Easyjet faces pilot strike as pay talks fail
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Easyjet faces pilot strike as pay talks fail
http://money.telegraph.co.uk/money/m...8/cneasy08.xml
No-frills airline Easyjet faces the threat of a pilot strike in the new year.
The British Air Line Pilot's Association (BALPA) has sent letters to Easyjet pilots asking them to consider some form of industrial action after a failure to reach an agreement on new payment terms.
Easyjet pilots will decide in the next few weeks on what action they should take - one option being discussed is a strike.
The decision to call for industrial action comes after pay negotiations between Easyjet, the union and the pilots broke down last month.
In November, Easyjet proposed that pilots and first officers accept an average annual salary increase of 2.7pc for the year ending October 2006, introduced by phased payments increased by 1.5pc from October this year and a further 1.2pc in April 2006.
It is understood that this offer was deemed unacceptable by some pilots. One source, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "The offer is rubbish - it's not going to be accepted by some pilots." The source claimed the new terms hardly constitutes a pay rise in real terms given that the rate of inflation is around 2.3pc. Another gripe is that the terms are being brought in over time.
Since negotiations broke down the rate of Easyjet pilots' subscriptions to BALPA have increased dramatically. "This is the straw that broke the camel's back," said the source.
An Easyjet spokesman confirmed that BALPA is asking its Easyjet members to consider industrial action. He said: "In an environment where fuel costs are high, the climate for airlines is difficult at the moment. We are seeking a settlement with our union partners which reflect the climate we are operating in."
A spokesman for BALPA said: "We hope the company rethinks its position."
In November, Easyjet reported a 9pc rise in pre-tax profits to £67.9m. Yesterday the company said it had carried 8.3pc more passenger last month, compared with November last year. The load factor - an indication of efficiency - last month was 80.2pc, down from 81.2pc in the same month last year. Easyjet shares rose 6¾ to 358p.
No-frills airline Easyjet faces the threat of a pilot strike in the new year.
The British Air Line Pilot's Association (BALPA) has sent letters to Easyjet pilots asking them to consider some form of industrial action after a failure to reach an agreement on new payment terms.
Easyjet pilots will decide in the next few weeks on what action they should take - one option being discussed is a strike.
The decision to call for industrial action comes after pay negotiations between Easyjet, the union and the pilots broke down last month.
In November, Easyjet proposed that pilots and first officers accept an average annual salary increase of 2.7pc for the year ending October 2006, introduced by phased payments increased by 1.5pc from October this year and a further 1.2pc in April 2006.
It is understood that this offer was deemed unacceptable by some pilots. One source, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "The offer is rubbish - it's not going to be accepted by some pilots." The source claimed the new terms hardly constitutes a pay rise in real terms given that the rate of inflation is around 2.3pc. Another gripe is that the terms are being brought in over time.
Since negotiations broke down the rate of Easyjet pilots' subscriptions to BALPA have increased dramatically. "This is the straw that broke the camel's back," said the source.
An Easyjet spokesman confirmed that BALPA is asking its Easyjet members to consider industrial action. He said: "In an environment where fuel costs are high, the climate for airlines is difficult at the moment. We are seeking a settlement with our union partners which reflect the climate we are operating in."
A spokesman for BALPA said: "We hope the company rethinks its position."
In November, Easyjet reported a 9pc rise in pre-tax profits to £67.9m. Yesterday the company said it had carried 8.3pc more passenger last month, compared with November last year. The load factor - an indication of efficiency - last month was 80.2pc, down from 81.2pc in the same month last year. Easyjet shares rose 6¾ to 358p.
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Well, it's obvious isn't it? The aiirline basically wants the pilots to subsidise it's profitability. It is more concerened about whether the company is good value for the investors it is slave to, rather than the pilots who break their backs every day to make it a good airline and keep the wheels from falling off.
A summary of our position, for the unititiated:
Approximately 140 pilots have left this year;the pilot recruiting market is red hot and this trend should continue next year;
They are taking a lot of new aircraft (35 A319's?) next year so expansion continues;
Pilot training costs are down as all new pilots are self funded via TRSS or the Cadet scheme;
Our terms and conditions have been allowed to slip well behind our competitors. Who is going to retire on 7% pension?;
The price of oil is slowly falling and affected all airlines equally (depending on hedging, etc);
Pilot productivity is up around 14%; heart attacks up 20%;
The company announced excellent profits and gave the management the usual raft of shares, ours were worth nothing;
Despite being in the flight deck almost 12 hours every day, they still want to remove company-provided crew food, and the loyalty bonus (which is ironic in itself since any loyalty shown is already one-way!!)
Pilot costs at 13% are already significantly lower than all other airlines.
We went through this 5 years ago, and as usual didn't learn a damn thing.The pay went up about 30% and they had to recruit offereing shares and golden handshakes.
Just maybe it is a revenue problem, not a cost problem. Maybe we don't charge enough for landing people in town rather than the boonies like RYR. How much is it worth to save an hour or more of somebody's day??
Lastly, if you read the other posts on this forum, easyJet is by far a pleasant place to work. Pilots are brought on to the office or suspended at will, often for trifling reasons and the Commanders authority is fifth behind commercial pressures. Even using sick or unfit pilots is not out of the question. While a pay rise will not fix an inherent attitude, maybe after we go on strike for, say, a few days, they may take us a bit more seriously.
One final thought: In the beginning we were modelled heavily on Southwest Ailrines whom Stelios flew with extensively then adapted the low-cost operation for Europe. They have 4000 pilots and lose about 2 a year, make far better profits than we ever will do, and treat their staff like gold. I know, having seen it myself. Two legacy carriers in Chapter 11 this last few months alone, but a funny little airline from Dallas who puts its staff before anything now has 400 aircraft and people who work for them would die before going anywhere else (their words). Am i getting through????
A summary of our position, for the unititiated:
Approximately 140 pilots have left this year;the pilot recruiting market is red hot and this trend should continue next year;
They are taking a lot of new aircraft (35 A319's?) next year so expansion continues;
Pilot training costs are down as all new pilots are self funded via TRSS or the Cadet scheme;
Our terms and conditions have been allowed to slip well behind our competitors. Who is going to retire on 7% pension?;
The price of oil is slowly falling and affected all airlines equally (depending on hedging, etc);
Pilot productivity is up around 14%; heart attacks up 20%;
The company announced excellent profits and gave the management the usual raft of shares, ours were worth nothing;
Despite being in the flight deck almost 12 hours every day, they still want to remove company-provided crew food, and the loyalty bonus (which is ironic in itself since any loyalty shown is already one-way!!)
Pilot costs at 13% are already significantly lower than all other airlines.
We went through this 5 years ago, and as usual didn't learn a damn thing.The pay went up about 30% and they had to recruit offereing shares and golden handshakes.
Just maybe it is a revenue problem, not a cost problem. Maybe we don't charge enough for landing people in town rather than the boonies like RYR. How much is it worth to save an hour or more of somebody's day??
Lastly, if you read the other posts on this forum, easyJet is by far a pleasant place to work. Pilots are brought on to the office or suspended at will, often for trifling reasons and the Commanders authority is fifth behind commercial pressures. Even using sick or unfit pilots is not out of the question. While a pay rise will not fix an inherent attitude, maybe after we go on strike for, say, a few days, they may take us a bit more seriously.
One final thought: In the beginning we were modelled heavily on Southwest Ailrines whom Stelios flew with extensively then adapted the low-cost operation for Europe. They have 4000 pilots and lose about 2 a year, make far better profits than we ever will do, and treat their staff like gold. I know, having seen it myself. Two legacy carriers in Chapter 11 this last few months alone, but a funny little airline from Dallas who puts its staff before anything now has 400 aircraft and people who work for them would die before going anywhere else (their words). Am i getting through????
Last edited by Colonel Klink; 8th Dec 2005 at 08:05.
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dontdoit, that may have been true in the past but the membership numbers are rising very rapidly indeed at the minute. The esteemed leadership has gone the extra mile to rattle just about everyone's cage and I can say with confidence that they now have a fight on their hands.
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Numbers are rising very fast, most foreign based pilots have joined, heavy recruitment going on across the network, ex Dan Air guys joining too....
Watch this space because I am certain EZY management have bitten far more than they can chew this time....
It is very important not only for EZY pilots but for pilots across the industry that this fight is won by the pilots otherwise T&Cs will get worse and worse...
Its time to save the industry.
Watch this space because I am certain EZY management have bitten far more than they can chew this time....
It is very important not only for EZY pilots but for pilots across the industry that this fight is won by the pilots otherwise T&Cs will get worse and worse...
Its time to save the industry.
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There are an awful lot of colds ,flu and sicknesss about in the busy period running up to Christmas.Its a stressful time for all involved.Make sure you don,t fly your valuable passengers whilst feeling less than 100%,remember your legal responsibilities to them.Be careful out there and good luck, your pilot colleagues industry wide are behind you.
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Look it's easy.
Anyone that wants their conditions to improve should join BALPA just for the required period of voting and (if) actually going on strike.
As soon as it's all over you're free to leave the union.
Cost-wise it's gonna cost you peanuts for the short term and it may even result in improved working conditions!
Use it to your advantage.
I know I would.
Anyone that wants their conditions to improve should join BALPA just for the required period of voting and (if) actually going on strike.
As soon as it's all over you're free to leave the union.
Cost-wise it's gonna cost you peanuts for the short term and it may even result in improved working conditions!
Use it to your advantage.
I know I would.
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As a long term sceptic of BALPA I have put aside most of my reservations about Unions and sent of my Direct Debit mandate.
My biggest reason is the company are treating me like a mushroom with regard to these talks. (kept in the dark and fed on Sh.te)
I would like to know both sides of the arguement and the only way I can do that is to join BALPA.
I quess I am going to view the subscription fee as a sort of professional insurance much the same way as medics have to be members of the BMA.
My biggest reason is the company are treating me like a mushroom with regard to these talks. (kept in the dark and fed on Sh.te)
I would like to know both sides of the arguement and the only way I can do that is to join BALPA.
I quess I am going to view the subscription fee as a sort of professional insurance much the same way as medics have to be members of the BMA.
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Easyjet pilots might like to consider the huge favour they will be doing the UK industry's pilots by going on strike. There is a developing culture of contempt amongst employers for pilots, driven by the perceived "success" of the Ry@nair approach.
Dont forget that all the senior employers get together at the "Aviation Club of London", a lunching club for them. How 'easy' it would be for a cartel view to emerge amongst them all with respect to pay, conditions and treatment of 'those infuriating technicians', as they see it, they are forced to employ and whose pay limits their room for executive bonuses.
Its all about power and greed, and they perceive that they have all of the former so can indulge in the latter, at your expense. I doubt easy or any other management group in the contemporary UK airline scene care if the heart attack rate, for example, is up as long as productivity is sky high. Indeed, things have become so cynical that I am sure a view exists that anything that reduces the number of people at the top of the pay scale is no bad thing from an employers perspective.
The first airline to adopt the Southwest (USA version, not the UK one that recently announced that it would be charging pilots for water drunk whilst on duty), methods IN FULL with their staff will have a world-beating business on their hands. Sad that the average UK/ EI employer just cant see that, and sticks to the Victorian millowner approach.
Best of luck to you all and thanks for leading the charge.
Dont forget that all the senior employers get together at the "Aviation Club of London", a lunching club for them. How 'easy' it would be for a cartel view to emerge amongst them all with respect to pay, conditions and treatment of 'those infuriating technicians', as they see it, they are forced to employ and whose pay limits their room for executive bonuses.
Its all about power and greed, and they perceive that they have all of the former so can indulge in the latter, at your expense. I doubt easy or any other management group in the contemporary UK airline scene care if the heart attack rate, for example, is up as long as productivity is sky high. Indeed, things have become so cynical that I am sure a view exists that anything that reduces the number of people at the top of the pay scale is no bad thing from an employers perspective.
The first airline to adopt the Southwest (USA version, not the UK one that recently announced that it would be charging pilots for water drunk whilst on duty), methods IN FULL with their staff will have a world-beating business on their hands. Sad that the average UK/ EI employer just cant see that, and sticks to the Victorian millowner approach.
Best of luck to you all and thanks for leading the charge.
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There is no doubt that the ultimate aim of the people who run these airlines is to eventually reduce the salaries of pilots to the level of those people employed on ground duties. Anyone who thinks that pilots who joined the low cost airlines only get what they deserve should think again. These airlines have forced everyone in the industry to become more efficient but as usual the British employer sees it as an opportunity to screw the workers as well.
Their plan, in which they have largely succeeded, is to take the decision making process away from the pilot and as aircraft are now fully automated and very reliable, pilots generally do not have to demonstrate their skills, so why should they be paid so much money? It is against this background that Balpa have a fight on their hands and every pilot wanting a long term future should get behind this dispute.
easyjet have succeeded in turning what should be a good job into a tiresome ordeal for most of the people who fly the line. The main reason for the discontent really stems not from the high hours worked but from the numbers of roster changes given at short notice (especially changing a contactable before days off to a long four sector day with a late finish) . Everything else becomes more irritating when you are messed about in this way.
People whose lives are disrupted in this way deserve a premium payment just for turning up! The offer from the company in this case is actually an insult.
Their plan, in which they have largely succeeded, is to take the decision making process away from the pilot and as aircraft are now fully automated and very reliable, pilots generally do not have to demonstrate their skills, so why should they be paid so much money? It is against this background that Balpa have a fight on their hands and every pilot wanting a long term future should get behind this dispute.
easyjet have succeeded in turning what should be a good job into a tiresome ordeal for most of the people who fly the line. The main reason for the discontent really stems not from the high hours worked but from the numbers of roster changes given at short notice (especially changing a contactable before days off to a long four sector day with a late finish) . Everything else becomes more irritating when you are messed about in this way.
People whose lives are disrupted in this way deserve a premium payment just for turning up! The offer from the company in this case is actually an insult.
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"Their plan, in which they have largely succeeded, is to take the decision making process away from the pilot and as aircraft are now fully automated and very reliable, pilots generally do not have to demonstrate their skills, so why should they be paid so much money? "
This is the propaganda airlines push out. I would state that airline flight crew have to demonstrate a high level of management skill every trip. A typical european winter, the busiest airspace in the world, AWOPS, RVSM, PRNAV SIDS and STARS, (all predicated on achieving great accuracy to ensure safety margins, that have been reduced, have been met and so need to be monitored like a hawk), de-icing, slot delays, crew duty hours, company minimum fuel flight plans, technical faults, passenger quirks, (the increasing drunkeness and consequent disorder shown by a minority of pax these days), all against the backdrop of fatigue-inducing, duty-limit days and whilst producing a 100% safe and also economically viable output in an error intolerant environment, and this is 'easy'? Doesn't seem like it to me.
Employers are mounting a sustained campaign to de-professionalise the image of flightcrew with a view to lowering salaries, whilst the career is actually getting harder as tolerances are reduced all round in the name of efficiency. Pilots are too self-effacing in view of such a sustained assault by employers.
This is the propaganda airlines push out. I would state that airline flight crew have to demonstrate a high level of management skill every trip. A typical european winter, the busiest airspace in the world, AWOPS, RVSM, PRNAV SIDS and STARS, (all predicated on achieving great accuracy to ensure safety margins, that have been reduced, have been met and so need to be monitored like a hawk), de-icing, slot delays, crew duty hours, company minimum fuel flight plans, technical faults, passenger quirks, (the increasing drunkeness and consequent disorder shown by a minority of pax these days), all against the backdrop of fatigue-inducing, duty-limit days and whilst producing a 100% safe and also economically viable output in an error intolerant environment, and this is 'easy'? Doesn't seem like it to me.
Employers are mounting a sustained campaign to de-professionalise the image of flightcrew with a view to lowering salaries, whilst the career is actually getting harder as tolerances are reduced all round in the name of efficiency. Pilots are too self-effacing in view of such a sustained assault by employers.
Last edited by ShortfinalFred; 8th Dec 2005 at 13:53.
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It's time now all those who are still sitting on the fence saying yes yes i may join to now get their arses into gear. We need as much membership as possible so we can get this mickey mouse airline to give us some respect and a lifestyle we deserve for all the hard work and crap we have to put up with.
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As I said above this is the chance for us the pilots to turn the industry around...If the fatcats can be offered large sums of money the sharing should be across the line to all the hard working employees who contribute to the success of the company.
Lets face it, most part of the industry is profitable, its not as if they cant afford it.
But we must not forget that its not just about money its also about the working conditions, work hard play hard get treated right...
Lets face it, most part of the industry is profitable, its not as if they cant afford it.
But we must not forget that its not just about money its also about the working conditions, work hard play hard get treated right...
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It will be cold comfort for Easy pilots to know that in BA, pilots are (along with other groups) facing an assault on pensions, with the company simultaneously paying off debt in huge chunks whilst it claims it cannot afford to fund the pension shortfall.
The BA management are also mounting a 'back door' attack on our T's & C's whilst reaping the benefits of our 'can-do' attitude.
There are many pilots in BA who are watching the goings on in Easy with great interest....
Good luck guys, you hold all the cards.
The BA management are also mounting a 'back door' attack on our T's & C's whilst reaping the benefits of our 'can-do' attitude.
There are many pilots in BA who are watching the goings on in Easy with great interest....
Good luck guys, you hold all the cards.
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Of course, if airlines in general (EJ a bit of a special case here, I know) did not operate a seniority system, pilots could happily leave and go elsewhere, which would jack up Ts&Cs a lot faster than any other means. It's the free market. Why shackle yourselves to this prehistoric set-up? Nobody else does.
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One trouble with aviation is that it is largely a highly introspective industry - Easyjet pilots (and others elsewhere) may well feel aggrieved and have genuine complaints, within the perspective of airline operations.
However, the sustainability of a strike is often dependent on general public opinion - think firefighters? - there is no chance whatsoever of any widespread empathy and support from outside aviation for a pilots strike. Especially one over pay and conditions.
People would look at it in the same way as we would view footballers striking over their terms. I think I'd be inclined to agree with them.
However, the sustainability of a strike is often dependent on general public opinion - think firefighters? - there is no chance whatsoever of any widespread empathy and support from outside aviation for a pilots strike. Especially one over pay and conditions.
People would look at it in the same way as we would view footballers striking over their terms. I think I'd be inclined to agree with them.