Why Some Emirates Crew Make Five Times More
Jennifer Billock October 04, 2019
Emirates is trying to lure locals into working for the airline, with massive perks and benefits packages, but executives at the airline are concerned it still might not pull in local employees because there’s a longstanding view that flight attendants are of a lower social status than other Emiratis.
Emirates Airlines is struggling with getting local Emiratis to work for the company; out of all the airline’s crew, less than half a percent are Emirati. Emirates Airlines says that one of the hurdles it faces when trying to hire local flight attendants is the negative perception of the social status of flight attendants held by many Emiratis, plus the need to work on Muslim holidays and an age limit restricted to ages 21 to 30.
“Emiratis do not want to do jobs in the low-ranking grades,” Abdul Aziz Ali, Emirates’ executive vice-president of human resources, told Paddle Your Own Kanoo. “That is why we are inviting them to do jobs like cabin crew and also ground staff, with attractive packages and benefits.”
The airline is really amping up the salary and benefits packages to try and lure in local employees. While international crewmembers start by earning about $1,160 per month, Emirati employees are being offered about $4,900 per month. Local employees would also receive an extra retention payment ranging from $1,000 to $1,360 per month, plus the regular Ad Diem payments and travel allowances all crewmembers get.
“Cabin crew role provides the opportunity for Emirati men and women to act as ambassadors of the distinct Emirati culture abroad,” Aziz Ali told the Gulf News, reported by Paddle Your Own Kanoo. “More than just a role focused on service and ensuring safety onboard, cabin crew members are primed for long and fruitful careers within the group. The diversity [of the job profile] helps us. This is why I want to encourage the Emiratisation of cabin crew.”
While Emirates Airlines may be looking for ambassadors, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation just recently expanded UAE Labor Law to require that all companies in the UAE prioritize the hiring of Emirati nationals which is requiring several businesses to adjust their hiring practices.
[Image: Emirates Airlines]
Nationalization doesn't work... I have witnessed 2 failed attempts in 2 different countries. If the locals were willing and able there would be no need for the Gov to push for it. The 2 nationalizations I have seen, failed for 2 different reasons. 1) Locals think they are above the position for the offered pay (this article explains that point) or 2) They do not have the knowledge / experience / whatever other PC description you want to use for unqualified, entitled, lazy, good for nothing humans...
"Emirates Airlines says that one of the hurdles it faces when trying to hire local flight attendants is the negative perception of the social status of flight attendants held by many Emiratis, plus the need to work on Muslim holidays and an age limit restricted to ages 21 to 30." Ok, social perception aside: -I would think they could fix the Muslim holiday issue by permitting locals a guarantee of those days off if they want them. -The age limit is what is normally called a "self-inflicted wound".
The last paragraph is the real explanation - Emirates would never pay 5 times as much to hire local workers when there’s no shortage of foreign applicants who will work for less, unless they were required to by regulations.