by Michael
Bloombird
The Gahmen has told disgruntled Singapore Airlines pilots that if
they dislike the proposed amendment to the Trade Union Act which
reduces their bargaining positions, they should consider being at
the helm of alternative aerial vessels.
The Prime Ministers Orifice made the statement after the Air Line
Pilots Association Singapore (ALPA-S) expressed outrage at the
proposed legislative amendment which removes the right of union
members to have the final say in any negotiations with the
management.
Right now, ALPA-S leaders must submit negotiated terms to the
unions members for their approval before concluding any agreement
with the airlines management. Other unions have to abide by
whatever deal their leaders conclude with the management.
The proposed amendment is seen as a move to curtail the pilots
powers after they booted out their union leaders, when they felt
they got stuck with a sucky deal under which many pilots were let
go or had their pay drastically cut on the basis that this was
necessary for the national carriers survival, only for Singapore
Airlines to report a massive resurge in profits shortly
thereafter.
Deputy Minister of State Mr. Ng Eng Cock said, If the pilots dont
like it, then they shouldnt fly planes. They can always go fly
kite instead.
Mr. Ng also chided the pilots for their confrontational attitude.
This kind of in-your-face approach is not Singaporean. When
dealing with higher management, Singaporeans cannot come face to
face, but must approach with humility, with a bottom-up
approach.
Said ALPA-S spokesman Captain Phang Puay Kee, Is the Minister
suggesting that when it comes to negotiating for jobs, we must be
blow-overs? And whats all this crap about Singapore pilots doing
Singapore in? Eh, were the ones who kena pay cut or let go, so
whos doing who, man!
Captain Phang also said he was unsurprised that the Gahmen did not
sympathise with pilots. Theyre too atas to appreciate the
on-the-ground issues faced by the airline industry.
Mr. Ng denied this, saying the duty of the Gahmen was to maintain a
helicopter view, even when it came to an industry of 747s.
Besides, said Mr. Ng, the moves were simply to bring ALPA-S into
line with the rest of Singapores labour movement.
A more collaborative approach works, explained Mr. Ng. Look at
the Ministers Union, to which I belong. When we felt we deserved a
pay increase, we didnt go to the press shouting that we wanted
more money. Rather, we sat down and discussed the matter in a
reasonable and calm fashion, and trusted our superiors to raise our
salaries on our behalf. And we got what we wanted without having to
go and get it approved by everyone.
-from www.talkingcock.com