undertake his/her rostered duty.
- As per current Company Policy, medical leave entitlement is as follows:
- 14 days: full pay
- 28 days: half pay (50% of basic pay, license pay, transport allowance, acting allowance, personal differential pay and special allowance)
- 42 days No pay sick leave: (as defined by HR Policy)
1. Medical leave may not be accrued from year to year, nor may it be encashed.
2. Staff privileges cannot be used by employees whilst on Medical Leave.
WTF!? Clearly the burden of proof is slapped straight onto the head of the pilot who is not an individual that, after recovering from an illness, is to be treated with any respect, trust or compassion. Any failure in the process may lead to discipline and/ or loss of pay or leave – and the key point here is that this will be done with no due process whatsoever – no hearing, or opportunity to put your side of the story.
CONTACT DURING STANDBY
The onus of being contactable while on standby is the responsibility of the individual crewmember on standby. Answering Machines or Messenger Services are not acceptable during Standby period.
Crew wishing to leave their place of rest while on standby, must first contact Crew Controllers for such approval.
Disciplinary action and/or pay deduction may be applied to the individual Crewmember that is not contactable during the stand by time.
The onus of being contactable while on standby is the responsibility of the individual crewmember on standby. Answering Machines or Messenger Services are not acceptable during Standby period.
Crew wishing to leave their place of rest while on standby, must first contact Crew Controllers for such approval.
Disciplinary action and/or pay deduction may be applied to the individual Crewmember that is not contactable during the stand by time.
You have to love this one, again its brevity and naked menacing tone remind us all that we are so valued by the management. This is a completely unacceptable curtailment of freedom and effectively renders each pilot under house arrest during the SBY (unless of course we ask crew control for ‘permission’) and unable use normal modern techniques such as an voicemail to remain contactable at moments when a phone cannot physically be in your hand. If any attempt by crew control to contact a pilot fails for an innocent reason, he is presumed to be ‘non-contactable’ and reported, potentially leading to disciplinary sanction and/or loss of pay. If the crewing officer on the day is lazy and hangs up before you get to answer the phone then you have had it.
MAINTAINING OF RECENCY (REVISED)
This is to remind all Flight Crew to ensure that all recency requirements are observed and kept valid. Although assistance is provided via the AIMS system, it is the responsibility of each Flight Crew member to ensure that all licensing requirements are met and maintained. Detailed information can be found in OM A, Chapter 5. In the meantime we need to conduct an audit on all Flight Crew to track recency and to update the records of every Pilot in order to avoid any roster disruptions.
Therefore, all Pilots are required to do the following:
1. Log on to AIMS.
2. Open Expiry Dates Icon.
3. Print the list and verify that all the dates are correct by initialling against each
date and hand it to your Fleet Secretary.
4. In case of any discrepancy, please bring the original document and hand it to your Fleet Secretary with the Expiry Dates list, the Fleet Secretary will make a copy and will hand you the original document with a copy of the Expiry Dates list for future reference.
5. The Fleet Secretary will keep a record and give the corrected copy to the Fleet Coordinator for updating the records and necessary follow up.
This is to remind all Flight Crew to ensure that all recency requirements are observed and kept valid. Although assistance is provided via the AIMS system, it is the responsibility of each Flight Crew member to ensure that all licensing requirements are met and maintained. Detailed information can be found in OM A, Chapter 5. In the meantime we need to conduct an audit on all Flight Crew to track recency and to update the records of every Pilot in order to avoid any roster disruptions.
Therefore, all Pilots are required to do the following:
1. Log on to AIMS.
2. Open Expiry Dates Icon.
3. Print the list and verify that all the dates are correct by initialling against each
date and hand it to your Fleet Secretary.
4. In case of any discrepancy, please bring the original document and hand it to your Fleet Secretary with the Expiry Dates list, the Fleet Secretary will make a copy and will hand you the original document with a copy of the Expiry Dates list for future reference.
5. The Fleet Secretary will keep a record and give the corrected copy to the Fleet Coordinator for updating the records and necessary follow up.
What a relief that this time disciplinary action is not mentioned. However the thinly veiled threat remains... it’s the pilots’ problem and the company has now abrogated its responsibilities in this area despite clear QCARs/ JARs in force that places clear operator responsibility to ensure that all crew are properly trained and licensed before they operate. An operator must set up and maintain systems that accurately store and track every element of crews’ qualification and training. The history behind this one is a series of balls ups where pilots flew out of check or with other bits and pieces lapsed (eg SEP) all due to sloppy or non-existent company systems and procedures. After various failed remedies the company takes the easy route and makes the pilot himself responsible.
CAFETERIA – FLIGHT OPS / TECHNICAL BUILDING
PAGE 1 of 1
We are pleased to advise that all Flight Operation / Technical staff can use the
Cafeteria facilities, which is functional effective 16-02-10 at the Flight Ops/Technical
Building during the following off-peak hours ONLY:
1. Maintain SILENCE while traversing through the corridor going towards the cafeteria as the cabin crew briefing rooms are located in this area.
2. If the cafeteria is completely occupied, staff/s are advised NOT TO WAIT in the corridor but to return to their seats.
This facility is a privilege therefore please do not abuse it.
PAGE 1 of 1
We are pleased to advise that all Flight Operation / Technical staff can use the
Cafeteria facilities, which is functional effective 16-02-10 at the Flight Ops/Technical
Building during the following off-peak hours ONLY:
- Morning: 0800 to 1000 hrs
- Afternoon: 1400 to 1600 hrs
- Night: 2100 to 2200 hrs
1. Maintain SILENCE while traversing through the corridor going towards the cafeteria as the cabin crew briefing rooms are located in this area.
2. If the cafeteria is completely occupied, staff/s are advised NOT TO WAIT in the corridor but to return to their seats.
This facility is a privilege therefore please do not abuse it.
I saved the best until last – let’s be honest this one takes the biscuit. Even with the simple introduction of a long awaited canteen (at a building where some 5000 aircrew hitherto had no ability to purchase hot/ cold beverages or food/ snacks) the all embracing caring sharing tone is used to the max – not! The look of astonishment of the faces of colleagues reading this for the first time is a picture in itself. Enuff said! To add to insult to injury not a single manager will stand up and be counted for any of these FCNs – not a single signature to be seen in the entire FCN listing hence to the reader no clue as to who prepared it or who approved it. Amazing that the QCAA allow this practice. Alas accountability is not something that is even remotely understood by the incumbent managers in flight ops.
Just for a bit of fun and as a post script, check out this ‘beaut’ of an email that was sent to the entire QR distribution list:-
Dear All,
Further to our circular dated 24th March 2009 and email dated 03rd December 2009, please be reminded that all staff who possess vehicles are hereby strictly requested to park their vehicles only at the Car Park reserved for QR staff situated behind Khawla Gardens, (Opposite Villa 34) and not to park their vehicles at the front entrance to the QR Tower as this parking space is strictly reserved for customers who visit QRH & Ticketing Office.
With immediate effect, strict disciplinary action will be initiated by HR against staff members who park their vehicles at the front entrance which would create hindrance to our customers.
Further to our circular dated 24th March 2009 and email dated 03rd December 2009, please be reminded that all staff who possess vehicles are hereby strictly requested to park their vehicles only at the Car Park reserved for QR staff situated behind Khawla Gardens, (Opposite Villa 34) and not to park their vehicles at the front entrance to the QR Tower as this parking space is strictly reserved for customers who visit QRH & Ticketing Office.
With immediate effect, strict disciplinary action will be initiated by HR against staff members who park their vehicles at the front entrance which would create hindrance to our customers.
At least the author (top HR stooge) had the decency to sign it but once again we see that the iron fist is right behind every word. Never mind that fact that the strip of parking spaces in question is 'general parking' and does not belong to QR – but let us not be concerned with little details like this.
Wakbar
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wbw,
Sorry to hear your plan to commute has gone awry. Perhaps you missed the "no commuting" part of the pilot recruitment presentation. FWIW, I do think the arbitrary restriction to number of consecutive off days was a bit of an overreaction.
Sick leave- Not sure how many contract/expat jobs you've had, the requirement for a written medical excuse is more common than not. The fact that discipline is mentioned certainly leaves no doubt as to the companies position on unexcused absences.
Contact during Standby- No prohibition of mobile phones. You just need to answer them. "Unacceptable curtailment of freedom", "house arrest" bit of a flair for the dramatic don't you think? Your on "standby", different airlines operate it differently.
Maintaining of recency- The company recognized a problem and took corrective action. (the audit) We don't know what other action was taken to ensure compliance.
Cafeteria- For those who have not visited said cafeteria, the room is small, they don't want classes disrupted with chatter in the hall. Priority is given to those in the classes, primarily cabin crew, so 5 minute breaks don't turn into 20 min.
Finally,
Parking in front of the tower- Yes it's general parking, mgt. wants priority given to customers. I have no problem with that.
wbw,
I would like to invite your response to the following question. Can you name one airline that is currently hiring pilots that would allow you to do all the items mentioned in the manner you see fit?
Cheers
Sorry to hear your plan to commute has gone awry. Perhaps you missed the "no commuting" part of the pilot recruitment presentation. FWIW, I do think the arbitrary restriction to number of consecutive off days was a bit of an overreaction.
Sick leave- Not sure how many contract/expat jobs you've had, the requirement for a written medical excuse is more common than not. The fact that discipline is mentioned certainly leaves no doubt as to the companies position on unexcused absences.
Contact during Standby- No prohibition of mobile phones. You just need to answer them. "Unacceptable curtailment of freedom", "house arrest" bit of a flair for the dramatic don't you think? Your on "standby", different airlines operate it differently.
Maintaining of recency- The company recognized a problem and took corrective action. (the audit) We don't know what other action was taken to ensure compliance.
Cafeteria- For those who have not visited said cafeteria, the room is small, they don't want classes disrupted with chatter in the hall. Priority is given to those in the classes, primarily cabin crew, so 5 minute breaks don't turn into 20 min.
Finally,
Parking in front of the tower- Yes it's general parking, mgt. wants priority given to customers. I have no problem with that.
wbw,
I would like to invite your response to the following question. Can you name one airline that is currently hiring pilots that would allow you to do all the items mentioned in the manner you see fit?
Cheers
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Oryx, one cannot explain to a sufferer of Stockholm Syndrome that they are indeed suffering from said condition. Suffice as to say that you are suffering and I believe that your condition will continue to worsen so long as you believe that the working conditions at Qatar are acceptable in todays work enviornment.
Stockholm Syndrome..... see below....
While there is still disagreement as to what factors characterize incidents that contribute to the development of Stockholm syndrome, research has suggested that hostages may exhibit the condition in situations that feature captors who do not abuse the victim, a long duration before resolution, continued contact between the perpetrator and hostage, and a high level of emotion. In fact, experts have concluded that the intensity, not the length of the incident, combined with a lack of physical abuse more likely will create favorable conditions for the development of Stockholm syndrome.[1]
The following are viewed as the conditions necessary for Stockholm syndrome to occur.
In many cases, capture may also involve the killing (or threat of killing) of the captive's relatives, thereby isolating the captive. The captive is subjected to isolation and so sees even a small act, such as providing amenities, as a great favour. Such captives may side with their captors while believing their captors have conferred on them great importance and love. Furthermore, captives who perceive themselves as the only members of their group not to have been killed may believe that they have been shown a special interest.[citation needed]
Stockholm Syndrome..... see below....
While there is still disagreement as to what factors characterize incidents that contribute to the development of Stockholm syndrome, research has suggested that hostages may exhibit the condition in situations that feature captors who do not abuse the victim, a long duration before resolution, continued contact between the perpetrator and hostage, and a high level of emotion. In fact, experts have concluded that the intensity, not the length of the incident, combined with a lack of physical abuse more likely will create favorable conditions for the development of Stockholm syndrome.[1]
The following are viewed as the conditions necessary for Stockholm syndrome to occur.
- Hostages who develop Stockholm syndrome often view the perpetrator as giving life by simply not taking it. In this sense, the captor becomes the person in control of the captive’s basic needs for survival and the victim’s life itself.[1]
- The hostage endures isolation from other people and has only the captor’s perspective available. Perpetrators routinely keep information about the outside world’s response to their actions from captives to keep them totally dependent.[1]
- The hostage taker threatens to kill the victim and gives the perception of having the capability to do so. The captive judges it safer to align with the perpetrator, endure the hardship of captivity, and comply with the captor than to resist and face murder.[1]
- The captive sees the perpetrator as showing some degree of kindness. Kindness serves as the cornerstone of Stockholm syndrome; the condition will not develop unless the captor exhibits it in some form toward the hostage. However, captives often misinterpret a lack of abuse as kindness and may develop feelings of appreciation for this perceived benevolence. If the captor is purely evil and abusive, the hostage will respond with hatred. But, if perpetrators show some kindness, victims will submerge the anger they feel in response to the terror and concentrate on the captors’ “good side” to protect themselves.[1]
In many cases, capture may also involve the killing (or threat of killing) of the captive's relatives, thereby isolating the captive. The captive is subjected to isolation and so sees even a small act, such as providing amenities, as a great favour. Such captives may side with their captors while believing their captors have conferred on them great importance and love. Furthermore, captives who perceive themselves as the only members of their group not to have been killed may believe that they have been shown a special interest.[citation needed]
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Thank you, Dr.
I admire your research, perhaps you could answer the question I posed. I will reprint it below to save you the trouble of having to look it up.
"Can you name one airline that is currently hiring pilots that would allow you to do all the items mentioned in the manner you see fit?"
Cheers
I admire your research, perhaps you could answer the question I posed. I will reprint it below to save you the trouble of having to look it up.
"Can you name one airline that is currently hiring pilots that would allow you to do all the items mentioned in the manner you see fit?"
Cheers
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EFC, chill out, Captain Oryz is a managment/managment wanna be/Instructor from a third world country. Nobody from Europe/Australia/Canada/US or with a western educated mentality would ever defend QR in the way he does.
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Im afraid Oryx that you are in the tiniest minority if you think the behaviour of the management is acceptable. Whether pilots, cabin crew, engineers or office staff the vast, vast majority of the people here are miserable, afraid and downtrodden.
Miserable because on our days off we have to spend them stuck in a country whose native population seems devoid of any empathy or compassion to their fellow human beings who are here simply trying to work for their families. Their only pleasure seems to be the sport of trying to drive as dangerously and inconsiderately as possible in white landcruisers irrespective of whether the fellow road users are women with a car full of children on the school run.
Miserable because as most locals are too lazy, arrogant or simply stupid to fly modern aircraft, ex-pats are brought in to do it. These same ex-pats would like to go back to civilization every so often to see our families, but now, out of nothing BUT PURE SPITE AND CONTEMPT for the pilots he employs we are being stopped from doing that.
I am here to work 900 hrs a year. 75 hrs a month. As long as I do my hours then the rest is my life. When I joined 6 months ago this wasnt in my contract.
No: not all the things, but none can be as bad as this place. The amount of unnecessary human suffering is disgusting.
Miserable because on our days off we have to spend them stuck in a country whose native population seems devoid of any empathy or compassion to their fellow human beings who are here simply trying to work for their families. Their only pleasure seems to be the sport of trying to drive as dangerously and inconsiderately as possible in white landcruisers irrespective of whether the fellow road users are women with a car full of children on the school run.
Miserable because as most locals are too lazy, arrogant or simply stupid to fly modern aircraft, ex-pats are brought in to do it. These same ex-pats would like to go back to civilization every so often to see our families, but now, out of nothing BUT PURE SPITE AND CONTEMPT for the pilots he employs we are being stopped from doing that.
I am here to work 900 hrs a year. 75 hrs a month. As long as I do my hours then the rest is my life. When I joined 6 months ago this wasnt in my contract.
"Can you name one airline that is currently hiring pilots that would allow you to do all the items mentioned in the manner you see fit?"
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"EFC, chill out, Captain Oryz is a managment/managment wanna be/Instructor from a third world country. Nobody from Europe/Australia/Canada/US or with a western educated mentality would ever defend QR in the way he does."
He is from the US of A. ex SQC, DAL
He is from the US of A. ex SQC, DAL
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Captain Oryx
I'll gladly respond to the question at the end of your post....
The key point that I was making is that the manner and tone that QR uses to communicate with the pilots (and other staff to be fair) is nothing short of appalling. I stand by my original assertion that it does indeed underline the spiteful and contemptuous attitude on the part of our management, much of which is reflected behaviour from the very top.
With communication, tone and presentation is everything, - perception matters and for me (and I suspect a great deal of others) the tone throughout is abysmal and frankly demoralising. Each of those FCNs had fair points to make but surely even you would agree that there is a (far) better way? Over to you...
Lets go back to the rostering issue. You do agree that this is a 'bit of an overreaction'. That's putting it mildly. However, lets get the commuting notion out of the way here - that is not my axe at all, albeit it is for some. The key point here is that one pilot made a bid for a large block of DOs. The system gave him 3x the blocks he requested which was clearly ridiculous, but was quickly corrected and he was left with the original requested block. For whatever reason he was hauled up, along with his fleet manager, to floor 9 and pilloried for something that was not his fault. The rest is history. Unless the policy changes (I doubt it), three DOs in a row is the max you will ever get. But it goes further that that.... you will not get any more than the minimum required as per the rules of OM-A Ch7. Thus if there is no more work for you in a particular month after you min DOs are allocated all the rest will be filled with SBY. It is not uncommon for 20+ pilots in a rank/ fleet to be on SBY on a particular day. The other grim practice is allocating a (say) 1200-2300 SBY prior to your DOs - they have no intention of calling you but it stuffs you completely.
Whatever way you add this up it's frankly madness and demonstrates the spite mentioned before. You can easily extract 900 annual hours, 75 per month from the majority of pilots whilst allocating DOs in a more useful/ sympathetic manner (to the pilot). Its a win win situation. Pilots have all manner of reasons for wanting to come and go from Doha and commuting is not really an option for the majority (too far), however as long as you are back and rested before you next duty what is the problem with pilots using their multi-exit permits and ID90 privileges to travel on their DOs?
To QREscape Plan and EFC 3 days: I couldn't agree with your posts more... feel free to PM me.
Wakbar
"Can you name one airline that is currently hiring pilots that would allow you to do all the items mentioned in the manner you see fit?"
No of course not, I would not expect any self-respecting airline to allow this, past or present. (BTW what is the relevance of the currently hiring aspect?). The key point that I was making is that the manner and tone that QR uses to communicate with the pilots (and other staff to be fair) is nothing short of appalling. I stand by my original assertion that it does indeed underline the spiteful and contemptuous attitude on the part of our management, much of which is reflected behaviour from the very top.
With communication, tone and presentation is everything, - perception matters and for me (and I suspect a great deal of others) the tone throughout is abysmal and frankly demoralising. Each of those FCNs had fair points to make but surely even you would agree that there is a (far) better way? Over to you...
Lets go back to the rostering issue. You do agree that this is a 'bit of an overreaction'. That's putting it mildly. However, lets get the commuting notion out of the way here - that is not my axe at all, albeit it is for some. The key point here is that one pilot made a bid for a large block of DOs. The system gave him 3x the blocks he requested which was clearly ridiculous, but was quickly corrected and he was left with the original requested block. For whatever reason he was hauled up, along with his fleet manager, to floor 9 and pilloried for something that was not his fault. The rest is history. Unless the policy changes (I doubt it), three DOs in a row is the max you will ever get. But it goes further that that.... you will not get any more than the minimum required as per the rules of OM-A Ch7. Thus if there is no more work for you in a particular month after you min DOs are allocated all the rest will be filled with SBY. It is not uncommon for 20+ pilots in a rank/ fleet to be on SBY on a particular day. The other grim practice is allocating a (say) 1200-2300 SBY prior to your DOs - they have no intention of calling you but it stuffs you completely.
Whatever way you add this up it's frankly madness and demonstrates the spite mentioned before. You can easily extract 900 annual hours, 75 per month from the majority of pilots whilst allocating DOs in a more useful/ sympathetic manner (to the pilot). Its a win win situation. Pilots have all manner of reasons for wanting to come and go from Doha and commuting is not really an option for the majority (too far), however as long as you are back and rested before you next duty what is the problem with pilots using their multi-exit permits and ID90 privileges to travel on their DOs?
To QREscape Plan and EFC 3 days: I couldn't agree with your posts more... feel free to PM me.
Wakbar
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Sorry Fub, you have been here a long time and I agree that one would think it would be from where you suggest, but he is a pure bred yank ex DAL then ex SQC. Pale skin. Will not post his initials to protect his identity.
Join Date: Jan 2004
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why?
Why are You still here?
No body is forcing anyone to be where they dont want to be. Don't criticize the job/company that brings the food to your table mate.
You have better, then go and get it.
Be positive and look at the better things in store. Spread the Positivity around. Things Might Change! This bickering on this site will not help mate.
Pilots are NOT cheap. Don't make us look like one! please!
No body is forcing anyone to be where they dont want to be. Don't criticize the job/company that brings the food to your table mate.
You have better, then go and get it.
Be positive and look at the better things in store. Spread the Positivity around. Things Might Change! This bickering on this site will not help mate.
Pilots are NOT cheap. Don't make us look like one! please!
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Maverick
I’m sorry but I can’t believe in your post. This is a gag or you are 
"Pilots are NOT cheap. Don't make us look like one! please!"
It's my guess. You look like one!
"Pilots are NOT cheap. Don't make us look like one! please!"
It's my guess. You look like one!
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Cheers!
If you are cheap you will stay even if you have so many complaints...
If you are NOT, and know your worth, You can be Bold enough to try and improve things or exercise other options..
No place or person is perfect. Thats why we are here. To make things better.
Contribute Not Conflict!
Cheers!
and Be Happy!
Join Date: Jul 2008
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Captain O,
You say:
Contact during Standby- No prohibition of mobile phones. You just need to answer them. "Unacceptable curtailment of freedom", "house arrest" bit of a flair for the dramatic don't you think? Your on "standby", different airlines operate it differently.
Our new instructions for stby are that we must contact a crew controller BEFORE leaving our residence (place of rest). So, any trip to the store should be preceeded by a call to get permission. It doesn't say that we just need to be contactable by cell phone or to be in the local area. What if the crew controller, says "no" you can't leave your home? What's next? Can't take a crap? This is extreme, if you comply with the directive.
You say:
Contact during Standby- No prohibition of mobile phones. You just need to answer them. "Unacceptable curtailment of freedom", "house arrest" bit of a flair for the dramatic don't you think? Your on "standby", different airlines operate it differently.
Our new instructions for stby are that we must contact a crew controller BEFORE leaving our residence (place of rest). So, any trip to the store should be preceeded by a call to get permission. It doesn't say that we just need to be contactable by cell phone or to be in the local area. What if the crew controller, says "no" you can't leave your home? What's next? Can't take a crap? This is extreme, if you comply with the directive.
Thread Starter
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Which orifice?
Maverick,
First of all I am not your mate.
Secondly, it is my inalienable right (on this forum at least) for me to air my opinions about the company I work for (or anything else to do with our profession for that matter) and I will not be constrained/ admonished by absurd nonsense from you.
Thirdly, whether I stay, or go, now or sometime in the future is frankly irrelevant to the arguments that we as a group (and sometimes individually) are subjected to a great deal of harsh and unreasonable behaviour by our management. You may differ with your opinions and that is your right but I will not be silenced because you do not like what I have to say, nor will I 'leave' until I am ready.
First of all I am not your mate.
Secondly, it is my inalienable right (on this forum at least) for me to air my opinions about the company I work for (or anything else to do with our profession for that matter) and I will not be constrained/ admonished by absurd nonsense from you.
Thirdly, whether I stay, or go, now or sometime in the future is frankly irrelevant to the arguments that we as a group (and sometimes individually) are subjected to a great deal of harsh and unreasonable behaviour by our management. You may differ with your opinions and that is your right but I will not be silenced because you do not like what I have to say, nor will I 'leave' until I am ready.
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Miami (on days off) or KCLT
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Question about the standby days they put in your schedule -- do you get paid for those days (any minimum credit applied towards line value)? For instance, if you have an 80 hour line and they add in 4 days of standby, does that bring your credit up, or do you only get credit if they use you?
Also, as for the days off thing, how does vacation work? Can you take 4 days of vacation per month and add those to blocks of three days off, or do you have to take all the days (42, 45, or whatever it is) at once? Can you break it into 2 -- three week sections?
And, as for the standby, how much time do you have to get to the operations if they call you on standby?
Thanks.
Also, as for the days off thing, how does vacation work? Can you take 4 days of vacation per month and add those to blocks of three days off, or do you have to take all the days (42, 45, or whatever it is) at once? Can you break it into 2 -- three week sections?
And, as for the standby, how much time do you have to get to the operations if they call you on standby?
Thanks.