Air force defends bonus pay system as pilots file dozens of grievances, refuse promotions

[daftandbarmy]

The RCAF don't do mutinies; they call it a 'labour dispute'

Air force defends bonus pay system as pilots file dozens of grievances, refuse promotions​

New experience-based pay rate for military pilots was poorly thought out: internal defence report​

A new experience-based pay rate for military pilots — intended to keep them in uniform rather than flying for commercial airlines — was poorly thought out, badly implemented and has resulted in some officers refusing promotions because it would set them back financially, says an internal Defence Department report obtained by CBC News.

The changes were conceived five years ago by air force brass and came into effect in the spring of 2021. They were made in response to a 2018 report by the auditor general that identified critical shortages of trained pilots and technicians that were preventing the Royal Canadian Air Force from meeting NORAD and NATO operational commitments.

The new pay system, which mimics the graduated civilian system of increasing pay for each year of flying experience, whether or not a person gets promoted in rank, has resulted in 85 internal grievances from pilots who consider it unfair and career-limiting.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/air-force-bonus-system-9.6946010?cmp=newsletter_Morning%20Headlines%20from%20CBC%20News_1613_2049892

 

[Furniture]

Who'd imagine paying Capts more than Majs, in the same occupation, would lead to issues?

 

[Halifax Tar]

Who'd imagine paying Capts more than Majs, in the same occupation, would lead to issues?

Crazy eh ?

 

[Jarnhamar]

Who'd imagine paying Capts more than Majs, in the same occupation, would lead to issues?

Is this for captains who are still actively flying or for any pilot-trade captain?

 

[dapaterson]

Who'd imagine paying Capts more than Majs, in the same occupation, would lead to issues?

Why pay someone with thousands of hours more experience and more qualifications more money - is that the question?

 

[Booter]

It’s not unusual for people in my outfit to make substantially more than their higher ranked unit heads. It’s overtime but it’s something our leadership just has to live with. The operators make more for their expertise and demand.

Like to the tune of the next rank leading to you making 40 or 50 grand less.

 

[Furniture]

It’s not unusual for people in my outfit to make substantially more than their higher ranked unit heads. It’s overtime but it’s something our leadership just has to live with. The operators make more for their expertise and demand.

Like to the tune of the next rank leading to you making 40 or 50 grand less.

I suspect its a case of people joining with that as the expectation, not having a new pay scale foisted on them partway through their careers.

Im not arguing for or against anything, I simply pointed out that it was an obvious issue that would come up.

Edit: There is also a big difference between OT and base pay, which may also be a part of some discontent.

 

[Booter]

I suspect its a case of people joining with that as the expectation, not having a new pay scale foisted on them partway through their careers.

Im not arguing for or against anything, I simply pointed out that it was an obvious issue that would come up.

Definitely a point of consideration.

 

[rnkelly]

Why pay someone with thousands of hours more experience and more qualifications more money - is that the question?

The problem is when the same experience/qualifications/time-in but the captain makes more than the major. Over time it will fix itself but for those stuck in the transition years, it’s pretty bad considering there’s easy ways to fix it. It’s a recognized problem but authority is unwilling to fix so multiple people are refusing maj promotion or asking for a rank reduction to capt, its not ideal.

 

[dapaterson]

The problem is when the same experience/qualifications/time-in but the captain makes more than the major. Over time it will fix itself but for those stuck in the transition years, it’s pretty bad considering there’s easy ways to fix it. It’s a recognized problem but authority is unwilling to fix so multiple people are refusing maj promotion or asking for a rank reduction to capt, its not ideal.

Grant the reduction in rank, let them fly. That's the easy button.