SQ pilots under political pressure (merged)
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SQ pilots under great political pressure
Hi all,
An SQ pilot friend sent this ,see below, with the comment that " the political heat and pressure is now levelled at the pilot community. The airline has now lost some 10 senior pilots,who have resigned ".
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http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/sto...21800,00.html?
NOV 25, 2003
NTUC chief weighs in to criticise pilots
By Rebecca Lee
TRANSPORT REPORTER
NTUC chief Lim Boon Heng yesterday slammed Singapore Airlines (SIA) pilots for stirring unrest that could jeopardise the airline's chances of hitting a profit target of $600 million.
A failure to reach this full-year profit level would mean that all 28,717 SIA employees will not receive a lump-sum payment equal to their wage cuts of between 5 and 16.5 per cent.
Neither will they get an additional 15 per cent payment that was promised as part of the deal SIA struck with its unions to stem losses from the Sars outbreak and the war in Iraq.
'The hopes of the other employees of SIA for a $600 million profit is now put at risk. Is that fair?' Mr Lim questioned.
He recounted how the four NTUC-affiliated unions and the Air Line Pilots Association of Singapore (Alpa-S) had bargained hard on behalf of their members. In the case of Alpa-S, its leaders went back to their members to get their endorsement for the deal.
'So it comes as a surprise that the pilots, who had given their support to the wage cuts, with built-in protection should the company do better than expected, now boot out their leaders,' Mr Lim said in an email reply to The Straits Times.
He questioned whether in ousting their leaders in a no-confidence vote last Monday, the pilots were merely exercising their rights.
He added: 'It would be naive to think that they are just looking after their interest. It is like starting a fire in your bedroom, and telling your parents, brothers and sisters that it has no impact on them!'
Mr Lim is the second minister to hit out at SIA pilots after Manpower Minister Ng Eng Hen warned that he would not allow the pilots to risk Singapore's position as an air hub or threaten the harmonious industrial relations climate here.
Yesterday, Alpa-S spokesman Captain P. James declined to comment further on the issue.
SIA has taken a hands-off approach to the union's leadership squabble, but added that it will honour the wage deal it has struck with the unions.
Spokesman Innes Willox added that the airline's recovery was still very fragile as 'travel confidence can be quickly buffeted'.
On whether staff retrenched will be re-hired - a move that union leaders such as Singapore Airlines Staff Union general secretary Mohamed Hussain Kassim have been calling for - Mr Willox said they will be 'considered on merit'.
An SQ pilot friend sent this ,see below, with the comment that " the political heat and pressure is now levelled at the pilot community. The airline has now lost some 10 senior pilots,who have resigned ".
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/sto...21800,00.html?
NOV 25, 2003
NTUC chief weighs in to criticise pilots
By Rebecca Lee
TRANSPORT REPORTER
NTUC chief Lim Boon Heng yesterday slammed Singapore Airlines (SIA) pilots for stirring unrest that could jeopardise the airline's chances of hitting a profit target of $600 million.
A failure to reach this full-year profit level would mean that all 28,717 SIA employees will not receive a lump-sum payment equal to their wage cuts of between 5 and 16.5 per cent.
Neither will they get an additional 15 per cent payment that was promised as part of the deal SIA struck with its unions to stem losses from the Sars outbreak and the war in Iraq.
'The hopes of the other employees of SIA for a $600 million profit is now put at risk. Is that fair?' Mr Lim questioned.
He recounted how the four NTUC-affiliated unions and the Air Line Pilots Association of Singapore (Alpa-S) had bargained hard on behalf of their members. In the case of Alpa-S, its leaders went back to their members to get their endorsement for the deal.
'So it comes as a surprise that the pilots, who had given their support to the wage cuts, with built-in protection should the company do better than expected, now boot out their leaders,' Mr Lim said in an email reply to The Straits Times.
He questioned whether in ousting their leaders in a no-confidence vote last Monday, the pilots were merely exercising their rights.
He added: 'It would be naive to think that they are just looking after their interest. It is like starting a fire in your bedroom, and telling your parents, brothers and sisters that it has no impact on them!'
Mr Lim is the second minister to hit out at SIA pilots after Manpower Minister Ng Eng Hen warned that he would not allow the pilots to risk Singapore's position as an air hub or threaten the harmonious industrial relations climate here.
Yesterday, Alpa-S spokesman Captain P. James declined to comment further on the issue.
SIA has taken a hands-off approach to the union's leadership squabble, but added that it will honour the wage deal it has struck with the unions.
Spokesman Innes Willox added that the airline's recovery was still very fragile as 'travel confidence can be quickly buffeted'.
On whether staff retrenched will be re-hired - a move that union leaders such as Singapore Airlines Staff Union general secretary Mohamed Hussain Kassim have been calling for - Mr Willox said they will be 'considered on merit'.
Last edited by aviator_38; 28th Nov 2003 at 20:40.
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Exact tally as of yesterday but starting from when?
southernmtn
The exact tally as from yesterday, 24th November 2003 stands at 14.
OK, so when did the tally start from - the beginning of this year, or from the the time ALPA-S members booted out the council, or from the time the newspapers started to bash the pilots?
The exact tally as from yesterday, 24th November 2003 stands at 14.
OK, so when did the tally start from - the beginning of this year, or from the the time ALPA-S members booted out the council, or from the time the newspapers started to bash the pilots?
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Lithgow, it's from the period when SARS was used as an excuse and opportunity to cut staff salaries,etc.
You sound like you have a more precise period and total. If so, let's have them.
You sound like you have a more precise period and total. If so, let's have them.
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Lithgow, it's from the period when SARS was used as an excuse and opportunity to cut staff salaries,etc.
Fair enough. I wasn't keeping track of who left when. I was curious about the start point because if the tally was since the beginning of the year (as HR usually keeps records based on per calendar year) then some resignations may have nothing to do with SARS and the fallout if they were, say, in January.
[I]You sound like you have a more precise period and total. If so, let's have them.[I]
You are entitled to your opinion of why others ask questions. I asked the question because I was curious about the numbers, you appeared more updated and because I didn't know the basis of the numbers.
Perhaps others ask you questions to set you up, as your reaction suggests. I just asked an innocent question. I'm sorry if I sounded like I was challenging you or setting you up. Such reactons usually come from somewhat senior pilots on the 747 fleet...
Fair enough. I wasn't keeping track of who left when. I was curious about the start point because if the tally was since the beginning of the year (as HR usually keeps records based on per calendar year) then some resignations may have nothing to do with SARS and the fallout if they were, say, in January.
[I]You sound like you have a more precise period and total. If so, let's have them.[I]
You are entitled to your opinion of why others ask questions. I asked the question because I was curious about the numbers, you appeared more updated and because I didn't know the basis of the numbers.
Perhaps others ask you questions to set you up, as your reaction suggests. I just asked an innocent question. I'm sorry if I sounded like I was challenging you or setting you up. Such reactons usually come from somewhat senior pilots on the 747 fleet...
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whoa, whoa i says
'Perhaps others ask you questions to set you up, as your reaction suggests. I just asked an innocent question. I'm sorry if I sounded like I was challenging you or setting you up. Such reactons usually come from somewhat senior pilots on the 747 fleet...'
i don't think you are really remorseful. or else you would not assume, then lump all of the pilots in a certain aircraft type together. when there was no basis to support your stance.
i don't think you are really remorseful. or else you would not assume, then lump all of the pilots in a certain aircraft type together. when there was no basis to support your stance.
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b777pilot
Jump in by all means!
Oh dear, you've cornered me. I confess - I was being sarcastic. There, happy?
or else you would not assume, then lump all of the pilots in a certain aircraft type together. when there was no basis to support your stance.
I did not lump ALL OF THE PILOTS.
I said, "somewhat senior pilots". That is hardly all of them.
I have personal experience to support my stance. Granted it is not a scientific study, but I didn't have such encounters with the B777 guys, senior or otherwise.
Read my opinion again:
"Such reactions usually come from somewhat senior pilots on the 747 fleet...'
Is it flawed?
Jump in by all means!
Oh dear, you've cornered me. I confess - I was being sarcastic. There, happy?
or else you would not assume, then lump all of the pilots in a certain aircraft type together. when there was no basis to support your stance.
I did not lump ALL OF THE PILOTS.
I said, "somewhat senior pilots". That is hardly all of them.
I have personal experience to support my stance. Granted it is not a scientific study, but I didn't have such encounters with the B777 guys, senior or otherwise.
Read my opinion again:
"Such reactions usually come from somewhat senior pilots on the 747 fleet...'
Is it flawed?
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As best I can recall the departures from SIA are
April
5 Capts from A-310, 2 as close to 60, 1 contract not renewed, 2 terminations, 1 F/O termination all Expats.
From A-340 at least 3 due close to 60. (Expats)
June
7 remaining Expats from A-310 given options of 6 months NPL, 3 months pay or 3 months notice.
July/August
25 or so terminations which was a selection from all bases, mostly Expats, some F/Os including locals and Expats on local terms.
The other numbers appear to be since that time which includes some very senior SIPs/Management
Yes it's the old GREYBEARD, PPRuNe Towers lost me when we moved
Miss the flying but not the job.
April
5 Capts from A-310, 2 as close to 60, 1 contract not renewed, 2 terminations, 1 F/O termination all Expats.
From A-340 at least 3 due close to 60. (Expats)
June
7 remaining Expats from A-310 given options of 6 months NPL, 3 months pay or 3 months notice.
July/August
25 or so terminations which was a selection from all bases, mostly Expats, some F/Os including locals and Expats on local terms.
The other numbers appear to be since that time which includes some very senior SIPs/Management
Yes it's the old GREYBEARD, PPRuNe Towers lost me when we moved
Miss the flying but not the job.
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hahahaha
i really had a good laugh.
if you don't find senior pilots on the B747, where else would you find them?
i would dare say in any company. paycale=seniority=aircraft type.
that was a good one. you must be a riot in the cockpit! mind like a steel trap eh?
if you don't find senior pilots on the B747, where else would you find them?
i would dare say in any company. paycale=seniority=aircraft type.
that was a good one. you must be a riot in the cockpit! mind like a steel trap eh?
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The good laugh is that the complete ALPAS body of pilots is dragged into a very personal power struggle between some ex management pilots and the present management. The big laugh is that these ex management pilots all have several millions in the bank, just a few more years to go, residence permits in two or three other places and have nothing to loose. But all the suckers they drag along have an awfull lot to loose and are nowhere in the same financial leaque as their "newly elected leaders". This inhouse storm in the union could very easily run out of control and very soon during the first negotiations the union members solidarity and strength will be tested, something in the form like " Let's work to the rule and report one hour before ETD and read all the notam's, resulting in a 30 minutes delay". Now think real hard, or laugh even harder. How many union pilots will follow this wise advise to work to the rule...... NONE , ZERO , BIG NOTHING. Back to square one. Stop complaining and do what your told to do. No one among the present generation of ALPAS pilots has the guts, hunger,strength,vision, or whatever you want to call it to realy stand up for their rights, so it will always be a very watered down version of what you want when you deal with management.
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b777pilot
It appears you cannot grasp the meaning of words when used in their context.
My point, in the context I used, was that I was referring to certain pilots nearing retirement, most likely from pre-CRM days, on the B747 fleet. Not all of them are like that, to say the least.
if you don't find senior pilots on the B747, where else would you find them?
You would also find them on the B777 fleet - are you saying that IPs and SIPs are not senior pilots? Are you saying that those with the most experience on THAT FLEET are not senior?
i would dare say in any company. paycale=seniority=aircraft type.
Ah, I see your simple minded equation now. All based on money. Experience is irrelevant. I stand by my opinion, you can have yours. But when you distort my statements, I will repeat exactly what I said so that you (I hope) and the rest can see the difference.
To use your simple equation, what about direct entry F/Os, direct command Capts on the B747 - are they automatically more senior than their colleagues on other fleets?
that was a good one. you must be a riot in the cockpit! mind like a steel trap eh?
Thank you. I got you, didn't I?
It appears you cannot grasp the meaning of words when used in their context.
My point, in the context I used, was that I was referring to certain pilots nearing retirement, most likely from pre-CRM days, on the B747 fleet. Not all of them are like that, to say the least.
if you don't find senior pilots on the B747, where else would you find them?
You would also find them on the B777 fleet - are you saying that IPs and SIPs are not senior pilots? Are you saying that those with the most experience on THAT FLEET are not senior?
i would dare say in any company. paycale=seniority=aircraft type.
Ah, I see your simple minded equation now. All based on money. Experience is irrelevant. I stand by my opinion, you can have yours. But when you distort my statements, I will repeat exactly what I said so that you (I hope) and the rest can see the difference.
To use your simple equation, what about direct entry F/Os, direct command Capts on the B747 - are they automatically more senior than their colleagues on other fleets?
that was a good one. you must be a riot in the cockpit! mind like a steel trap eh?
Thank you. I got you, didn't I?
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so many words but...
so many words JB (jeyaratnam??) but i would have to agree with you 100%.
at the end of the day, it is best if the union members voted with their legs. CAL, EK, Dragonair, that may put an end, and i say MAY to all this abuse of the labour office.
someone even mentioned passport restrictions for singaporeans over a jug of beer the other night. not too far fetched i would think once they start playing hard-ball. it would take an act of parliament, you say?? like how long would it take? 10 mins to propose, debate then pass into law?
under a similar post, i think cadets joining the cargo outfit are forbidden to be union members? but again, without confirming, i would not put it pass them.
telling ppl,'if you don't like it, you can leave!' is one thing, when ppl actually walk, i think i would not put it pass them to hinder/block/frustrate your efforts to go somewhere and ply your trade.
remember you heard it here first and not the local daily.
(okay, i guess i should stop laughing now, southernmtn)
at the end of the day, it is best if the union members voted with their legs. CAL, EK, Dragonair, that may put an end, and i say MAY to all this abuse of the labour office.
someone even mentioned passport restrictions for singaporeans over a jug of beer the other night. not too far fetched i would think once they start playing hard-ball. it would take an act of parliament, you say?? like how long would it take? 10 mins to propose, debate then pass into law?
under a similar post, i think cadets joining the cargo outfit are forbidden to be union members? but again, without confirming, i would not put it pass them.
telling ppl,'if you don't like it, you can leave!' is one thing, when ppl actually walk, i think i would not put it pass them to hinder/block/frustrate your efforts to go somewhere and ply your trade.
remember you heard it here first and not the local daily.
(okay, i guess i should stop laughing now, southernmtn)
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I wonder if some of the SQ union members slowely are waking up and start to realise that i.s.o.this big deal about the upcoming CA negotiations , they are supporting a big , ex management guy's , personal vendetta. It is bizar that one of the instigators of this motion to get rid of the present union leadership is himself an old union president, who has in the eighties battled higher management before ( In which at the end of the day only some brave expats lost their job!!!! ) and he himself almost ended up in serious trouble with LKY. He then , in true SQ style, turned the corner and became a very influential Deputee Dir Flt Ops , now on the other side of the table of the same union he once lead. A few months ago he resigned from his management job ( or got kicked out by the present generals) and is now one of the instigators of this conflict. ( Offering his help to the pilot body as it is called ) I hope that the younger generation pilots wake up and start thinking real hard if this is the right way to tackle their problems. They have to show a united front, not being bullied by governement , generals , or above mentioned ex union presidents, but come up with strong leadership out of their own group . Sadly I believe that, as I said before, nobody is hungry enough to take the bite!!
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Hi everyone,
I received the latest mail on the matter this morning.Please see below.
John Barnes' reference to what happened in the eighties has also being alluded to by Singapore's DPM.
The pressure must be immense for the pilot union.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stori.../59506/1/.html
SIA pilots should rethink their confrontational approach: DPM Lee
By Channel NewsAsia's Teo Chia Leen in Wellington, New Zealand
WELLINGTON, New Zealand: Recent move by SIA pilots to vote out union leaders whom they felt had let them down, is a confrontational approach which could undermine tripartite relations.
Speaking to reporters at in a wrap-up news conference in New Zealand, Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said: "The health of the company is critical not only to their well being but to the well being of Singapore and the company has to look after its interest and at the same time, look after its staff. But it has to be fair and do its responsibility as an employer and the unions have to know how to work with the company in order to safeguard the workers.
"I think the deal which the union leaders made earlier which had wage restructuring and wage cuts but at the same time formula and restoration and profit sharing beyond a certain point - that was a very fair deal. And well if now, things have turned out better there's a profit share arrangement which will kick in at some point. So I don't think there's a reason to rethink what was agreed earlier. But as Ng Eng Hen said the pilots, the leaders of this group have to think very carefully, do they really want to take on the government?
"The last time where there was a run in 1980 between the pilots and SIA and at that time the PM stepped in. He was speaking to the pilots union and he said 'I don't want to do you in but I don't want let anybody do Singapore in' and I still think it's a valid message."
DPM Lee is the latest Cabinet Minister to warn union leaders of Singapore Airlines to re-think their confrontational approach to labour relations.
But DPM Lee stressed that on the whole, the government's relations with unions are very good.
He also touched on the issue of whether retrenchment benefits in Singapore are too generous.
The tripartite committee comprising unions, the government and companies last reviewed them some years ago but the economic downturn has raised the question again.
"Lim Boon Heng has expressed the view and which I agree that they are still rather generous and if we want to change them further it will have to (be) another tripartite discussion to see if we can go further. It's symbolically important. Practically the impact is not, maybe not so huge because nowadays not so many workers will be working for 15-20 years for the same employer."
"But psychologically it has an impact on employers because they look at it and say, 'Wow! The chap works with me so many years, it's such a generous benefit he expects from the company,' and it will be a disincentive for people to hire. Because when you hire you must calculate that when you retrench, what the expenses are," said Mr Lee.
Companies usually offer a month for every year year of service. But with the possibility of lowering the ceiling on the years of service, the amount of retrenchment benefits to a worker would be substantially reduced.
As a comparison, Mr Lee noted that countries which have made it the hardest to retrench workers, have the highest unemployment rates.
Said DPM Lee: "The countries that make it the most difficult to retrench workers have the highest unemployment rates. Germany is the best example. In Germany they rule that when you retrench workers, you must retrench the cheapest workers first, last in first out so the youngest workers - those with no family obligations, go.
"Those with family obligations and highest seniority go last so there's no point retrenching. If you retrench cheap workers and you end up increasing your wage costs, the conclusion is that companies refuse to hire and the unemployment rate is 9 or 10 per cent and then the growth of companies is over and the economy stagnates." - CNA
I received the latest mail on the matter this morning.Please see below.
John Barnes' reference to what happened in the eighties has also being alluded to by Singapore's DPM.
The pressure must be immense for the pilot union.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stori.../59506/1/.html
SIA pilots should rethink their confrontational approach: DPM Lee
By Channel NewsAsia's Teo Chia Leen in Wellington, New Zealand
WELLINGTON, New Zealand: Recent move by SIA pilots to vote out union leaders whom they felt had let them down, is a confrontational approach which could undermine tripartite relations.
Speaking to reporters at in a wrap-up news conference in New Zealand, Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said: "The health of the company is critical not only to their well being but to the well being of Singapore and the company has to look after its interest and at the same time, look after its staff. But it has to be fair and do its responsibility as an employer and the unions have to know how to work with the company in order to safeguard the workers.
"I think the deal which the union leaders made earlier which had wage restructuring and wage cuts but at the same time formula and restoration and profit sharing beyond a certain point - that was a very fair deal. And well if now, things have turned out better there's a profit share arrangement which will kick in at some point. So I don't think there's a reason to rethink what was agreed earlier. But as Ng Eng Hen said the pilots, the leaders of this group have to think very carefully, do they really want to take on the government?
"The last time where there was a run in 1980 between the pilots and SIA and at that time the PM stepped in. He was speaking to the pilots union and he said 'I don't want to do you in but I don't want let anybody do Singapore in' and I still think it's a valid message."
DPM Lee is the latest Cabinet Minister to warn union leaders of Singapore Airlines to re-think their confrontational approach to labour relations.
But DPM Lee stressed that on the whole, the government's relations with unions are very good.
He also touched on the issue of whether retrenchment benefits in Singapore are too generous.
The tripartite committee comprising unions, the government and companies last reviewed them some years ago but the economic downturn has raised the question again.
"Lim Boon Heng has expressed the view and which I agree that they are still rather generous and if we want to change them further it will have to (be) another tripartite discussion to see if we can go further. It's symbolically important. Practically the impact is not, maybe not so huge because nowadays not so many workers will be working for 15-20 years for the same employer."
"But psychologically it has an impact on employers because they look at it and say, 'Wow! The chap works with me so many years, it's such a generous benefit he expects from the company,' and it will be a disincentive for people to hire. Because when you hire you must calculate that when you retrench, what the expenses are," said Mr Lee.
Companies usually offer a month for every year year of service. But with the possibility of lowering the ceiling on the years of service, the amount of retrenchment benefits to a worker would be substantially reduced.
As a comparison, Mr Lee noted that countries which have made it the hardest to retrench workers, have the highest unemployment rates.
Said DPM Lee: "The countries that make it the most difficult to retrench workers have the highest unemployment rates. Germany is the best example. In Germany they rule that when you retrench workers, you must retrench the cheapest workers first, last in first out so the youngest workers - those with no family obligations, go.
"Those with family obligations and highest seniority go last so there's no point retrenching. If you retrench cheap workers and you end up increasing your wage costs, the conclusion is that companies refuse to hire and the unemployment rate is 9 or 10 per cent and then the growth of companies is over and the economy stagnates." - CNA
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Yet More Warnings....drum roll please....
Freddie and the Chrome Dome - you're in the news again...
Is this a the sign of a classic pincer strategy? No comments from the powers that be for a couple of days then now a double volley to bring in the weekend?
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stori.../59546/1/.html
Unions in Singapore are not like houses on different streets. Rather, they are more like co-passengers on the same ship or families living under the same roof and in the same compound. Hence, how one union behaves will affect other unions and ultimately all Singaporeans.
This analogy was given by Acting Minister for Manpower, Dr Ng Eng Hean, to drive home the message that the government is bent on maintaining and preserving industrial peace.
Speaking at the 39th anniversary dinner and dance of the Food, Drinks & Allied Workers' Union (FDAWU) on Friday, Dr Ng said it would have been easy for union members to insist on their rights and make more demands.
"You too have mouths to feed and bills to pay. It would been easy and populist for your union leaders to dig-in and get the best deal possible at every round of negotiations. It would have been understandable for you to resist the temporary lay-offs and unpaid leave. Even now, some of you may blame your leaders for giving-in too easily. Worst still, a union can boot out its leaders and pass a resolution to demand fresh elections so that new tougher, more confrontational Exco can lead the next collective bargaining.
"But if one union did that, how would other unions respond? Their members too have mouths to feed and bills to pay. Unions in Singapore are not like houses on different streets. We are more like co-passengers on the same ship or families living under the same roof, in the same compound. How one union behaves will affect other unions and ultimately all of us. If a fire is not put out in one cabin, the whole ship is at risk. No one should doubt this government's resolve in wanting to maintain and preserve our industrial peace," added Dr Ng.
Earlier, Dr Ng commended the contributions and sacrifices made by FDAWU members during the SARS crisis to help the hotels save jobs.
"I was told that from April to September 2003, 11,019 FDAWU members from 58 unionised hotel branches took a cumulative total of 101, 384.5 days of unpaid leave to help hotels solve their cash flow problems. If we estimate the average daily wage cost at $50, this sacrifice of union members amounted to $5 million savings for their employers."
He also applauded FDAWU leadership in encouraging their members and hotel workers to go for skills upgrading and retraining.
Looking back, he added, the quick action and cooperation extended by FDAWU to the hotel have helped in ensuring a smooth recovery for the hotel industry.
Dr Ng also said FDAWU's actions serve as an example of how responsible unions can achieve better long-term outcomes for its members by working within the tripartite framework.
"But employers must do their part, and indeed should shoulder the greater burden. Employers must communicate their plans and reward their workers for good performances when the company does well. They must recognise the sacrifices that employees have made to the continued success of their companies. If management is perceived to be taking advantage of their employees, or being uncaring about their workers, morale will be low. This ultimately hurts the company," he stressed.
While Singapore's economic recovery is gaining ground, Dr Ng warned that no one should be over confident to think that there won't be a setback as a result of terrorism or a recurrence of SARS.
"One quarter of good economic results does not mean that our troubles are over. There is still much to do together to get our economy going and help solve unemployment," he said.
Is this a the sign of a classic pincer strategy? No comments from the powers that be for a couple of days then now a double volley to bring in the weekend?
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stori.../59546/1/.html
Unions in Singapore are not like houses on different streets. Rather, they are more like co-passengers on the same ship or families living under the same roof and in the same compound. Hence, how one union behaves will affect other unions and ultimately all Singaporeans.
This analogy was given by Acting Minister for Manpower, Dr Ng Eng Hean, to drive home the message that the government is bent on maintaining and preserving industrial peace.
Speaking at the 39th anniversary dinner and dance of the Food, Drinks & Allied Workers' Union (FDAWU) on Friday, Dr Ng said it would have been easy for union members to insist on their rights and make more demands.
"You too have mouths to feed and bills to pay. It would been easy and populist for your union leaders to dig-in and get the best deal possible at every round of negotiations. It would have been understandable for you to resist the temporary lay-offs and unpaid leave. Even now, some of you may blame your leaders for giving-in too easily. Worst still, a union can boot out its leaders and pass a resolution to demand fresh elections so that new tougher, more confrontational Exco can lead the next collective bargaining.
"But if one union did that, how would other unions respond? Their members too have mouths to feed and bills to pay. Unions in Singapore are not like houses on different streets. We are more like co-passengers on the same ship or families living under the same roof, in the same compound. How one union behaves will affect other unions and ultimately all of us. If a fire is not put out in one cabin, the whole ship is at risk. No one should doubt this government's resolve in wanting to maintain and preserve our industrial peace," added Dr Ng.
Earlier, Dr Ng commended the contributions and sacrifices made by FDAWU members during the SARS crisis to help the hotels save jobs.
"I was told that from April to September 2003, 11,019 FDAWU members from 58 unionised hotel branches took a cumulative total of 101, 384.5 days of unpaid leave to help hotels solve their cash flow problems. If we estimate the average daily wage cost at $50, this sacrifice of union members amounted to $5 million savings for their employers."
He also applauded FDAWU leadership in encouraging their members and hotel workers to go for skills upgrading and retraining.
Looking back, he added, the quick action and cooperation extended by FDAWU to the hotel have helped in ensuring a smooth recovery for the hotel industry.
Dr Ng also said FDAWU's actions serve as an example of how responsible unions can achieve better long-term outcomes for its members by working within the tripartite framework.
"But employers must do their part, and indeed should shoulder the greater burden. Employers must communicate their plans and reward their workers for good performances when the company does well. They must recognise the sacrifices that employees have made to the continued success of their companies. If management is perceived to be taking advantage of their employees, or being uncaring about their workers, morale will be low. This ultimately hurts the company," he stressed.
While Singapore's economic recovery is gaining ground, Dr Ng warned that no one should be over confident to think that there won't be a setback as a result of terrorism or a recurrence of SARS.
"One quarter of good economic results does not mean that our troubles are over. There is still much to do together to get our economy going and help solve unemployment," he said.
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Internal politics in Singapore pilot's union?
Hi folks,
I received this in the evening's mail,giving the latest report on this issue.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/sto...22508,00.html?
NOV 29, 2003
Shades of 1980 in pilot-union action
Conspiracy theories abound, with some pilots saying internal politics to blame; finger pointed at former union leaders
By Rebecca Lee
TRANSPORT REPORTER
INTERNAL politics could have been a factor in the wholesale ouster of the Singapore Airlines pilots' union leadership, suggested members of the union.
It was not just that members of the Air Line Pilots' Association-Singapore (Alpa-S) turfed out the entire executive committee for being too 'soft' on SIA's management when they wanted a tougher stance.
Conspiracy theories abound. Five pilots, including two from the ousted committee, say political infighting led to the 22-member committee being voted out at an extraordinary general meeting on Nov 17.
One of the ousted leaders and a former committee member both suggested previous leaders of Alpa-S may have swayed the vote.
There are even some who see the influence of pilots once involved in the SIA Pilots' Association (Siapa), the now defunct pilots' union. Siapa was dissolved by the Government in early 1981 after Australian pilots led a work-to-rule that disrupted several flights in a month, all on high-visibility international routes.
Now, pilots in management positions and others say Captain Ryan Goh, one of the 22 ousted committee members, helped draft the petition calling for the extraordinary general meeting, although he did not sign it.
Capt Goh is now on holiday in Australia. When contacted by the Straits Times earlier in the week, he said he did not sign the petition, but would not be drawn into saying who had drafted it.
Asked why Alpa-S members initiated the no-confidence motion, he said it was part of the democratic process 'to reconstitute and recharge the team' and was not 'a rebellion or revolt'.
No nominations for the new committee have yet been received, The Straits Times understands. But last-minute nominations are not unusual.
Nominations for president close on Tuesday, and for committee members on Friday.
There are several contenders for president.
Capt Goh has been an Alpa-S member since the start. At one point, he served as vice-president for industrial relations.
Asked if he would run again, he said: 'If my services are required, why not?'
Captain Mok Hin Choon, Alpa-S president from 1999 to 2000, has already told the pilots he intends to run for president again.
There were problems in the leadership during his time at the helm and he quit before his three-year term was up to force elections and get a fresh mandate, but was not re-elected.
Another contender could be Captain Freddie Koh, one-time president of Siapa and the first president of Alpa-S.
As a one-time assistant director of flight operations, he would have wide influence among the pilots and there had been talk that he could have influenced them to boot out the committee.
The pilots interviewed say Capt Koh commands a lot of respect, especially among the more senior pilots who respect him for the way he fought for them in the early years. He is seen as someone who will stand up for them.
But a senior pilot said that Capt Koh, who had moved to management but is now back piloting Boeing 777 aircraft, sounded neutral when he stood up to ask questions at the EGM.
SIA's pilots have received flak from Acting Manpower Minister Ng Eng Hen, Mr Lim Boon Heng, a minister in the Prime Minister's Office, and Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
Mr Ng has told the pilots he will not allow their 'confrontational' approach to jeopardise harmonious industrial relations here.
Yesterday, a 25-year veteran who served on the committee for nearly 10 years said he felt sorry that the union had been split by this issue.
'I feel they should not be throwing the exco out. Although it is constitutionally right, it is not right morally,' he said.
I received this in the evening's mail,giving the latest report on this issue.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/sto...22508,00.html?
NOV 29, 2003
Shades of 1980 in pilot-union action
Conspiracy theories abound, with some pilots saying internal politics to blame; finger pointed at former union leaders
By Rebecca Lee
TRANSPORT REPORTER
INTERNAL politics could have been a factor in the wholesale ouster of the Singapore Airlines pilots' union leadership, suggested members of the union.
It was not just that members of the Air Line Pilots' Association-Singapore (Alpa-S) turfed out the entire executive committee for being too 'soft' on SIA's management when they wanted a tougher stance.
Conspiracy theories abound. Five pilots, including two from the ousted committee, say political infighting led to the 22-member committee being voted out at an extraordinary general meeting on Nov 17.
One of the ousted leaders and a former committee member both suggested previous leaders of Alpa-S may have swayed the vote.
There are even some who see the influence of pilots once involved in the SIA Pilots' Association (Siapa), the now defunct pilots' union. Siapa was dissolved by the Government in early 1981 after Australian pilots led a work-to-rule that disrupted several flights in a month, all on high-visibility international routes.
Now, pilots in management positions and others say Captain Ryan Goh, one of the 22 ousted committee members, helped draft the petition calling for the extraordinary general meeting, although he did not sign it.
Capt Goh is now on holiday in Australia. When contacted by the Straits Times earlier in the week, he said he did not sign the petition, but would not be drawn into saying who had drafted it.
Asked why Alpa-S members initiated the no-confidence motion, he said it was part of the democratic process 'to reconstitute and recharge the team' and was not 'a rebellion or revolt'.
No nominations for the new committee have yet been received, The Straits Times understands. But last-minute nominations are not unusual.
Nominations for president close on Tuesday, and for committee members on Friday.
There are several contenders for president.
Capt Goh has been an Alpa-S member since the start. At one point, he served as vice-president for industrial relations.
Asked if he would run again, he said: 'If my services are required, why not?'
Captain Mok Hin Choon, Alpa-S president from 1999 to 2000, has already told the pilots he intends to run for president again.
There were problems in the leadership during his time at the helm and he quit before his three-year term was up to force elections and get a fresh mandate, but was not re-elected.
Another contender could be Captain Freddie Koh, one-time president of Siapa and the first president of Alpa-S.
As a one-time assistant director of flight operations, he would have wide influence among the pilots and there had been talk that he could have influenced them to boot out the committee.
The pilots interviewed say Capt Koh commands a lot of respect, especially among the more senior pilots who respect him for the way he fought for them in the early years. He is seen as someone who will stand up for them.
But a senior pilot said that Capt Koh, who had moved to management but is now back piloting Boeing 777 aircraft, sounded neutral when he stood up to ask questions at the EGM.
SIA's pilots have received flak from Acting Manpower Minister Ng Eng Hen, Mr Lim Boon Heng, a minister in the Prime Minister's Office, and Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
Mr Ng has told the pilots he will not allow their 'confrontational' approach to jeopardise harmonious industrial relations here.
Yesterday, a 25-year veteran who served on the committee for nearly 10 years said he felt sorry that the union had been split by this issue.
'I feel they should not be throwing the exco out. Although it is constitutionally right, it is not right morally,' he said.
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More sabre rattling...
Govt's intervention in issue of SIA pilots' union to improve relationship
29 November 2003 2315 hrs (SST)
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stori.../59671/1/.html
SINGAPORE: The Acting Manpower Minister says he'll speak to both SIA's management and the pilots' union to get them to understand what has gone wrong in their relationship and to work together for the future.
Dr Ng Eng Hen said the government's intervention in the issue is to try to improve their relationship.
He was speaking to reporters after a cultural night at the Toa Payoh South community club on Saturday evening.
"Enough has been said by many Ministers to send a very clear message to the pilots' union that the path that they are on now, the path which they have over the many years been used to, will lead to a lot of difficulty. A lot of difficulty for themselves, for the company and eventually affect all of us. The intervention is really on the course that the whole pilots' union is taking. We will have to, and the purpose of the intervention is to try to improve the relationship.
"And yes, we'd have to deal with the management and the pilots' union. But one piece at a time, currently the message is to both parties. I've spoken to management, I'm now also speaking to the pilots' union, and I hope that both sides will examine how their relationships have gone wrong in the past and try to seriously consider which new direction they want to take," said Dr Ng. - CNA
29 November 2003 2315 hrs (SST)
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stori.../59671/1/.html
SINGAPORE: The Acting Manpower Minister says he'll speak to both SIA's management and the pilots' union to get them to understand what has gone wrong in their relationship and to work together for the future.
Dr Ng Eng Hen said the government's intervention in the issue is to try to improve their relationship.
He was speaking to reporters after a cultural night at the Toa Payoh South community club on Saturday evening.
"Enough has been said by many Ministers to send a very clear message to the pilots' union that the path that they are on now, the path which they have over the many years been used to, will lead to a lot of difficulty. A lot of difficulty for themselves, for the company and eventually affect all of us. The intervention is really on the course that the whole pilots' union is taking. We will have to, and the purpose of the intervention is to try to improve the relationship.
"And yes, we'd have to deal with the management and the pilots' union. But one piece at a time, currently the message is to both parties. I've spoken to management, I'm now also speaking to the pilots' union, and I hope that both sides will examine how their relationships have gone wrong in the past and try to seriously consider which new direction they want to take," said Dr Ng. - CNA
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"and the purpose of the intervention is to try to improve the relationship. "
Here's an example from Cathay:
From the Business Times of Singapore
Published November 29, 2003
Cathay Pacific staff get 3 weeks' salary plus bonus
By VEN SREENIVASAN
CATHAY Pacific's staff cheered last Friday as the airline announced that it would be paying them an ex-gratia sum amounting to three weeks' salary this month. The payment virtually covers the entire three weeks of unpaid leave its worldwide staff voluntarily took during the Sars-induced crisis.
Asia's 6th biggest carrier is also paying its 121 Singapore-based staff a 1.5 month year-end bonus.
The airline cut capacity by as much as 45 per cent and suffered losses of US$3 million a day at the height of the severe acute respiratory syndrome pandemic in the April-June period.
Cathay Pacific had asked its staff to take 4 weeks of voluntary unpaid leave. Over 99 per cent of its staff agreed. However, a quick industry recovery which kicked in in July enabled this unpaid leave to be cut to just 3 weeks.
Unlike most other Sars-hit regional carriers, including Singapore Airlines, Cathay did not implement wage cuts for its 14,500 staff worldwide.
Cathay's Singapore country manager James Ginns described the payment as the company's way of recognising the sacrifice made by its staff during tough times.
'The ex-gratia payment is in appreciation of the support by staff around the world when the company was faced with a crisis,' he said.
Cathay reported a record first-half loss of HK$1.24 billion. But the post-Sars recovery has been swift and strong, and analysts expect Cathay to post full-year profit of almost HK$1 billion.
The airline is now filling 75 per cent of its seats, compared with 25 per cent during the peak of the Sars outbreak. Last month it carried 1.02 million passengers, up from 951,703 in September. It has also been recruiting staff and upgrading its fleet.
In a separate development, Cathay has asked CIAS to handle its line maintenance and cargo handling function, which was previously handled by Sats. But Sats still handles Cathay's ramp operations, catering and security. Cathay has also taken over its own mechanical maintenance and passenger handling in Singapore.
Here's an example from Cathay:
From the Business Times of Singapore
Published November 29, 2003
Cathay Pacific staff get 3 weeks' salary plus bonus
By VEN SREENIVASAN
CATHAY Pacific's staff cheered last Friday as the airline announced that it would be paying them an ex-gratia sum amounting to three weeks' salary this month. The payment virtually covers the entire three weeks of unpaid leave its worldwide staff voluntarily took during the Sars-induced crisis.
Asia's 6th biggest carrier is also paying its 121 Singapore-based staff a 1.5 month year-end bonus.
The airline cut capacity by as much as 45 per cent and suffered losses of US$3 million a day at the height of the severe acute respiratory syndrome pandemic in the April-June period.
Cathay Pacific had asked its staff to take 4 weeks of voluntary unpaid leave. Over 99 per cent of its staff agreed. However, a quick industry recovery which kicked in in July enabled this unpaid leave to be cut to just 3 weeks.
Unlike most other Sars-hit regional carriers, including Singapore Airlines, Cathay did not implement wage cuts for its 14,500 staff worldwide.
Cathay's Singapore country manager James Ginns described the payment as the company's way of recognising the sacrifice made by its staff during tough times.
'The ex-gratia payment is in appreciation of the support by staff around the world when the company was faced with a crisis,' he said.
Cathay reported a record first-half loss of HK$1.24 billion. But the post-Sars recovery has been swift and strong, and analysts expect Cathay to post full-year profit of almost HK$1 billion.
The airline is now filling 75 per cent of its seats, compared with 25 per cent during the peak of the Sars outbreak. Last month it carried 1.02 million passengers, up from 951,703 in September. It has also been recruiting staff and upgrading its fleet.
In a separate development, Cathay has asked CIAS to handle its line maintenance and cargo handling function, which was previously handled by Sats. But Sats still handles Cathay's ramp operations, catering and security. Cathay has also taken over its own mechanical maintenance and passenger handling in Singapore.