Broome helicopter company in court for underpaying pilots

[Worzel_Gummidge]

Click here for link to story - I think I'd be nervous if I was one of these operators not abiding by the Award! (And that means all aspects of it!)

The company owner

faces a maximum penalty of up to $6600 for each breach, while the company could be fined up to $33,000 for each breach.

These court cases seem to be popping up a lot more often these days.

[FerrariFlyer]

It's one thing to whinge about under payment, it's another to do something about it. Well done to the persons concerned standing up for themselves. It goes to show that no one is above the law. Any operator choosing to employ their pilots and pay them below the award is exposed.

[Quick Release]

love these stories…. hope they get the maximum penalty, and the pilot gets a nice pay day at the finish.

[Skeeter]

Broome Helicopter Services grounded, chief pilot removed by CASA

http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/western ... 6861487383

[godfather007]

Long time for me between posts.
But I'm finished for the week and half cut in my man cave and couldn't resist..
Just checked their web site.
Who is Hugh kackman...??
Hugh deserves better than that.
I'm sure it's a typo like many more on the site.
Shame on you proof reader!

Hope all the pilots get what they deserve and a job somewhere else now by the looks of what just happened.

GF, flaming out.

[Kwyjibo]

Having worked for this operator for 6 months, all I can say is KARMA.
I resisted posting 'hate posts', didnt slag the guy once ( it was actuallly an amazing environment in which to work)
but the guy was just a straight up A hole.
I didnt complain about the pittance that was 'payday', ( i was getting valuable hours!),
I didnt complain about working 6 days straight, only flying for 3, not being paid the other 3, only paid by the MR hour...( i was getting valuable hours)
I sucked it up, kept my mouth shut, got 500 hours then walked.

I knew this day would come. -
should I have done something back then? - possibly.

but hey... Im smiling.

Good luck in court Joe.

[Worzel_Gummidge]

Now that the company has been shut down, here's hoping they are ordered to pay the pilots what they are owed before it declares bankruptcy!

[Squidink1]

More developments at the AAT, seems to be going on for years this case.

http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/cases/cth/ ... 5/390.html

[Slapstick]

I would love for this to be a real wake up to other operators out there that use and abuse junior pilots.

[FerrariFlyer]

Slapstick, if the above is not a wake up call for an operator not paying the award wage as a minimum then what would be?

It's only that a statute of limitation applies that I don't pursue two previous employers for something similar.

[Slapstick]

Agreed, FF.

I was more referring to the other things mentioned in the article link above.

[Zeus1980]

So I take it a person getting offered their first flying job with them is a no go then???

[Evil Twin]

This post and the comments therein should be a warning to any and all pilots out there job searching both new and experienced particularly in these times when jobs are thin on the ground. The amount of bull5hit and downright lies that are told should make many hang their heads in shame. A few tips below that may save the sour taste in the mouth when the honeymoon is over.

1: Get everything in writing and make sure you've had any employment contract checked by a lawyer (especially if you're an AFAP member as they provide a free legal service to members).
2: NEVER NEVER NEVER work for free or promises. If an employer can't afford to pay you they don't have a viable business. If they will provide you with something down the track they can put it in writing.
3: If your employer renegs on the terms of your contract act, immediately. It is not personal it's just business.
4: Don't sign any return of service agreements for training as they are illegal under the Air Pilots award.
5: If an employer asks you to sign a loan agreement for training they must be a licenced credit broker, also see item 4 above.
6: It is not possible to opt out of the Air Pilots award. It is the minimum level of protection provided under the National Employment Standards.
7: Terms of a contract cannot be be changed unless by mutual agreement.
8: If the remuneration you receive is stepped and you are told that you will get certain things on achieving certain milestones. Make sure that this is also written down and signed by both parties. That way the goalposts cannot be moved after you reach the milestone and new, previously undiscussed conditions applied.

[CollectiveIssues]

But operators don't get any lower than those that are still out there calling on low hour pilots to be "volunteers" without any pay whatsoever. These people volunteer with the promise of future work, and also being told that this is how it is in the industry, so suck it up. The industry needs a clean up now. As stated in previous posts, if an operator has to turn to this style of employment to remain viable, then they should exit this industry immediately.

[Zeus1980]

According to the links he has surrendered his Chief Pilot's authorization but on their website it still has him as it. Wouldn't CASA be on top of this?

Plus with the company now under CASA's microscope you'd think he would try to stay clean until the dust settles...

[Guy Incognito]

According to the links he has surrendered his Chief Pilot's authorization but on their website it still has him as it. Wouldn't CASA be on top of this?

Plus with the company now under CASA's microscope you'd think he would try to stay clean until the dust settles...

There's a lot of stories floating around from ex employees that wouldn't let the dust ever really settle...

[fattony77]

There's a lot of stories floating around from ex employees that wouldn't let the dust ever really settle...

Im one of those "ex employees" guy incognito......what do you exactly mean by "wouldn't ever let the dust settle"? When someone has done wrong by their employees or the industry for that matter, should their actions not be held accountable? Or are you more of a stick your head in the sand type of person and just think, well if its not happening to me, then just ignore it? I personally feel, if more of the operators who are falling short of their obligations to their employees, particularly the low hour,new to the industry pilots. Then a better, safer industry we will have for everyone. Would you not agree?

[Guy Incognito]

Relax mate, you're jumping to the wrong conclusions. I'm on your side and agree with your last sentiment. I was pointing to the fact there's always issues coming out of this joint. Looks like a duck, ...

[fattony77]

Relax mate, you're jumping to the wrong conclusions. I'm on your side and agree with your last sentiment. I was pointing to the fact there's always issues coming out of this joint. Looks like a duck, ...

Ok, i apologise if thats the tact you're coming from......i admit i took your comment from a different angle. Definitely a "duck" in this case, and all roads are leading it this particular operator getting his just deserts. Which in my opinion is good for the industry and for all employees in aviation....you break the rules, you lose you privileges to operate a company, you under pay your pilots.......it costs you more in the long run!

[Guy Incognito]

Quack quack. Apology wasn't needed but still appreciated.