LIPS/EPC
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 357
Likes: 1
From: The Pilot Grinder
From what I have seen its a lobbied dispute with EPC as why LIPS had deductions and TOP Cover didn't.... could it be that LIPS directors work for the good of the members and try hard to make it easier???
EPC have really disappointed me with that email, 12 years a member and now I get a distinct impression that the committee are more interested in a pissing competition than the benefits to the members.
EPC have really disappointed me with that email, 12 years a member and now I get a distinct impression that the committee are more interested in a pissing competition than the benefits to the members.
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 347
Likes: 0
From: Dubai
Left a couple of years ago when the cost outweighed the benefit (to me), though interestingly I was still able to have a LIPS deduction from salary even though I was no longer a member, so maybe the status quo can be maintained.
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 727
Likes: 0
From: Varies!
Laker
You joke that it's easier to moan on PPRrune but ironically that is exactly what many pilots do. Whinge on a forum but can't be bothered spending 30 minutes to send off an email to those that can influence change whether it be related to the EPC or EK. I do agree that the Emirates Platinum Card (coincidental similar abbreviation) has generally greater offers and discounts but these are not always as published. It doesn't provide perhaps the greatest advantage and that's the beach club/gym access that offers exceptional value. If we don't support our own club, it will eventually go. Call me cynical, but what do you think would then happen to the monthly cost of the platinum card?
I bumped into a Captain in Manchester several months ago who complained that the club bikes were 'still' broken. They had been 2 weeks earlier when he was there on the same pairing. Who did he think was going to fix them? He hadn't even contacted the EPC to inform them. The apathy amongst some of our members is beyond words so is it any surprise that emails are sent. You perceive them as scalding, I as a necessity born out of frustration. It's our club, it's about time more members took some responsibility and ownership.
You joke that it's easier to moan on PPRrune but ironically that is exactly what many pilots do. Whinge on a forum but can't be bothered spending 30 minutes to send off an email to those that can influence change whether it be related to the EPC or EK. I do agree that the Emirates Platinum Card (coincidental similar abbreviation) has generally greater offers and discounts but these are not always as published. It doesn't provide perhaps the greatest advantage and that's the beach club/gym access that offers exceptional value. If we don't support our own club, it will eventually go. Call me cynical, but what do you think would then happen to the monthly cost of the platinum card?
I bumped into a Captain in Manchester several months ago who complained that the club bikes were 'still' broken. They had been 2 weeks earlier when he was there on the same pairing. Who did he think was going to fix them? He hadn't even contacted the EPC to inform them. The apathy amongst some of our members is beyond words so is it any surprise that emails are sent. You perceive them as scalding, I as a necessity born out of frustration. It's our club, it's about time more members took some responsibility and ownership.
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 113
Likes: 3
From: europe
I can go for months not using my EPC card and then one discount I get on it, makes it all worth while.
Stop your complaining gents, if it wasn't for EPC, would we have the platinum card?
I have met so many people outside of EK that would love to have an EPC card.
There are more important things to moan about, like how much better the roster is on the Boeing than the airbus, or how the 380 crews can't get a descent DEL turn around.
Stop your complaining gents, if it wasn't for EPC, would we have the platinum card?
I have met so many people outside of EK that would love to have an EPC card.
There are more important things to moan about, like how much better the roster is on the Boeing than the airbus, or how the 380 crews can't get a descent DEL turn around.
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 357
Likes: 1
From: The Pilot Grinder
Ok lets get back to what this thread is about.... LIPS deductions.
EPC has been a great organisation, still is, I would urge the committee of fine men to reconsider the decision for the betterment of the members and to restore some goodwill towards the loyal members of EPC.
EPC was set up to give EK pilots a vehicle in which they could have some benifits from a collectively strong bargaining point to gain access to clubs and certain places that pilots could get together and have social interaction, along they way it has morphed into what we have today with all the associated benefits.
I want to encourage, nay, urge the committee to reverse the decision taken regarding the deductions and commit to the original charter of a "Pilot's Club" which gives all members opportunity to use the concessions and benefits available...... that gentlemen also includes the continuance of assisting those members of LIPS in collecting and growing the Income protection scheme so important to all pilots should they fail to maintain a license.
LIPS has not been a detractor of EPC, in fact it sponsors events like SIDS and STARS as a partner with EPC. Now if this is a personal conflict with the directors of LIPS then that needs to be addressed ASAP, I know you guys on both sides, and you all do a fantastic job.... so lets put the dummy back in and strive for a sensible resolution.
EPC has been a great organisation, still is, I would urge the committee of fine men to reconsider the decision for the betterment of the members and to restore some goodwill towards the loyal members of EPC.
EPC was set up to give EK pilots a vehicle in which they could have some benifits from a collectively strong bargaining point to gain access to clubs and certain places that pilots could get together and have social interaction, along they way it has morphed into what we have today with all the associated benefits.
I want to encourage, nay, urge the committee to reverse the decision taken regarding the deductions and commit to the original charter of a "Pilot's Club" which gives all members opportunity to use the concessions and benefits available...... that gentlemen also includes the continuance of assisting those members of LIPS in collecting and growing the Income protection scheme so important to all pilots should they fail to maintain a license.
LIPS has not been a detractor of EPC, in fact it sponsors events like SIDS and STARS as a partner with EPC. Now if this is a personal conflict with the directors of LIPS then that needs to be addressed ASAP, I know you guys on both sides, and you all do a fantastic job.... so lets put the dummy back in and strive for a sensible resolution.
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 283
Likes: 0
From: In the seat
I've noticed that one of the EPC sponsors are AIG with Top Cover Insurance, they'll not want LIPS around!!
The other issue is that LIPS is running an illegal operation in Dubai, they are suppose to have oversight from the central bank if they accept funds within Dubai - this is not complied with!! LIPS offer a great package, it will just be nice if they can operate so that there's some sort of oversight, otherwise we'll end up with another EPI!!
The other issue is that LIPS is running an illegal operation in Dubai, they are suppose to have oversight from the central bank if they accept funds within Dubai - this is not complied with!! LIPS offer a great package, it will just be nice if they can operate so that there's some sort of oversight, otherwise we'll end up with another EPI!!
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 278
Likes: 0
From: Springfield
I have faith in the EPC committee to make the decisions we have entrusted them to do so I'm sure it's for good reason. Take this as a hypothetical....An EPC member loses their medical and makes a claim to LIPS who reply that they are not financial so no payout. But the member thought his premiums were being automatically deducted via EPC? Turns out they weren't, some system error...So who is accountable here?? I can imagine in this scenario the EPC committee might feel vulnerable, so decide to cancel the whole LIPS/EPC payment deal to protect themselves....Plenty of valid reasons, this might be one...
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 357
Likes: 1
From: The Pilot Grinder
Implausible.... EPC have no connection to LIPS other than collecting for them, which they take a fee for. It's a service that was provided. If a tyre company supplied dodgey tyres that EPC gave a discount for through an agreed deal and you had an accident, would that make EPC complicit to the accident???
Hypothetically if the world stopped turning we would have a long day and a long night.......
Hypothetically if the world stopped turning we would have a long day and a long night.......
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 278
Likes: 0
From: Springfield
Doggy it was a hypothetical.... EPC provide(d) a service on behalf of LIPS for a fee (I didn't know that) . EPC doesn't do the same for the dodgey tyre company or collect a fee, not quite the same but pitty the LIPS thing has changed all the same.
Joined: Sep 1998
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Dubai ,U.A.E.
Shame its come to this. I love the statement by kingpost, about LIPS is running an illegal operation. I hope you have proof or at least a good lawyer. I have been a member since Mike and others started the club. I have also been with LIPS for many years. It was all great and working well for me now I am not so sure. As for the apathy of contacting EPC. I emailed them on this subject, got an auto response and still waiting.
Hope everyone can still be friends but wished the members had been informed in a more adult way. After all the jibes over management techniques over the years EPC did the same thing. Sign this to absolve me, no explanation.
I hope the commitee dont sit back and think, all these wingers, they dont know what we do, i dont have to tell them why, next move will be a position in EGHQ.
Hope everyone can still be friends but wished the members had been informed in a more adult way. After all the jibes over management techniques over the years EPC did the same thing. Sign this to absolve me, no explanation.
I hope the commitee dont sit back and think, all these wingers, they dont know what we do, i dont have to tell them why, next move will be a position in EGHQ.
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 683
Likes: 0
From: Earth
For me, having access to all the EPC bits and bobbs down route makes life just that bit more bearable. The bikes are great, as ever there are those ludite's amongst us who will moan the loudest but do the least.
Its OUR club, and the state of it reflects on it membership, when will some of you understand that?
As for this LIPs debacle, I genuinely hope cooler heads prevail, but if not, then at least lets get a suitable and sensible arrangement in place ASAP.
Its OUR club, and the state of it reflects on it membership, when will some of you understand that?
As for this LIPs debacle, I genuinely hope cooler heads prevail, but if not, then at least lets get a suitable and sensible arrangement in place ASAP.
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: South of the North Pole
Yes, heard that EPC charge(d) LIPS for taking the salary deductions.
Also on good authority, I found it interesting to learn that when the new EPC treasurer (Mark Eadon) took over the position, he immediately (with the blessing of the Chairman Alan King) imposed a 150% increase in the salary deduction charge to LIPS. (Talk about screwing your own membership!!)
Under the guise of AIG sponsorship, the new "advertisement" for Top Cover on the EPC site (been there, done that - in my opinion a waste of money), certainly makes it appear that LIPS are being pushed aside in order to keep the "sponsors" happy.
EPC - shocking behavior! So much for being an EMIRATES pilot's club and supporting your colleagues.
Time for an AGM and a NEW Chairman / Committee.... elected by the members.
Also on good authority, I found it interesting to learn that when the new EPC treasurer (Mark Eadon) took over the position, he immediately (with the blessing of the Chairman Alan King) imposed a 150% increase in the salary deduction charge to LIPS. (Talk about screwing your own membership!!)
Under the guise of AIG sponsorship, the new "advertisement" for Top Cover on the EPC site (been there, done that - in my opinion a waste of money), certainly makes it appear that LIPS are being pushed aside in order to keep the "sponsors" happy.
EPC - shocking behavior! So much for being an EMIRATES pilot's club and supporting your colleagues.
Time for an AGM and a NEW Chairman / Committee.... elected by the members.
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: UAE
Thumbs up for an AGM. But not because King Al and his knights may have goofed up lately, but more because of a lack of vision and leadership in general. Not holding AGMs anymore is in breach of our club's constitution which, at least last time I checked, is supposed to be held annually (this is what the 'A' stands for). It's a matter of respects … towards the members, who vote for committee members to serve the club and report on their decisions and business.
The EPC has become a lame duck in a concert of discount alternatives everywhere in Dubai. Platinum is just one example. If insurances are on top of Al's agenda, let him do that, but have somebody else with a concept lead the club !! Time for a change - have others take a crack.
The EPC has become a lame duck in a concert of discount alternatives everywhere in Dubai. Platinum is just one example. If insurances are on top of Al's agenda, let him do that, but have somebody else with a concept lead the club !! Time for a change - have others take a crack.
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
From: 43,000 ft
I happily quit EPC after many years. The cost outweighed the benefit for me personally (I know it is different for those with families that use the beach clubs). The club seemed to become about making money and the shift away from Emirates Pilots only was a major reason for me handing in my card. The latest EPC action with regard to LIPs just confirms my decision to have ceased being a member.
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: South of the North Pole
On this subject, from LIPS I got an SMS, email and reply to my query which I sent to [email protected] + the update on the website.
No problems with communications from LIPS...
No problems with communications from LIPS...