bonding
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bonding
situation: I signed a bonding agreement for 3 years with a company. The agreement enabled me to get a type.
problem: Myself and another coworker were the only ones asked to sign it (I didn't know this at the time). Two others that were hired around the same time (one before, one after) were not asked to sign anything as such.
solution: Do I have a legal "leg" to stand on to deny the bond if I leave. We do happen to be 20 years younger that the non-signers, signalling to me that they singled us out.
sleepless in stanstead
problem: Myself and another coworker were the only ones asked to sign it (I didn't know this at the time). Two others that were hired around the same time (one before, one after) were not asked to sign anything as such.
solution: Do I have a legal "leg" to stand on to deny the bond if I leave. We do happen to be 20 years younger that the non-signers, signalling to me that they singled us out.
sleepless in stanstead
Join Date: Jan 2005
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So, let me get this right. The company you work for spent £10k - £20k training you and bonded you for 3 years and you think that's unfair ?
If you knew anything about the economics of our industry you would understand that if operators just trained up crews without bonding them then there would be no airlines left. By definition, pilots are nomadic and operators have to protect their investment in you. You didn't have to sign. Also, I would wager that you don't know all the details about the other 2 pilots.
If you knew anything about the economics of our industry you would understand that if operators just trained up crews without bonding them then there would be no airlines left. By definition, pilots are nomadic and operators have to protect their investment in you. You didn't have to sign. Also, I would wager that you don't know all the details about the other 2 pilots.
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Why did you sign this agreement if you felt it to be unfair ?
For a contract to be deemed "unfair" there would have to be some very compelling reasons. The fact you simply don't subsequently like the terms, or somebody else got a better deal is not a compelling reason.
For a contract to be deemed "unfair" there would have to be some very compelling reasons. The fact you simply don't subsequently like the terms, or somebody else got a better deal is not a compelling reason.
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Where are you (your misspelling of Stansted puts in question your actual home country)? Laws vary among countries. You should ask a local attorney/lawyer/solicitor who is familiar with aviation and/or contract law.
Join Date: Feb 2004
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I'm assuming you were a very low hour new start, and the guys 20 years older than you had already completed a type rating, perhaps with time on the type you were about to fly. That makes you more of a "training risk", hence the bond.
If my assumptions are wrong let me know.
If my assumptions are wrong let me know.
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Thanks for all of your opinions,
1. First, not low time, not necessarily young, level playing field.
2. No one had the type to start, no unique situations either.
3. Now, let's look at US & UK law only with this situation
I see most people's initial reaction is you signed the thing, live with it. I see your points of view and have shared them in various circumstances.
Now, employer had been let down before (i.e. people joining then leaving), hence the bonding. However, before and after my joining, people were not asked to sign. I had no prior knowlege of this and only found out a few months after starting.
So rather than throwing a tantrum about why training contracts are in place (myself being well aware), let's look at this objectively. I have an inkling that many would probably view this differently if in my shoes.
1. First, not low time, not necessarily young, level playing field.
2. No one had the type to start, no unique situations either.
3. Now, let's look at US & UK law only with this situation
I see most people's initial reaction is you signed the thing, live with it. I see your points of view and have shared them in various circumstances.
Now, employer had been let down before (i.e. people joining then leaving), hence the bonding. However, before and after my joining, people were not asked to sign. I had no prior knowlege of this and only found out a few months after starting.
So rather than throwing a tantrum about why training contracts are in place (myself being well aware), let's look at this objectively. I have an inkling that many would probably view this differently if in my shoes.
Join Date: Mar 2000
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Whilst it doesn't seem fair, the simple fact is the one Old Smokey has made. You signed it, therefore you are bound by it.
Sorry about that. If you are unsure there is a piece on the BALPA website that explains the legal position of bonding.
Sorry about that. If you are unsure there is a piece on the BALPA website that explains the legal position of bonding.
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Maybe the age difference explains the reason behind the bond - maybe they paid for their own ratings? But let's face it, we are big boys (or girls) now and we do have a choice when confronted with a bond. You agree, your problem! As for the legal side, I'm sure your Balpa rep will explain - you are a member aren't you?
But a few final points. Firstly, well done in not paying for a rating. There are too many people who do and it does the "group cause" no good at all. Secondly, it's only fair that your employer gets a return on their training investment and lastly, to jump ship with less than a few year's experience and 1,500 hours on type might not be your wisest move.
But a few final points. Firstly, well done in not paying for a rating. There are too many people who do and it does the "group cause" no good at all. Secondly, it's only fair that your employer gets a return on their training investment and lastly, to jump ship with less than a few year's experience and 1,500 hours on type might not be your wisest move.
de minimus non curat lex
I see from your profile you are typed and bonded on a 737? If so, a three year bond is not unreasonable. You don't say whether you are paid what might be regarded as a reduced salary during this bonding period.
Are you unhappy with your employer? If you find another employer who pays significantly better, then paying off any unexpired portion [monthly straight line reduction?] of the bond to jump ship might be worthwhile long term.
I know lots of guys who would be very happy to be bonded for three years on a 737. Count your blessings.
Are you unhappy with your employer? If you find another employer who pays significantly better, then paying off any unexpired portion [monthly straight line reduction?] of the bond to jump ship might be worthwhile long term.
I know lots of guys who would be very happy to be bonded for three years on a 737. Count your blessings.
