Are you employable?

[Hansof]

Has anyone suffered from this: flying 100 hours a month and looking for another job? After 6 months - find the job (type-rated - start ASAP) and then have to work 3 months notice. Net result - after 9 months at 100hrs a month new employer cannot use you for 3 months so job offer either never materialises or is withdrawn, or start date is delayed for a 3 month 'salary free' period.

Or am I cynical? Suppose your job disappears after 6 months? Redundancy not there as employer isn't either?

Should flying 70hrs a month be a maximum (Ok, one month you do more to help out) so that you are employable when you or they decide it is time to move on? Is an employer allowed to mess up your chances of another job like this?

[Phileas Fogg]

Were you not offered overtime above 75 or 80 hours per month which would then recompense for your period of R&R?

[Hansof]

Overtime is an option for you to make more money to fund your special projects and at the same time help your employer. Optional. For both.

Why should you take the overtime because you have to hedge on your future employment?

Is it payable at a rate at least twice your current salary?

Does any other job operate like that?

[7gcbc]

Originally Posted by Hansof

Is an employer allowed to mess up your chances of another job like this?

NO, They are not allowed to do that, however in this big bad capitalist driven world, it boils down to how much you are going to cost the current employer (in terms of replacement, risk, and so forth) by leaving and how much you are going to save the prospective employer by coming on board as soon as possible. In reality they can scupper your chances of moving by holding you to the agreement, it is after all a legal contract of employ.

If you are employed by a UK registered outfit, *and* you have a T&C that says 3 months on *both* sides of the agreement (i.e they can dismiss you with 3 months, and you must give 3 months), then you can only negotiate and hope to reduce your term by facilitation and request.

HOWEVER
If on the other hand (as has happened to me before), you have to give 3 months, and some smart ar5e HR nasty has put 2 weeks in as the companys liability, then it becomes what is legally known as "penalty" and you only have to give 2 weeks, ie the contract must be equitable and you can choose which one suits you.

Read your T&C's very carefully, and possibly seek legal advice should you wish to pursue it.

[Cerberus]

Overtime is an option

Not at Emirates!

[Hansof]

It seems to me that anyone who flies over 70 hrs a month on a regular basis is lining themselves up for a period of unemployability. If they choose to do so (and are allowed to choose whether to fly or not) then so be it -their choice.

However, if it is expected, rostered or not, then the employer is getting more than his pound of flesh. He/it/they are exploiting FTL - or is this situation normal?

Maybe I should ask BALP the question and/or then the CAA.

BTW it hasn't happened to me yet but...

[chopper2]

Originally Posted by Hansof

Has anyone suffered from this: flying 100 hours a month and looking for another job? After 6 months - find the job (type-rated - start ASAP) and then have to work 3 months notice. Net result - after 9 months at 100hrs a month new employer cannot use you for 3 months so job offer either never materialises or is withdrawn, or start date is delayed for a 3 month 'salary free' period.

Or am I cynical? Suppose your job disappears after 6 months? Redundancy not there as employer isn't either?

Should flying 70hrs a month be a maximum (Ok, one month you do more to help out) so that you are employable when you or they decide it is time to move on? Is an employer allowed to mess up your chances of another job like this?

Hi Hansof

Looks like I am about to start working for such an outfit (I have my reasons) and I guess I will have to think of a year as a minimum commitment. Work nine months and 900 hours, then give notice ............ they can’t work me so I will get three months paid leave!

Good plan, BUT I doubt that it will work. They will either "Invite" me to fly a desk or fire me without notice for refusing to do so!

The real question is why would we work for these companies if we didn’t have our own personal reasons? Look before you leap, then brace yourself! Perhaps they are serving a purpose, much like the Foreign Legion!

Try to keep smiling and remember, things will improve with time - Think Stepping Stones.

Regards

[Hansof]

Thanks Chopper and others - noticed on another thread that the IAA are looking at getting certain carriers to spread the 900 hours over 12 months which is as it should be, if you accept working to the max.

What is the UK CAA doing?

Keep EYES WIDE OPEN - we all have our reasons for being here/there and not over there. I remember fighting to keep my eyes open on the M6 or after lunch in a warm, airless office. Etc. At least there is time for sleep after duties, if nothing much else.

Good luck to all.