Helicopter Industry

[Blackmac]

Just a wake up call to the industry:

For the few beancounters and other mis-informed management types, maybe you should take the pulse of the industry and see what is happening worldwide, or is it possible that you are to narrow minded.

18M US$ paid in bonuses to directors of companies in the GOM.

Poor helicopter companies.

I added this url from another site as it was to long to copy bits and pieces.

If you think we have problems in Canada with the thought process, think again.

IN THE VERY NEAR FUTURE YOU WILL END UP WITH AN ASSOCIATION THAT YOU CAN NEGOTIATE TERMS IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE COMPANY YOU WORK FOR OR A UNION WERE YOU CAN HAVE NO SAY IN NEGOTIATIONS, OTHER THAN STRIKE.

IT'S UP TO YOU.

http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?threadid=139641

Cheers, Don

 

[Mole]

Unions are a waste of time and money. Just take a look at the government! What's wrong with working hard? If I am not satisfied with the company I work for then I move on. Take responsibility for yourself, don't let some money grabbing union determine your future.
And yes I am an active helicopter wrench working in western Canada.

 

[ReToRqUe]

I agree

 

[Blackmac]

Mole/Retorque;

Don't shoot the messenger. I don't know how long either of you have been in the industry, but it is going to happen one way or the other.

I personally do not have any time for union's.

An association on the other hand can provide a method of getting together with other engineers and pilots and having some say as a group to better the industry for everybody, not just a chosen few.

IMHO

Cheers, Don

 

[Mole]

I've been wrenching since 1990 so I haven't been around that long. The Pilots and Engineers Association or any facsimile thereof that has been floating around probably will not fly because everyone in the aviaiton industry in Canada is out for themselves. I wouldn't join any organization that would try to dictate what pay and benefits I receive. I get what I work for, plain and simple.

 

[Auto Relight]

I think an association of some type is certainly in order.

People paying what they do for the education to become either engineers or pilots and then working for free is appalling. There are far too many employers around who take extreme advantage of employees and get away with it year after year. This is not a good, safe, or productive situation.

I agree that unions have little place in Canadian aviation, we've seen this played out on the FW side for years, but that does not mean that some type of group who could lobby employers and Transport for better saftey conditions and pay standards would not work. We've all seen the machines that have missed more than one inspection over the years, pay scales that rival those of the migrant fruit pickers, and pilots/egineers who's professionalism and abilty are sorely lacking. I think that some sort of association could benefit both employees and employers alike.

Who knows Blackmac, maybe it could even do something to bring up the standard of training and skill talked about in the othe thread.

Cheers,

AR

 

[sharkbait]

BLackmac:
Interesting thread there; thanks.
Bye the Bye it was a pleasure to meet you at the TQ bash.
I must say I admire your staying power and ability to take the threats and abuse heaped upon you on this forum.
People in general and here in particular love to shoot the messenger. You are, after all, close and in range.
I have always said one could not organize a free helicopter pilots and engineers day trip to the Canadian mint if they were giving out bushel baskets of free samples at the open bar served by the Swedish Bikini team.
By definition people become helicopter crew because they are not joiners and usually do not play well with others. A group of rugged individualists (I highlight DUALISTS!!!) if there ever was one.
Anyhoo excuse my bad latin if I say Ne Illigitimus carborundum which, I believe, translates as Don't let the bastards grind you down!
Heard from the missing Biggles lately?
I will be having my first frosty cold one in 42 days at Biggles Bar at the Airport Hotel in Dubai tonight - great bar decorated with WW1, WW2 RAF stuff
Cheers to you Don.

 

[Blackmac]

SharkBait: Great name for an offshore pilot.

It was good to see meet you and chat about the world problems.

I like your "QUOTE"
I have always said one could not organize a " free helicopter pilots and engineers day trip to the Canadian mint if they were giving out bushel baskets of free samples at the open bar served by the Swedish Bikini team".

I think that just about summs it up.

The "Biggs" decided to take the summer off, just like me. She was jealous.

Have a safe and a great life, you deserve it.

Cheers, Don

PS: Keep in touch.

 

[412driver]

ok, i've had just about enough....................

"Canadian mint if they were giving out bushel baskets of free samples at the open bar served by the Swedish Bikini team"

money........free................open bar.......SWEDISH BIKINI TEAM????????

LISTEN TO YOURSELVES...not only would every engineer and pilot show up....there would be a stampede at the door!!!!!!!!!!!!!

i think you are all underestimating us flight crew types..... 😛 😀

 

[MagSeal]

it's all in the package and presentation...

 

[Blackmac]

Mole:

An association has no power other than the power of suggestion, which is applied through negotiations with the employer by employees of said company.

Background information can be acquired on any subject that is to be negotiated through HEPAC committee structure, made up of members from the industry.

More people in a group, the louder the voice.

Cheers, Don

 

[jetbox]

Mole,
You're right that with the high demand for experienced crews in this business, no body that is hard working, needs to put up with any bullsh*t, they can just make a couple phone calls and find another job in about 10 minutes. In these circumstances, there's no need for a union, association etc.

But what about the hard working guy/girl that lives in a smaller town where there is no other operator to "roll your tool box accross the tarmac to"? What if this guy has a familly, friends, life in that town and really doesn't want to move? What if his employer knows this and uses this to demand way more work than is fair for way less money than is fair? Sure the guy can always find a much better job somewhere else but it would mean uprooting his whole familly.
This is the kind of situation where an assossiation might be very helpfull, not to "dictate what pay and benifits we all receive" but to hold employers and employees accountable for their actions and help the ones that need help.
Let's not forget that for every employee getting screwed by his employer, there is an employer getting screwed by a lazy/unscrupulous employee.

Most of us don't need an association but I would consider it a $200/$75 (whatever the fee ends up being) well spent if it means we can help those who need it!!!

 

[MagSeal]

ok, here's a scenario, and please give me an honest answer.

I went thru the small base scenario, where my base was being closed. Had I paid my fee for the association, what could they have done to prevent me from having to uproot my family and take a new job across the country?

 

[T-rex]

Mag,

Thats awfull, did that really happen? You had a great job, on a base, with a home, with a family? Forced to move? unbelievable!!! Ya, so what would the association do for a situation like that? Would they have any pull? would they make a difference? Hmmmm? Maybe they could provide you with some grief councilling or something...

 

[Biggles]

Well howdy Mr. Sharkbait & Mr. Blackmac !! Seeing how Mr Blackmac was enjoying his time/summer off, yeah, made me jealous alright, so I done threw my towel in but have all intentions to return somewhere in the near future!!!

Mr Sharkbait, I will fill you in on my "MIA" on this forum when you fly back tomorrow, hell I hardly even log on anymore. Cold bevy's and good meal upon your return are much awaited - say Mr Blackmac, you're welcome to join us anytime. I'll let you know when our usual meets happen.

Other than that, I think your post Mr Sharkbait was as usual very well put, and Mr Blackmac you amaze me period, and of course, the rest of my thoughts are better left unsaid.

Later,
Biggs