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PIA management assured of support |
Business
Recorder
KARACHI (May 27 2008): Pakistan Airline Pilots' Association
(Palpa) has assured the new PIA management of its
unstinting support in lifting the national carrier
out of its current quagmire.
First Officer,
Arif Majeed, General Secretary, Palpa in a statement
to the press issued here on Monday said that pilots
community would always support and work for the betterment
of the national flag carrier as it has always done
in the past. Particularly at this point in time when
the airline is headed with one of its senior colleagues,
Palpa would ensure that it touches new peak and a
great airline to fly with.
Referring to Palpa's
relationship with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA),
he said the association has always upheld the rules
and regulations, promulgated by CAA and it enjoyed
good working relationship with the regulatory body.
He regretted that
recently a private TV channel used derogatory words
against the association and PIA pilots. These were
uncalled for and in bad taste. This sort of slander
was based on unsubstantiated information, he said.
Majeed assured
the general public that Palpa has worked with devotion
to promote flight safety in the country, a fact acknowledged
internationally in the aviation industry and went
on to explain that Palpa is a professional body associated
with International Federation of Airline Pilots Association
(Ifalpa) since 1954. The association is Ifalpa's key
member and a PIA pilot is elected as Regional Vice
President (RVP) Asia West, covering the region comprising
Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India,
Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal and Sri Lanka.-PR.
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PALPA Elections 2008 |
Exercise
your right of vote to elect the Executive Committee.
More importantly, vote for those contestants who would
devote their time for PALPA and uphold the community’s
interest upper most. Whatever direction the PALPA
takes in the next 2 years is depend on your choice
now. |
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PENSION:
Pending since 01 Jan., 2003 |
From Circular#
31/2007 on dated 24th March 2007.
Revision of Pensionable heads
of salary and percentage for Pilots shall be carried
out by the Management by 23rd April, 2007.
A committee has been formed to carry
out the necessary ground work to finalize the heads
and the formula to calculate the pension. The conclusion
shall be communicated to you as and when it is concluded.
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Membership
of Contract Pilots |
PENDING SINCE
APR 2003.
From Circular# 31/2007 dated
24th March 2007.
The Clause in the Service
Agreements of contractual pilots regarding non-membership
of professional Association / body shall be deleted
by 30th March, 2007.
This is a major break through as
this professional body could not afford to leave so
many pilots employed in Pakistan International Airline
on contract, out if its fold. The necessary amendment,
in the PALPA Constitution as approved in the Annual
General Meeting 2007, is being vetted and would be
circulated to you for your formal approval after inclusion
of this clause in the PALPA Constitution the contract
pilots will become permanent members of PALPA. Besides
enhancing our numbers, the future of the Association
shall also be secured. The letters to individuals
have already been issued indicating deletion of clause
8 of their contracts.
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Acceptance
of Resignation and early retirement |
From Circular#
31/2007 dated 24th March 2007.
A Pilot’s request for
early retirement or resignation from service shall
only be entertained, if the Pilot has served PIA for
minimum 20 years and shall be subject to recovery
of expenses incurred on training and under-supervision
flying. Recovery shall only be made in the case of
Pilot who has less than two years productive service
on respective equipment and shall be on prorate basis
by counting each completed month.
This arbitrary action on part of
the Management had created a feeling of ‘bondage’
amongst the pilots. Having contributed productively
for a period of 20 years, the pilots have now an option
open to switch Jobs in any other airline, if they
so desire. Another discriminatory clause of changing
training cost from the pilots leaving on early retirement
has been ‘clipped’ to 24 months of productivity
on that particular equipment.
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From Circular#
31/2007 on dated 24th March 2007.
In case of leave travel of
Pilots on international routes, booking of seats against
NS-I tickets shall be made in Economy Plus / Economy
Class and shall be confirmed in Club Class within
36 hours instead of 24 hours, prior to schedule departure
time, subject to availability of seats.
This Executive Committee had got
an assurance from the Management that seats in Club
Class will be confirmed 36 hours prior to departure
of the Flight. This was circulated through the INFO
and COCKPIT, but sadly the true implementation could
not be done for lack of will on the part of the concerned
departments. Inspite of repeated reminders to the
Management and reference to cases brought up by Pilots
to PALPA Executive Committee, the CRC was not instructed
adequately. Although assurance of implementation has
been given this time but we have to practically see
it happen to believe that necessary instructions have
been passed to all concerned.
PALPA Executive Committee is pursuing
the NS-I Domestic Travel and rebated tickets on domestic
sectors in Club Class subject to load with the Management.
The latter, if agreed to, will give the crew a much
better chance of travel on domestic sectors.
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From Circular#
31/2007 dated 24th March 2007.
Pilots have already been
given increase in basic pay at a uniform rate of 10%,
effective 1st January 2007 vide Circular No.02/2007,
dated 09-01-2007. Annual increase in basic pay @ 10%
shall also be allowed to them in the year 2008, subject
to announcement of merit increase for other employees
of the Corporation.
The Annual Increase negotiated by
this Executive Committee @ 10% had been given to the
pilots from 1st January 2007. The amount earlier taken
by the Management out of our kitty of Rs. 225 million
for year 2007 for the Annual Increase has been adjusted
back in the Pilots Disturbance Allowance. The table
in the circular 31/2007 shows an amended Pilots’
disturbance allowance (this is what the Executive
Committee had suggested before disbursement of Rs.
225 million for year 2007). Therefore the matter now
stands resolved.
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From Circular#
31/2007 on dated 24th March 2007.
Rs.225 million will also
be paid in the year 2008 w.e.f. 1st January 2008 in
addition to above.
The circular 02/January 2007 did
not specify the amount payable to the pilots for year
2008. The same has now been added in the Circular
31/2007 issued on 24 March 2007.
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Accumulation
of Privilege Leave |
PENDING SINCE
AUG 2005.
From Circular# 31/2007 on
dated 24th March 2007.
Pilots shall be allowed to
accumulate Privilege Leave upto 365 days during entire
service, as per rules existing prior to Circular No.
31/2005, dated 30-08-2005.
The accumulation of leave has been
reverted back for the pilots and the earned leave
can now be accumulated upto 365 days. However, the
Executive Committee strongly suggests that you must
ensure that proper procedure is followed by the Flight
Operations Human Resources Department to accumulate
your earned leave. Generally the pilots do not bother
as to how their leave is carried over to the next
year and accumulated and/or cancelled.
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The career plan is
being negotiated with the Flight Operations Department.
The Circular of 31/2007 has linked the career plan
with the removal of clause 8 in the contract of the
contract pilots. The Executive Committee has to weigh
the options fully and will keep the larger interest
of the community supreme. The final outcome shall
be communicated to you, when finalized. |
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As a tradition at
annual dinners, we present commemorative shields to
members who have retired from active service as pilots
or have been medically grounded. These shields are
given in recognition of their meritorious services
to PIA and the PALPA, and to the out-going Executive
Committee members.
This year PALPA is also planning
its Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony very soon at
PALPA CLUB HOUSE.
This Dinner shall be a family affair;
spouse and children are cordially invited, as soon
as the date is finalized, it would be intimated to
all members.
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A delegation comprising
Capt. Nayyar Nazir, Vice President, PALPA and F/O.
Officer Janjua, IFALPA Director, represented PALPA
at the 62nd IFALPA Annual Conference at DUBROVNIK
CROATIA, from 16th to 20th March, 2007.
The conference was well attended
and numerous issues relating to the pilots world wide
were discussed and solutions proposed. PALPA representatives
updated the delegates about the current status and
the progress made in the recent past.
On the final day of the Conference a Gift, Presentation
took place. PALPA gave a hand woven carpet to the
hosts-Croatian-ALPA. A nice gift was presented to
the out going IFALPA President, Capt. Dennis Dolan,
also.
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PODF Elections were
held on 24th February, 2007 and a new Board of trustees
has taken over the charge. Following are the new trustees
of the PODF.
1. Capt. Imran Usman Chairman
2. Capt. Atif Ullah Vice Chairman
3. Capt. Zarak Khan Secretary
4. F/O. Abid Hussain Treasurer
5. Capt. Pervez Islam Trustee
6. Capt. Ilyas Najmi Trustee
We congratulate all the newly elected
trustees on their election to this prestigious organization.
We wish them the best of luck in their assignment.
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Mr. Zafar Ahmed Khan
has taken over as the Chairman PIAC. PALPA welcomes
him in the Airline. Following felicitation letter
has been sent to him by the President PALPA:
“It is with great pleasure
that we welcome your appointment as the Chairman of
Pakistan International Airlines. The Airline, as you
are aware, is going through the worst crises in its
history and there exists a general feeling of anxiety,
frustration and insecurity amongst its employees.
We are fully confident, that
under your able guidance and leadership these crises
can be surmounted. With your appointment to this august
office, we have no doubt in our minds that your experience
and clear vision to run the affairs of the Corporation
would restore the confidence and morale of its employees,
which is imperative for the smooth and efficient functioning
of the Airline.
Please accept our sincere
congratulations on your appointment as Chairman PIAC.
We at PALPA, the professional body of Pilots in Pakistan,
assure you of our full support and cooperation at
all times and hopes that all efforts would be made
by the Management to take the Airline out of the current
dismal situation.
We wish all the success and God speed in your new
assignment.”
Capt. Khalid Hamza
President
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Resignations:
Capt. Farooq Ahmed and Capt. Jan. |
Capt. Farooq Ahmed
has resigned as Joint secretary-1 from PALPA, the
reason is best known to him. Capt. M. A. Ameen was
placed 4th in the declared election waiting list of
2006 Election Results for the post of Joint Secretary.
As per Chapter VI, Article 1, of PALPA Constitution
he has been nominated as joint Secretary-III by the
Executive committee in its meeting held on 3rd April,
2007.
Earlier, Capt. Eizad Ali was also
nominated as an Executive Committee Member in place
of Capt. Jan who had also resigned due to his personal
reasons.
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In the year 2006
/ 2007, following of our senior Pilots have retired
from the service of the corporation after having served
the Airline for many years with honour and dignity.
01. Capt. M. Rafiq 02. Capt. Munir
Akhtar
03. Capt. Zaidi 04. Capt. Najam
05. Capt. M. R. Mirza 06. Capt. Farrukh
07. Capt. Irteza 08. Capt. Akram
09. Capt. Khalid Pervaiz 10. Capt. Jehanzeb
11. Capt. Humayun Raza 12. Capt. Jamil Gill
13. Capt. Zafir-ul-Haq 14. Capt. Syed Suleman Nabi
15. Capt. M. Zubair 16. Capt. Zabih
17. Capt. Anjum 18. Capt. Mazhar Ahmed
19. Capt. Syed Naqi-ur- Rehman 20. Capt. Baig
21. Capt. Hanif Ameen 22. Capt. Khalid Mufti
23. Capt. Pervez Saeed
On behalf of the entire membership,
we pray to the Almighty Allah for their and their
family’s well-being and success in everything
they venture to do in future. We hold all of them
in high esteem and assure them of our fullest cooperation.
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| URGENTLY
REQUIRED B-707-324 CAPTAINS, CO-PILOTS AND FLIGHT ENGINEERS |
WE HAVE RECEIVED A REQUEST FROM “EASY AVIATION”
FOR THREE SETS OF CAPTAIN, CO-PILOT AND FLIGHT ENGINEER
OF B-707-324 CH. FREIGHTER, MAXIMUM AGE LIMIT 65 YEARS.
THE EMPLOYEES WILL BE BASED IN SHARJAH AND WILL BE
PROVIDED ACCOMMODATION WITH ATTRACTIVE SALARY.
THE CANDIDATES
MUST HAVE VALID LICENCE/DOCUMENTS ETC.
MEMBERS WHO ARE WILLING
TO DO JOB, KINDLY CONTACT:
MR. M. A. LODHI
PAX & CARGO SALES MANAGER-PAKISTAN
“EASY AVIATION”
GULSONS TOWER
1/1-2P, BLOCK-6, PECHS, KARACHI
TEL: 439-2714/15
FAX: 439-2715
CELL: 0300/210-2859
F/O. Arif Majeed
GENERAL SECRETARY
MARCH 21, 2007 |
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| Resolutions
for AGM |
Following
resolutions were put up before the House during the
Annual General Meeting of the Pakistan Airline Pilots’
Association held on 24th February 2007.
The Resolutions
received from the members were put up for an open
discussion. The members present expressed their views
on each resolution and a healthy debate followed.
The outcome of each resolution is enumerated below:
RESOLUTIONS NO. 1:
Proposed by Capt.
Nadeem Choudhry and Seconded by F/O. M. Khalid:
“AS PER INCOME
TAX ORDINANCE 2001, FINANCIAL YEAR IS FROM 1ST JULY
TO 30TH JUNE EVERY YEAR, WHEREAS PALPA’S FINANCIAL
YEAR IS FROM 1ST JANUARY TO 31ST DECEMBER. THEREFORE,
PALPA SHOULD ALSO CLOSE ITS ACCOUNTS ON 30TH JUNE
ACCORDINGLY, AS PER THE REQUIREMENTS OF INCOME TAX
ORDINANCE 2001.
AS ADVISED BY OUR
TAX CONSULTANTS M/S ARSHAD MALIK & CO. PALPA ACCOUNTS
SHALL ALSO BE CLOSED ON 30TH JUNE 2007. (SIX MONTHS
THIS TIME ONLY).
UNDER THE
CLAUSE 58 OF PART-1 OF THE SECOND SCHEDULE OF THE
INCOME TAX ORDINANCE 2001, PALPA BEING A WELFARE ORGANIZATION
DOES NOT FALL UNDER TAX NET, BUT THROUGH FINANCE ACT
2006, AN AMENDMENT HAS BEEN MADE IN THE SECTION 114
OF THE INCOME TAX ORDINANCE 2001, AS SUCH, PALPA IS
LIABLE TO FILE ITS RETURNS OF INCOME EVERY YEAR. HOWEVER,
AS PER THE CURRENT LAW THERE SHALL BE NO LEVY OF ANY
TAX.
IT IS, THEREFORE,
PROPOSED THAT PALPA’S ACCOUNTS SHALL BE CLOSED
ON 30TH JUNE EVERY YEAR AND RETURNS OF INCOME SHALL
BE FURNISHED AS PER FINANCE ACT 2006. THE AUDIT REPORT
SHALL STILL BE PRESENTED IN THE AGM IN FEBRUARY AS
PER THE CONSTITUTION”.
As there was an
amendment required in the Constitution, the AGM authorized
the Executive Committee to carry out the necessary
work of getting 2/3 majority of the membership to
make the requisite change.
RESOLUTIONS NO. 2:
Proposed by Capt.
Riffat Saeed and Seconded by F/O. Sadiq Rehman:
BIFURCATION OF ACCOUNTS
– PALPA & PALPA CLUB HOUSE
“AS ADVISED
BY M/S. ARSHAD MALIK & CO., THAT AFTER AMENDMENT
IN INCOME TAX ORDINANCE 2001, ALL PERSONS/ORGANIZATIONS
ARE REQUIRED TO FILE THEIR INCOME RETURN IRRESPECTIVE
OF THEIR INCOME TAX RETURN WHETHER IT IS TAXABLE OR
EXEMPTED FROM THE TAX W.E.F. TAX YEAR 2006 (FINANCIAL
YEAR ENDED 30TH JUNE 2006).
IT IS, THEREFORE,
PROPOSED THAT ACCOUNTS OF PALPA AND PALPA CLUB HOUSE
SHOULD BE BIFURCATED W.E.F. 1ST JULY 2007, AND THE
FINANCIAL YEAR OF PALPA CLUB HOUSE WILL ALSO BE FROM
1ST JULY TO 30TH JUNE EVERY YEAR. ACCOUNTS, INCOME
AND EXPENSES OF PALPA AND PALPA CLUB HOUSE SHALL BE
SEPARATED W.E.F. 1ST JULY 2007.
PERCENTAGE OF EXPENSES
SUCH AS THE CONSUMPTION IN RESPECT OF UTILITY BILLS
OF GAS, ELECTRICITY, TELEPHONE, COMMON SERVICES ETC.
SHALL BE:
1. PALPA 30%
2. PALPA CLUB HOUSE 70%
IT IS FURTHER PROPOSED
THAT FOLLOWING ASSETS ARE HEREBY TRANSFERRED FROM
PALPA BOOK OF ACCOUNTS TO PALPA CLUB HOUSE ACCOUNTS:
PALPA:
1. LEASEHOLD LAND
2. BUILDING ON LEASEHOLD LAND
3. OFFICE PREMISES
4. FURNITURE FIXTURE, OFFICE EQUIPMENT, COMPUTERS,
LIBRARY BOOKS ETC.
5. VEHICLES
6. AUDITORIUM
7. CONFERENCE ROOM
8. PREMISES PRESENTLY OCCUPIED BY PODF TRUST
PALPA CLUB HOUSE:
1. SWIMMING POOL
2. TENNIS COURT
3. GYM EQUIPMENTS
4. LAWNS
5. CAFETERIA
6. GUESTS ROOMS
7. LOUNGE
OVERALL ADMINISTRATION
OF BOTH PALPA AND PALPA CLUB HOUSE SHALL BE UNDER
THE ELECTED EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, PRESIDENT, GENERAL
SECRETARY AND WITH A DEDICATED/NOMINATED CLUB SECRETARY
TO RUN THE DAY-TO-DAY AFFAIRS OF THE CLUB”.
The House discussed
the matter and some minor changes were made to the
proposed resolution but the one that has been written
above is what the House had consensus on. However,
Capt. N.A. Bucha suggested that a PALPA lawyer should
be consulted before bifurcation of the accounts and
the assets of the PALPA and Club House. The House
then authorized the Executive Committee to carry out
the necessary legal work and do the needful after
professional advise.
RESOLUTIONS NO. 3:
Proposed by F/O
Arif Majeed and Seconded by Capt. Khalid Hamza.
“NO PILOT
BE HIRED ON CONTRACT FROM ANY OTHER AIRLINE, LOCAL
OR FOREIGN, AND ARMED SERVICES EXCEPT THOSE WHO HAVE
SERVED IN PIAC AND ATTAINED SUPERANNUATION”.
There was
no discussion and the House approved the resolution
unanimously.
RESOLUTIONS NO. 4:
Proposed by Capt.
Khalid Hamza and Seconded by F/O Arif Majeed.
“ANY PERSON
WHO IS PAKISTAN NATIONAL AND IS A REGULAR AND CONTRACTUALLY
EMPLOYED OR RETIRED/MEDICALLY GROUNDED PILOT IN PAKISTAN
INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES CORPORATION AND WHOSE PURPOSE
IS ALIGNED WITH THOSE OF THE ASSOCIATION SHALL BE
ELIGIBLE FOR MEMBERSHIP OF THE ASSOCIATION SUBJECT
TO THE COMPLETION OF THE PROCEDURE PRESCRIBED HEREIN”.
A long discussion
took place and finally the House agreed to add “AND/OR”
before “CONTRACTUALLY” and “HIRED
CADET PILOT” after “CONTRACTUALLY”.
Capt. Bucha was of the opinion that this resolution
should also be vetted by a lawyer before it is sent
to the membership for a Constitutional amendment.
RESOLUTIONS NO. 5:
Proposed by Capt.
Khalid Hamza and Seconded by Capt. Nayyer Nazir:
“THE PILOTS
RETIRING SHOULD PREFERABLY BE RE-EMPLOYED ON CONTRACT
ON THE EQUIPMENT LAST FLOWN AND CANNOT BE ASSIGNED
ANY SUPERVISORY ASSIGNMENT.”
A heated discussion
took place and a number of suggestions were put up
before the House. Capt. Omar Ishaq and Capt. Sarwat
discussed the pros and cons of the Resolution. F/O.
Najib Ameen and F/O. Jehangir objected to the resolution
and were of the opinion that they were not being promoted
in spite of the fact that they have more then 15 years
of service in PIA.
Capt. Bucha said
that we must pay full respect to our seniors who are
being taken on contract after superannuation, they
should continue to be PALPA members and should have
right to vote in the PALPA elections.
Seeing the
ensuring rift, the General Secretary said that the
discussion taking place in the House tantamounts to
under mining the seniors and to avoid creating any
rift, the matter be left to the Executive Committee
to take the decision in the larger interest of the
community.
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| Termination
of Membership |
The
following letter was written to Capt. Anwar Zaidi
as decided by the AGM held on 24th March 2007.
Since you decided
not to avail relief under clause 3.3.13 of the PALPA
Constitution in the AGM of 24th February 2007, your
membership of PALPA stands automatically terminated
as per the Constitution.
This is for your
information.
Thanking you,
Yours sincerely,
F/O Arif Majeed
GENERAL SECRETARY
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| Court
Case Capt. Anwar Zaidi v/s PALPA |
COURT CASE
CAPT. ANWAR ZAIDI V/S PALPA:
Following is the
letter written by PALPA counsel to the Association
on 11-03-2007.
Mr. Arif Majeed
General Secretary
Pakistan Airline Pilots’ Association
ST-31, Block-5, Kehkashan, Clifton,
Karachi-75600
Subject:
(SUIT NO. 113 OF 2006 Filed byCaptain Anwar Zaidi
V/s PALPA).
Dear Sir,
PALPA filed an
application Under Order VII Rule 11 CPC or rejection
of plaint of subject suit. The plaintiff filed objection
to the application thereafter it was fixed for hearing
of the application. After hearing arguments of both
the counsel, the matter was reserved for order. The
court has been pleased to announce order on 03-03-2007
rejecting the plaint of subject suit filed by Capt.
Syed Anwar Khursheed Zaidi.
Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,
(MOHSIN TAYEBALY
& CO.)
An extract of the
judgement is reproduced below for your perusal.
I
agree with the contention of learned counsel for defendants
that suit is barred by the provisions of Section 42
of specific Relief Act 1877. Moreover in this suit
all relieves claimed by the plaintiff are related
to the proposed election of Executive Committee of
PALPA which was already held on 18.02.2006 making
this suit infarctus.
Under the circumstances
stated above defendant’s applications under
Order 07 rules 11 of Civil Procedure Code are allowed
and plaint is hereby rejected being not maintainable
with no order as to cost.
Announced
in Open Court.
Given under my hand and seal of this Court.
This 3rd of March 2007
(MUQTADAR ALI KHAN)
VITH CIVIL JUDGE AND JUDICIAL MAGISTRATE
SOUTH KARACHI:
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Unresolved
issued discussed with the Chairman PIAC |
Following
points were taken up with the Chairman PIAC on 13th
March 2007.
1. Resolve and
implement the Pension Heads and formula for the pilots.
2. Permit PIA contractual
pilots to become PALPA members by removing the repugnant
clause in the contract.
3. The passage
facility on Annual leave should be reverted to its
previous status and confirmation of seats done 36
hours prior to departure.
4. Circular No.
02/2007 dated 9th January 2007 to be re-issued with
the following correction.
(a) 10% annual
increase on basic salary as per previous Circular
No. 36/2006 dated 26th May 2006.
(b) Other provisions
of above circular for Rs. 22.5 million as defined
for year 2008 should be retained. (Addendum with circular
no. 36/2006 dated 26th May 2006).
5. Removal of restrictions
to opt for retirement and imposition of financial
penalty by the Corporation after completion of the
requisite number years of service laid down in the
Service Rules governing retirement.
6. Leave
Accumulation/Enhancement.
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Appointment of Auditors |
The
General Secretary suggested to change the auditors
as PALPA was facing difficulties in getting audit
done on time. The House agreed to his suggestion and
authorized Executive Committee to appoint new Auditors
for the coming year. |
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PALPA Transport at Islamabad |
A
multipurpose PALPA Transport has been arranged for
our esteemed members based at Islamabad/Rawalpindi.
This facility has been provided for the benefit of
families specifically when the members are away on
flights. The modalities of its usage are being worked
out and once finalized would be communicated to you.
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| 62nd
IFALPA Conference, Croatia |
The
62nd IFALPA Conference was held in Dubrovnik, Croatia
from 16th to 20th March 2007. PALPA was represented
by Capt. Nayyer Nazir and F/O Janjua. A comprehensive
report was presented highlighting the PALPA affairs.
A carpet was presented to the Croatian ALPA, which
has been our tradition as a token of goodwill for
hosting ALPA. |
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| Membership
Offer |
Sysmax
(Pvt) Ltd. has offered a discounted rate for membership
of DA Country and Golf Club for PALPA members. The
members who are interested to avail of this opportunity
may contact PALPA for details and related information.
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To
put things in the correct perspective, the incumbent
Executive Committee managed to have a substantial
pay rise after a break of almost five years. A 20%
rise on Basic Pay only was given by the previous Chairman
on his own, while PALPA had no say or consulted about
it. This meagre increase in amount was virtually negligible
or to put it more appropriately given as a token money.
The Working Agreement signed in 1995,
which lapsed in 1998, was the last time any PALPA
Executive Committee had a negotiated pay rise. It
would be pertinent to point out that at this juncture
the Working Agreement is suspended and the Government
at the central level is anything but a civilian government.
We are pleased to inform the membership that the second
tranche has already been included in the salaries
effective 1st January 2007. There are, however, a
few anomalies, which have been taken up with the Management.
We are sure to clarify this issue with the Management
and seek redressal of any wrong interpretation at
their end. Once settled you shall be informed through
an INFO/NOTICE.
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Tax on flying allowance |
The
salary raise took place in May 2006 and within a month
the Flying Allowance was taxed by the Central Government.
This has been an aspect, which has been a touchy one
for the crew. With the budget session approaching
this subject came up every year and created an unnecessary
anxiety amongst the membership. A heavy tax ranging
from 13% upto 20% was clamped on the Flying Allowance.
This became a major challenge for the Executive Committee,
as the entire pay rise after restructuring would have
been neutralized.
With great difficulty and through
our personal efforts and contacts, the Executive Committee
could convince the higher ups in the Finance Ministry
and the CBR to annul/review this arbitrary decision.
A flat rate of 2.5% was agreed to by the senior government
officials and an amendment made in the Finance Bill
2006. This change was communicated to the membership
and a Special General Meeting was convened. Barring
a few individuals, an overwhelming majority agreed
to the reasons and logic the government had on levying
this tax. Although this exemption was always there
but the pressure on government from the world monitory
bodies was so intense that nothing lower than this
tax would have been acceptable at any level. We thank
the vast majority of our membership to have understood
our predicament and approved our stance on this sensitive
tax issue. |
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Deduction of PALPA subscription |
Just
when we had handled the Flying Allowance Tax issue,
the Human Resource Department of PIA put up another
spanner in our way by getting an approval though ELT
regarding non-deduction of PALPA monthly subscription.
The reason floated was that the Unions and Associations
were suspended; as such, the deduction at source is
not justified. The Executive Committee took up this
matter with full vigour and managed to convince the
Chairman to reverse this decision. The reason given
was that this deduction has no repercussions for the
Airline and that it has traditionally been there.
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During
the first year of this term, numerous issues, which
affected the members because of their own doing or
otherwise were handled by the Executive Committee.
As the representative body we standby our members
whenever they need our support and would do our best
to get them justice. However, certain situations in
which our crew gets trapped are avoidable.
Inter departmental personnel or authorities
at the airports should not be given any reason for
complaint and all efforts should be made to avoid
or handle tactfully all such scenarios. These cases
not only bring a bad name to the community but also
become an impediment in the way of Executive Committee’s
dealings with the higher management. It is requested
that every one of us should keep the honour and prestige
of PALPA supreme. |
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With
the financial package almost done, the Executive Committee
is committed to strive to improve the Pilots’
Working Conditions. Not that we have not tried but
many non-issues have taken up a fair amount of our
time and energy. It is also important to highlight
here that all welfare/admin issues have been left
for PALPA to handle and our Flight Operations Department
neither acts nor supports PALPA’s efforts to
remedy the deteriorating conditions. This stance of
our Department does not deter us from taking up the
matter robustly with the Higher Management. WITH YOUR
SUPPORT, WE ARE CERTAIN TO ACHIEVE THE BEST POSSIBLE
RESULTS.
For our members and their families
following issues are on our priority list:
• Pension Heads and the governing
Formula.
• International Travel on Annual Leave.
• Leave Accumulation/encashment.
• Medical Facilities for Serving/Retired Pilots. |
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•
PALPA Club House Update
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It
is very heartening to report that the members and
their families are using the PALPA Club House facilities
extensively. The main Lawn and the guest rooms have
earned us a handsome amount in the last quarter of
2006. The tempo is continuing in year 2007 as well.
Needless to emphasize our guest rooms at times becomes
the only available accommodation when the Management
fails to provide hotel accommodation to the crew for
onward duties.
The contract pilots of PIA have been offered the Club
House membership on a reasonable charge. A few individuals
have responded while others are expected to contact
us. This will enhance the membership of the Club and
would hopefully encourage and pave way for contractual
pilots to become permanent PALPA members.
The Club House up gradation work
is going on at a reasonable pace. The flooring of
the top roof is being re-done because of the shoddy
work carried out in late nineties. The cracks, which
have developed were leading to seepage in the third
floor rooms. Once the roof is done the
Masonary work will then the undertaken on the third
floor. We hope to the complete the remaining guest
rooms by the end of 2007. |
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•
Annual General
Meeting Reminder
|
Members
are once again reminded that the Annual General Meeting
of PALPA shall be held on Saturday 24th February 2007
at 17:00 hrs. at the PALPA premises.
The AGM will be followed by a Dinner.
All members are requested to attend the meeting. |
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•
Bi-Monthly Tea Party for Retired Pilots |
| Through
this Cockpit we once again want to remind our senior
colleagues about the Tea Party which will take place
on the 1st Tuesday of March 2007. This is an activity
which is introduced by this Executive Committee, which
has had a very healthy response from the Ret |
