SIA Cargo: Divorced and Improved??
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NEWFREIGHTER
I am sorry that you took my posts as a personal affront. It was not my intention. Perhaps I should clarify. The issue is not how good a stick one is. It is about having a baseline of competence with flying skills and seat of the pants airsense that can only be acquired through experience. Knowing how many static wicks are on the airplane wil not prevent hard landings, over-rotations on takeoff, over-rotation flare after touchdown, poor line up control on takeoff/landing, inability to fly a stabilized visual approach with just VASI, poor crosswind landing control and non-standard radio comm; all issues I witness on a regular basis now. I don't think anyone can dispute the fact that experience in both seats make for a safer operation.
I look forward to flying with you. Just don't expect me to do the walk-around when it's raining!!
PQ
I am sorry that you took my posts as a personal affront. It was not my intention. Perhaps I should clarify. The issue is not how good a stick one is. It is about having a baseline of competence with flying skills and seat of the pants airsense that can only be acquired through experience. Knowing how many static wicks are on the airplane wil not prevent hard landings, over-rotations on takeoff, over-rotation flare after touchdown, poor line up control on takeoff/landing, inability to fly a stabilized visual approach with just VASI, poor crosswind landing control and non-standard radio comm; all issues I witness on a regular basis now. I don't think anyone can dispute the fact that experience in both seats make for a safer operation.
I look forward to flying with you. Just don't expect me to do the walk-around when it's raining!!
PQ
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PQ,
likewise,i have seen people on the left seat doing what you have mentioned above and couple of times tried to kill the rest of the people onboard if me/other crew have not stopped what there were doing.
what say you let's forget it and move on?
cheers!
likewise,i have seen people on the left seat doing what you have mentioned above and couple of times tried to kill the rest of the people onboard if me/other crew have not stopped what there were doing.
what say you let's forget it and move on?
cheers!
Last edited by newfreighter; 2nd Aug 2007 at 08:02.
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Now that we are all friends again, does anyone know if an increase in housing allowance is likely in the near future?
I have heard a couple of rumours and understand that something might be announced fairly soon.
I have heard a couple of rumours and understand that something might be announced fairly soon.
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Rent increase
Bananass, Pls read your contract. If there is any increase [ highly unlikely] that`s all you`ll get, which is not enough to cover the % increase in rents and remember it`s taxed. You still don`t understand them. By the way, heard all 747 overseas bases closing down end sep, goodbye guys, you had it good.
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Uh? Excuse me, last time I checked cargo did not have overseas bases.
Perhaps you should do your homework before you try to stir up controversy with your second post.
Better yet, why didn't you do your homework before you posted the first time.
Perhaps you would like to explain your reference to a "contract position"?
Perhaps you should do your homework before you try to stir up controversy with your second post.
Better yet, why didn't you do your homework before you posted the first time.
Perhaps you would like to explain your reference to a "contract position"?
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Ok, Lets try that one more time shall we?
Now that we are all friends again, does anyone know if an increase in housing allowance is likely in the near future?
I have heard a couple of rumours and understand that something might be announced fairly soon.
I have heard a couple of rumours and understand that something might be announced fairly soon.
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Rent increase
Yes, rent and house prices have increased in the past 1 year.
Rental allowance should be adjusted but only if the local guys get a corresponding pay increase too. Afterall, local pilots need a roof over our heads too.
Alot of the expats live in luxury condos where rent has increased beyond their reach. Perhaps they ought to consider staying in HDB flats.
I believe 3000SGD is enough to rent any HDB flat with cash to spare.
Company doesn't owe expats a lifestyle of the rich and famous.
CargoBoy
Rental allowance should be adjusted but only if the local guys get a corresponding pay increase too. Afterall, local pilots need a roof over our heads too.
Alot of the expats live in luxury condos where rent has increased beyond their reach. Perhaps they ought to consider staying in HDB flats.
I believe 3000SGD is enough to rent any HDB flat with cash to spare.
Company doesn't owe expats a lifestyle of the rich and famous.
CargoBoy
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Whaaaat?
I really hope you're kidding! Do you actually think that your statement makes sense? When I get your CPF and other goodies that the expat boys don't get, and when you can tell me that 900 sq feet of condo housing four family memnbers, at $6000 per month is luxury, and when you can tell me where my income tax money goes, we'll be on even ground! Incidentally, if you read the paper, you will find the the greed level of 90 percent of the landlords here. Places are increasing up to 100% overnight! Luxury? I call it thievery!
Back over to you brother...
Back over to you brother...
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Expatriate Summary Terms and Conditions states:
Housing Allowance: Subject to revision if there are significant changes in market rentals.
What does your contract state Cargo Boy?
Housing Allowance: Subject to revision if there are significant changes in market rentals.
What does your contract state Cargo Boy?
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BANANASBANANAS.
My contract does not give me any rental allowance.
Housing Allowance: Subject to revision if there are significant changes in market rentals.
The above statement in your contract is quite subjective. Is the revision pegged to any indices? If not, you just signed a contract that has very little legal binding as to how much increase in rental allowance the company owes to you.
If otherwise, why not start legal preceedings and make SIA Cargo pay up?
900 sqare feet condo for SGD6000? Its a free market. If you owned a condo and everyone is charging that rent, wouldn't u?
Why not consider a HDB 5-rooom flat 1150 square feet for 2000 dollars? Bigger and 1/3 the cost.
I know some individuals who are ranting about rent increase even though they have purchased property and renting it out at similar high prices. Ring a bell?
CargoBoy
My contract does not give me any rental allowance.
Housing Allowance: Subject to revision if there are significant changes in market rentals.
The above statement in your contract is quite subjective. Is the revision pegged to any indices? If not, you just signed a contract that has very little legal binding as to how much increase in rental allowance the company owes to you.
If otherwise, why not start legal preceedings and make SIA Cargo pay up?
900 sqare feet condo for SGD6000? Its a free market. If you owned a condo and everyone is charging that rent, wouldn't u?
Why not consider a HDB 5-rooom flat 1150 square feet for 2000 dollars? Bigger and 1/3 the cost.
I know some individuals who are ranting about rent increase even though they have purchased property and renting it out at similar high prices. Ring a bell?
CargoBoy
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CargoBoy...
Sorry, the buy and rent deal doesn't ring any bells, not with me anyway. You say that expats live in luxury and you don't, and you are right it might be choice. Tell me then, where ARE the good places to rent at lower than market rates? In the place we live now we are treated as a minority (and rents are doubling over night) and THAT really makes it fun! Would that be the same behaviour we can expect at an HDB flat? You tell me...
My other statement was simple...how about the CPF? You get it when you retire...I don't. It's worth WAY more to you at the end of your career with SIA than a legislated allowance for expats. It something that the company has to pay...
So where is the level field? You get to keep your money at the end of your career, I have to save what I can for the end of mine, I prefer not to leave all of mine here cause rents are too high...
Cheers
My other statement was simple...how about the CPF? You get it when you retire...I don't. It's worth WAY more to you at the end of your career with SIA than a legislated allowance for expats. It something that the company has to pay...
So where is the level field? You get to keep your money at the end of your career, I have to save what I can for the end of mine, I prefer not to leave all of mine here cause rents are too high...
Cheers
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Cargo Boy,
If some business minded individuals are prepared to put their money where their mouths are and speculate then please don't begrudge them a good result in the good times because you would sure as hell be laughing your head off if the property market had gone the other way - whilst no doubt demanding that housing allowance be cut as they are stuck with high repayments. That is the risk some people chose to take.
I thought Singapore was supposed to be the epitome of the free business world - or do you think that should not apply to expats?
As LC quite rightly says, we get no CPF and have to provide for our futures when our work here is done.
Your last post smacks a little of the green eyed monster. If you reread it carefully, you appear to agree that "if market rate for a 900 sq ft unit is $6000 and everyone else is charging it wouldn't u?" yet you then appear to try to exclude expats from the "everyone" part of your sentence.
As you also quite rightly say..."it's a free market."
Perhaps you might consider devoting your energies towards improving your own situation in that free market rather than casting envious glances at your perception of other people's situations.
And no, "Buy to rent out" does not apply to me either - though I applaud the business acumen of those to whom it does - local and expat!
Cheers.
If some business minded individuals are prepared to put their money where their mouths are and speculate then please don't begrudge them a good result in the good times because you would sure as hell be laughing your head off if the property market had gone the other way - whilst no doubt demanding that housing allowance be cut as they are stuck with high repayments. That is the risk some people chose to take.
I thought Singapore was supposed to be the epitome of the free business world - or do you think that should not apply to expats?
As LC quite rightly says, we get no CPF and have to provide for our futures when our work here is done.
Your last post smacks a little of the green eyed monster. If you reread it carefully, you appear to agree that "if market rate for a 900 sq ft unit is $6000 and everyone else is charging it wouldn't u?" yet you then appear to try to exclude expats from the "everyone" part of your sentence.
As you also quite rightly say..."it's a free market."
Perhaps you might consider devoting your energies towards improving your own situation in that free market rather than casting envious glances at your perception of other people's situations.
And no, "Buy to rent out" does not apply to me either - though I applaud the business acumen of those to whom it does - local and expat!
Cheers.
Last edited by BANANASBANANAS; 15th Aug 2007 at 11:39.
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Not attempting to begrudge anyone from making wise business decisions and making a pile from their investments. I just feel these individuals shouldn't then be complaining about rental when they don't even rent in the first place.
Did you purchase any property in Singapore?
My main point is to lower ones expectation of the property they can now afford. Rental prices a few years ago was rock bottom. The price increase though high are just beginning to match 1996 levels.
Why not move further away from the city? Why not rent HDB?
Why not take legal recourse if you feel cheated?
Do you honestly feel the CPF scheme is superior? If so, why not apply for PR and go on local terms? I have a feeling the company will gladly accept that proposal.
CargoBoy
Did you purchase any property in Singapore?
My main point is to lower ones expectation of the property they can now afford. Rental prices a few years ago was rock bottom. The price increase though high are just beginning to match 1996 levels.
Why not move further away from the city? Why not rent HDB?
Why not take legal recourse if you feel cheated?
Do you honestly feel the CPF scheme is superior? If so, why not apply for PR and go on local terms? I have a feeling the company will gladly accept that proposal.
CargoBoy
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If our retirement planning was based on living in Singapore then that is exactly what we would do. But we have to plan our finances based on retiring elsewhere so it is not relevant to our situation. That is one of the reasons the company provides a housing allowance.
1996 levels? Now I may be wrong here (and I am sure someone will tell me if I am) but in 1996 I understand that housing allowance was $5000 a month.
So..............what do you think housing allowance should be then.....1996 levels?
1996 levels? Now I may be wrong here (and I am sure someone will tell me if I am) but in 1996 I understand that housing allowance was $5000 a month.
So..............what do you think housing allowance should be then.....1996 levels?
Last edited by BANANASBANANAS; 15th Aug 2007 at 15:08.
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I don't know what the rent amount should be. It all depends on the demand and supply of pilots. Its actually quite a simple formula. If the company requires X number of pilots, they will pay as much as needed to attract that number. If people leave, they will adjust it upwards to attract new comers and prevent more from leaving.
Of course I am not an advocate of that method of renumeration but thats the painful truth.
Time to wake up and smell the prata.
CargoBoy
Of course I am not an advocate of that method of renumeration but thats the painful truth.
Time to wake up and smell the prata.
CargoBoy
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And then we bring the discussion full circle and reply that "that is not what the Terms and Conditions state."
I am reminded of the adage that goes;
"If you think it is expensive to pay a pilot what he is worth....try paying him less than he is worth!"
I am reminded of the adage that goes;
"If you think it is expensive to pay a pilot what he is worth....try paying him less than he is worth!"
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What does HDB actually mean it sounds like Cargoboy owns such a thing and is trying to rent it out 
Last edited by 152wiseguy; 15th Aug 2007 at 22:34. Reason: not sure what hdb is???
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In 1996 the rent allowance was 80% of rent up to a maximum rent of S$4000.00, so a maximum of $3,200.00 from the company and it had to be rent, no house purchase allowed with rental allowance, ALPA(S) made sure of that. There was a tax advantage to having SIA sign the rental agreement, making you the sub-tenant.
Cargo Boy - ask yourself this, you are accepted as a LHR based direct entry B744 captain by BA on a three to five year contract, renewable but only if you are still needed, otherwise off you go. Would you expect the usual and internationally accepted expatriate terms and conditions or would you accept local terms? No? - thought not.
Cargo Boy - ask yourself this, you are accepted as a LHR based direct entry B744 captain by BA on a three to five year contract, renewable but only if you are still needed, otherwise off you go. Would you expect the usual and internationally accepted expatriate terms and conditions or would you accept local terms? No? - thought not.
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parabellum, locals can be invited to go if we are not needed. Its happened before. There is no such thing as Iron rice bowl in this day and age.
I would accept the best terms I can get. If I was not careful enough to go through the terms of the contract carefully and things don't turn in my favour, its my fault isn't it?
I have heard too many people whinge that they were promised this and that. If its not clearly stated in their contract, then its just that..talk.
The salary and benefits has increased at SIA Cargo over the pass 3 years.
The company has extended this increase in pay to expats that signed up for a lesser package 4 years ago. Legally, they are not binded to do so.
CargoBoy
I would accept the best terms I can get. If I was not careful enough to go through the terms of the contract carefully and things don't turn in my favour, its my fault isn't it?
I have heard too many people whinge that they were promised this and that. If its not clearly stated in their contract, then its just that..talk.
The salary and benefits has increased at SIA Cargo over the pass 3 years.
The company has extended this increase in pay to expats that signed up for a lesser package 4 years ago. Legally, they are not binded to do so.
CargoBoy
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WiseGuy,
HDB stand for Housing Development Board. Its public housing and more than 80 percent of singaporeans live in them. The larger units are about 1200 Square feet and have 3 bed rooms.
It is almost unheard of for expats at SIA Cargo to rent these flats. I think they feel its beneath them to stay with the common folk.
CargoBoy
HDB stand for Housing Development Board. Its public housing and more than 80 percent of singaporeans live in them. The larger units are about 1200 Square feet and have 3 bed rooms.
It is almost unheard of for expats at SIA Cargo to rent these flats. I think they feel its beneath them to stay with the common folk.
CargoBoy