PETER BROWN MP
DEPUTY LEADER
NEW ZEALAND FIRST

GROUND FLOOR
PARLIAMENT HOUSE
WELLINGTON

Media Release

22 June 1999

Pilots Pay To Work For Cut Price Airline

"New Zealand First is concerned at reports that some pilots are actually paying a cut price airline for the chance to work as co-pilots to increase their flying hours.

Transport spokesperson, Peter Brown, raised the issue with the Transport Minister in Parliament this afternoon.

He said that it was his understanding that the pilots are paying $22,000 to CityJet, for 200 hours flying time.

CityJet operate out of Wellington to Blenheim, Nelson and Palmerston North and will add an Auckland flight in a month.

Mr Brown asked the Transport Minister to explain whether such a system of unpaid airline employment could prejudice airline safety through the pilots having to work at extra jobs to pay for their flying.

"It is obvious that pilots working at several jobs could suffer tiredness and stress and this could affect their flying performance," said Mr Brown.

He said that National and Act and their masters at the Business Roundtable would regard such a situation as the "ultimate" employment contract, but New Zealand First regarded it as scandalous.

"If this is true, the company does not pay these co-pilots - but the pilots pay the company, this sets a dangerous precedent for other employees in the airline and other industries.

"This is an unfair and unacceptable situation. People are entitled to be paid for their services.

"Even slaves do not have to pay their masters!" concluded Peter Brown.

ENDS

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