While the director general of IATA may not like the pilot seniority system (Flight International 10-17 June) the fact is that any merit-based system is subjective and flawed and does not enjoy the confidence of the workforce; it is open to abuse and personality-driven outcomes. The seniority system has its own catalogue of failings but it is fundamentally incorruptible.
It is ironic that Mr Bisignani's audience of senior airline executives, themselves employees, warmly received his remarks on the need to contain labour costs having regard to industry restructuring. Executive management has enjoyed extraordinary increases in remuneration as a function of average wages over the last decade. Until this employee group exercises moderation in their claims they have no credibility in seeking restraint from others.
Michael Green New South Wales, Australia
Source: Flight International
