Originally Posted by
notthesame
I'm aware of who is issuing this "temporary" visa instead of raising compensation to attract and retain US workers at these US airlines operating US registered aircraft (and in our case, for the US Government..). The question isn't who is doing what, the question is why are you OK with it? Would you be ok with opening hiring to EU Nationals too, making our chief recruiting competitor CargoLux? Every single foreign national we sponsor and hire lowers our chance at a better compensation package. Thats just a FACT. We should only be hiring US Citizens and legal permanent residents -- Just like every other major US airline.
Are Australian pilots less qualified than US Pilots? Absolutely not. Are they great people who I enjoy hanging out with? Absolutely. Will they work for less money than a US pilot? Yes.
Does every single Aussie we hire undermine our labor group? ABSOLUTELY.
This has turned from an occasional Australian who wants to work for Atlas to the company's chief recruiting tool. The roadshows in Australia are just a step too far. Every other question on any Atlas related board are about the E3 visa. New hire classes are 20+% foreign worker. It's ridiculous.
I want to start by saying that I no longer work for Atlas but having so feel I have the right to respond to notthesame. There is so much wrong with the post I am not sure where to begin but here goes. There are many reasons a pilot may go ex-patriot. In my case it was either get furloughed at TWA or take a chance for a position with SAUDIA with whom they had a contact. The post usually went senior but with the situation at TWA most stayed to protect their positions with the company, I was really lucky to secure time in the Kingdom, With the end of the contract I decided to stay in the Kingdom for personal reasons. Then along came Japan that was looking to expand their TOA Domestic Airline Operation, which later became Japan Air System. To say the least we were not welcomed and the union made it plain by failing 70% of us. We were to be on the contract for 5 years, I stayed 14 because I really loved Japan and the domestic flying, the wife loved Japan, the union finally came around, and the pay was great. As with anything good it had to end and there I was at Polar. Finally got too old and moved on.
Here is the bottom line, don't discourage the Aussies for wanting to come to Atlas on an E3 visa. They may have many reasons, as I had, but one of them is not to take your jobs. Posts like the ones I am seeing can only create a bad atmosphere in the cockpit. Personally I really like the Aussies and their brand of humor and I am sure they are working hard to make a good impression with the "Yanks". They are good people and I am sure good pilots so just get on with it and the international flavor. Who knows, you just might learn something. Just don't get into a game of rugby with them unless you enjoy hurt.