Pilots given ruling

Press, 31 May 1980, Page 4

Pilots given ruling

PA Auckland International pilots have fared slightly better than domestic pilots in the findings of the arbitrator who was appointed to solve the seniority dispute between Air New Zealand’s domestic and international pilots. Professor D. E. Feller, of Berkeley University', California, in his report on the dispute has placed international pilots’ ability to earn higher salaries and

to fly bigger aircraft ahead of the domestic pilots’ main clain of longer years of service. The seniority list he has decided on in the main places international pilots ahead of those on the domestic service. His report has tb go to the Air Crew Industrial Tribunal for ratification but informed sources say it is unlikely to be changed. Both the domestic pilots and the international pilots had earlier agreed to

accept .the findings of Professor Feller. Professor Feller’s list applies until the most junior man employed as an overseas pilot qualifies to run a wide-bodied jet or until July 1, 1988. ••• There is also a protective division of sharing growth in the airline between the two parties — a move which • ’ will • help domestic pilots because any growth: in the airline is likely to come from international services. '