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-   -   Treatment of employees by EK (https://www.pprune.org/middle-east/596805-treatment-employees-ek.html)

Talparc 7th Jul 2017 17:51

Treatment of employees by EK
 
One more story

https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/396660...oke-her-ankle/

The Outlaw 7th Jul 2017 21:51

Yeah...the paper and the subject are both a little "out there".

"Ooohh look at me I'm so beautiful and now I'm not because of my cast...and EK don't like girls with a lower cast". Boo F'ng Hoo...go get a job with Jet Airways.

How many selfies and vanity can a reader actually handle before vomit actually spews forth to the screen anyway?

Airbubba 8th Jul 2017 01:41

Here's a puff piece on the EK FA job from the progressive Huffington Post:


11/18/2015 10:31 am ET | Updated Nov 19, 2015

Here’s What It’s REALLY Like To Be An Emirates Flight Attendant
Flights, free housing and SO much more.

By Suzy Strutner

Emirates

Expert travelers know Emirates as one of the most luxurious airlines in the world. With opulent aircraft boasting showers, cocktail bars and sprawling first-class seats, Emirates recently welcomed a 615-seat A380 jet to its fleet, setting a record for the most passengers on a regularly-scheduled commercial flight... ever.

With aircrafts that fancy, its no surprise that being an Emirates flight attendant looks like a pretty glamorous gig . The airline hires about 5,500 cabin crew per year, from more than 200,000 applicants who vie for a spot, according to Emirates recruitment manager Michael Gilchrist. And once they’re in, the perks are beautiful: A 6-week training program and free year-round housing at headquarters in Dubai, along with travel all around the world.

We spoke with Gilchrist and Tamara White, an Emirates flight attendant of over two years, to find out what it’s REALLY like to work on one of the fanciest airlines in the world.

The Huffington Post: Emirates is known as an elite airline. How does one even start the application process?

Michael Gilchrist: “You can apply online or come to an Open Day, which happens in about 50 cities globally every month. From there, we invite 50 to 200 applicants per city to Assessment Days with an info session, group exercises and an English language test.”

Tamara White: “The first round on Assessment Day is a really quick, 3-minute conversation, where you’re asked: ‘Tell me about yourself.’ You also have to pass the height requirement — stand on your tip toes to see if you can close the overhead bins.”

HP: Are recruiters looking extra-closely at appearance and evaluating candidates based on their looks?

MG: “It’s more about a polished, professional image than beauty. We love being able to visualize a candidate in our uniform, so it helps to show up in a well-cut suit with neat and tidy hair, simple elegant makeup, looking polished and fresh.”

HP: Do you need experience to make it through recruitment?

TW: “No, I had never been a flight attendant before. But you do need a bubbly personality.”

MG: “We’re looking for ‘globalistas’ — those people who want to travel to new and exciting cities, taste new food, experience the differences in the world. Our customers come from so many different backgrounds, and we want our crew to be open and curious about who they are. We also need to see a clear level of adaptability, because most people don’t have to move overseas when they get a new job.”

HP: Oh, that’s right. What is it like to drop everything and move to Dubai for the job?

MG: “We have more than 60 buildings in Dubai, where our crew lives together. They build the community feel that we want — the crew is everywhere, going to the training college, or to work, or to flights. Housing is provided, which makes things easier for new crew members. They have a fully-furnished apartment ready for them.”

TW: “You fly all the time, so you only have about half the month in Dubai. I have friends there, but it’s hard to coordinate group outings because everyone has different travel schedules.”

HP: How does travel work? Do you have a set route?

TW: “Each month you’re given a roster of places. For example, next month I’m going to Toronto, Lisbon, Sydney-Auckland for a six-day trip, and Prague. Once you get your roster, you can swap with other colleagues. There’s always a new destination I want to go, so I can switch.”

HP: Do you feel pressure to meet certain beauty standards at work?

TW: “When you get your uniform, it’s the time we’ve all been waiting for. The red hat, the lipstick... You always tie your hair back and wear clear or red nail polish, though they just updated policy to include nude as well. I like to maintain my appearance anyway, so it’s not really hard for me.”

HP: Be real: Is your job as glamorous as it looks?

TW: “Most of the time, yes. Your body gets tired from long journeys — you have to force yourself to stay awake all that time. The tired part is the hardest part, but if you compare it to how many places you’ve been and how many countries you’ve seen, it’s all worth it. When I started, I told myself I’d only do this for one year, to see the world. But now it’s been almost three. It’s an addictive lifestyle. It’s truly amazing.”
Pictures in the article:

Here's What It's REALLY Like To Be An Emirates Flight Attendant | HuffPost

Another recent upbeat article on the job with FA pictures here:

https://www.popsugar.com/smart-livin...crets-43709242

motley flight crue 8th Jul 2017 05:26

Outlaw, normally I agree with you on most things. But, your a bit rough on her in this case. She was treated poorly by the company, as you and I would expect At least she has the 'balls' to go to the media and expose EK.
I'll put your post down to being on the 'terps' at 21:52 maybe!!!!

BigGeordie 8th Jul 2017 05:54

She was still on probation so the company doesn't have to give a reason for termination- although the selfie on the jump seat is enough to get her fired anyway. The article is also a little short on detail about how the accident occurred.

The company certainly can treat employees badly but there isn't enough detail in the story (lots of selfies though!) to say they did in this case.

If she wasn't so photogenic (a pilot say!) I wonder if The Sun would have been as interested.

speedbirdhopeful1 8th Jul 2017 07:14


Originally Posted by BigGeordie (Post 9824124)
the selfie on the jump seat is enough to get her fired anyway.

Not wanting to side track the thread, but how so? On the ground? Are you the type that doesn't let pax take pics in your seat after landing?

BigGeordie 8th Jul 2017 08:36

A little bit of thread drift, but the company line (and I have asked fleet management) is that, although passengers are allowed to visit the flight deck when the aircraft is on the ground with the doors open ANY pictures of or from the flight deck are not allowed. Of course, I would always follow the company instructions on such matters. Anybody who says anything different on a public forum is nuts.

Needless to say, I don't think this is written down anywhere. The company turns a blind eye when it suits them but they will also use it as a big stick to beat people with when it suits them. They would say, "How do we know the aircraft is on the ground?"

This is the ME. You are guilty until you can prove you are innocent. Sometimes even after that.

Odins Raven 8th Jul 2017 12:12


Originally Posted by BigGeordie (Post 9824222)
A little bit of thread drift, but the company line (and I have asked fleet management) is that, although passengers are allowed to visit the flight deck when the aircraft is on the ground with the doors open ANY pictures of or from the flight deck are not allowed. Of course, I would always follow the company instructions on such matters. Anybody who says anything different on a public forum is nuts.

Needless to say, I don't think this is written down anywhere. The company turns a blind eye when it suits them but they will also use it as a big stick to beat people with when it suits them. They would say, "How do we know the aircraft is on the ground?"

This is the ME. You are guilty until you can prove you are innocent. Sometimes even after that.

I used to let pax in on the ground post-flight, but never would I allow them to sit in the seat and take photos. I was actually told 'unofficially' that no access to the flight deck at any time was the preferred way. As you say, not written anywhere but guilty until proven innocent.

Interestingly, in my new airline friendly flight deck visits (after the flight) to please the pax are openly encouraged and photos appear in the weekly newsletter as it's good publicity. It's not prohibited pre-flight but in terms of managing the distractions I don't allow it unless the pre-flight is complete and we are waiting on a slot. All technical questions from pax are directed to the FO while I slip out to make a cuppa.

SilverSeated 8th Jul 2017 17:04

I have always encouraged UM's and other interested parties to come to the flight deck, take photos, wear the hat, etc. Never have I had it come back to haunt me and if it did I'd fight my corner with management, unless theres a security risk in this whats the problem? EK has never advised me otherwise, I really cannot understand why so many are scared of their own shadows in this company.

If anything its good publicity for the airline...

We all remember that first day as a kid we got to see the cockpit, long may it continue!

BigGeordie maybe I am nuts in your opinion, the thing is I don't care much for the bureaucracy!

jack schidt 8th Jul 2017 17:26

Perhaps this lady had a genuine fall, perhaps she's making it up?

Most girls carry a second pair of shoes (a size larger) for working in while onboard. I wouldn't say that I have ever seen any of the girls in "particularly" high heels, on or off the jet while in uniform. People trip as a result of unusual circumstances, first time in over 15 years I've heard of such an incident.

I'm neither supporting nor denying that this case is genuine. What gets me is that it is not worthy news unless the "victim" wishes it to be so and that would tend to highlight the desire for attention beyond the norm!!

Enjoy the week ahead, safe "tripping" to all!!

J

harry the cod 8th Jul 2017 17:35

OR

Apart from a few anal exceptions, the majority of Captains here are quite happy to allow visits on the ground. Some may or may not allow photos, that's their prerogative. And many will allow a kid, big or small, to sit in the seat with hat on or off. It's called PR and the Company knows full well the value it has on the 'customers'.

For the record, several years ago during an extended delay, we accepted multiple visits before departure. The offer was well received by the crew, passengers and Company. They know it happens. Maybe you just succumbed to the perceived fear factor that pervaded this Company when you worked here? I'm sure you're very happy at JET2 but your constant little digs at your previous employer smacks of someone trying desperately to justify their leaving.

As for the article, same sensationalism from the Daily Mail. She was treated like a criminal when "I had to hand in my ID and Passport". It's standard procedure to hand back your airport ID when you leave employment, or did she expect to keep it? The passport was needed to cancel the UAE Visa. As for her accident, who knows the full truth but on probation, she's pissing into the wind!

Time to move on.

Harry

Payscale 8th Jul 2017 17:36

The OMA is very clear. No pax in the flight deck at any time. So someone who spoke to someone in fleet doesnt cut it with me. Sorry. Id love the visits for PR but until the OMA allows ground visits I'll stick with the safe option.

harry the cod 8th Jul 2017 17:57

The OMA is very clear about lots of things.

Do you follow the cabin crew briefing to the letter covering every subject mentioned? Never venture away from 'THE CITY' on layovers? Never use or allow to be used PED's on the flight deck? Ever read a newspaper or magazine? Always take gear down at glideslope alive? (That's what the FCOM/FCTM requires and the OMA requires us to follow that unless otherwise directed).

Not wanting to get into a thread drift with this, or necessarily disagreeing with your viewpoint, merely pointing out that I know of absolutely nobody that can and has followed the OMA completely, to the letter, during my 15 years here. It comes down to how you apply it and whether you can justify it.

In regards to flight deck access, you choose to follow it. Fair enough.

Harry

Kennytheking 8th Jul 2017 18:52

I guess it boils down to interpretation......

If we are referring to section 8.3.12 para e of the OM-A, that needs to placed in context, ie the aircraft is in flight.

Conversely, should the section be taken literally without context, then neither the redcap, nor the engineer are permitted in the flightdeck. I don't think that was the intention hence my belief that context applies.

Or have I missed something?:hmm:

givemewings 8th Jul 2017 19:07

If by 'redcap' you mean cabin crew they are operational crew and permitted I nthe cockpit, as is the engineer and dispatcher (ie critical to the operation) Discussion is pertaining to pax is it not? For interest, the OM-E also explicity states that pax are not permitted to visit the flight deck at 'any' time.

As for the girl in question, and selfies:


I don't think this is written down anywhere.
On the cabin crew end it is expressly prohibited to use personal mobile devices at any time while in uniform once past the e-gate, until reaching the hotel room. Exception is on the bus to the aircraft provided that the captain or purser do not need to address the crew. Ditto for the hotel bus.

This policy has always been in effect in my time in the company, however it was reiterated about 18 months ago and again when we got the new VP of cabin crew. It is also expressly stated on the portal. NO photos airside. NO photos in/of the cockpit. NO photos inflight for any reason except to document disruptive/security/medical incidents etc.

Sorry but them's the breaks.

So by her selfies alone, she has given them plenty to justify firing her.

(Of course it's a different ballgame when it comes to the 'Instagrammers'.)

PS - Girl in the Huffpost article recently left.

harry the cod 8th Jul 2017 19:16

givemewings

'Red Cap' is a term often used in reference to the dispatcher. It harks back to the days when dispatchers, particularly BA wore red caps to differentiate them from other crew. Not sure if they still do?

Very first line of OMA (Admission to the flight Deck)

A) Admission to the flight deck is under the authority of the Commander.

That's all I need. Further more, although not categorically stated, it's my belief that, as Kennytheking states, the section 8.3.12 refers to in flight. Otherwise, why would part J, which refers to exiting the flight deck, be referenced alongside the other restrictions. That procedure certainly doesn't apply on ground.

Harry

givemewings 8th Jul 2017 19:22

Interesting that one says yes and the other no. I interpret it to mean that the captain can admit whom he deems fit, but that the cabin crew should not be 'offering' said visits...

harry the cod 8th Jul 2017 19:29

I'm sure most Captains would be accommodating to a flight deck visit request. Better to check with them first before offering to a worthy cause. Normally end of flight better too.

Harry

Kennytheking 8th Jul 2017 19:31

Sorry, givemewings....

By redcap, I mean the ground dispatcher. The OM-A does not define "critical to the operation". All it says is crew members(pilots & cabin crew IMHO)assigned to the flight. It also refers to authorised persons in another section but then fails to define any ground staff. It does provide a list of people authorised to occupy the jumpseat.

I will give you the OM-E reference.....but it does not say "any" time. It parrots the OM-A sentence and I would again argue context, although it is not clear.

givemewings 8th Jul 2017 19:41

Kenny, I just checked and the word 'any' is removd. It's what I recall from initial training in 2010. Now it says 'visits to the flight deck by passengers are not permitted'. Nothing about captain's discretion etc... so if crew were going to be literal and follow it, no pax is no pax. Of course the skipper has the authority to say who can go up (then again these days, what is captain's authority worth given certain cases) also given that no one wants to get fired this may explain why you may have noticed a drop in the number of pax being brought up after landing...

It then goes on to say 2 points later that access is restricted to operating crew only. Again, nothing about ground staff etc... really should be worded better. For interest, 10.6.4.2 and 10.6.5.


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