I don't know all the details of the FA contracts, but if they are anything like the pilots contracts, they automatically renew at the end of their term.
The laptops are not perks, they are business tools. Pilots get laptops and FA's don't because FA's don't require the laptops to do their jobs. The pilots need them because most of their manuals and reference material are on the laptops, as well as weight and balance/performance software that's needed on every flight. I suppose that the FA's could have their manuals put on computer, but then they wouldn't have them available for quick reference ("I'd love to review my evacuation procedures, just wait for my computer to boot up..."), the computers would be subject to pilferage in the cabin, it would be unduly expensive, etc. I think JB made the right call here.
Also, your friend was mistaken if she thought that "pilots were supposed to help fas clean the ac at outstations". This is done strictly on a voluntary basis, and as time permits. Many times, you're just too busy doing your primary job (you know, preparing for the next flight?) to fight the outflow of passengers and dash into the cabin to straighten seatbelts during the short period of time it's being cleaned. Sometimes you're doing something else, like maybe getting food for the crew. And some pilots never clean the cabin, as is their prerogative. Many do help out when they can, both to turn the aircraft just a little quicker and as a team-building exercise, but it's by no means a part of their assigned duties. I suspect that your friend had some unrealistic expectations. Perhaps it's a good thing for all involved that she found a job elsewhere more to her liking?
