AC pilot slips through the vetting process

[Aviator12]

https://torontosun.com/news/local-news/ ... an-colours

Scary stuff.

[rookiepilot]

So AC is so short of pilots, firing isn’t an option?

[cdnavater]

So AC is so short of pilots, firing isn’t an option?

I suspect he will be fired, the airline policy regarding social media is pretty clear.
That being said, it will take some time and in the meantime I would also suspect he will be off work.
Did you expect immediate firing without first making sure this wasn’t some kind of deep fake? They will investigate and I would distance myself as a union, ie; no statement saying we support our pilot, etc..

[Daniel Cooper]

What do you mean slip through? A significant number of new hires are of Arab descent. Arabs are one of the largest non-European ethnic groups in Canada.There are hiring policies in place to ensure they are statistically represented. You think this isn't how many Arab people feel about the Israeli occupation?

[rookiepilot]

So AC is so short of pilots, firing isn’t an option?

I suspect he will be fired, the airline policy regarding social media is pretty clear.

Good.

[elgordo777]

He got what he earned. Funny enough, I know a several pilots who have not been shy sharing the exact same views online for ages. Unfortunately they seem to get by time and time again, even after getting fired from jobs for violence tendencies they still get by. They just haven't been caught online while in uniform I guess. The public outrage here is warranted and I wish there were better background checks. I don't care who you are, nobody wants these personalities flying with them.

[digits_]

What do you mean slip through? A significant number of new hires are of Arab descent. Arabs are one of the largest non-European ethnic groups in Canada.There are hiring policies in place to ensure they are statistically represented. You think this isn't how many Arab people feel about the Israeli occupation?

It's interesting how on this side of the pond it's "Israel = GOOD, Palestina = BAD". Even worse than that, you're considered a menace to society if you subtly wonder if perhaps both sides could be at fault?

There's a much more nuanced view in other parts of the world, which basically boils down to "both sides have done horrible things".

If wearing pro Israel clothing would have gotten him fired, then it's fair he would be fired for pro Palestina clothing as well. The Hitler remarks might be a bit over the top. It's good they are investigating that to see what was actually said or written.

[cdnavater]

What do you mean slip through? A significant number of new hires are of Arab descent. Arabs are one of the largest non-European ethnic groups in Canada.There are hiring policies in place to ensure they are statistically represented. You think this isn't how many Arab people feel about the Israeli occupation?

It's interesting how on this side of the pond it's "Israel = GOOD, Palestina = BAD". Even worse than that, you're considered a menace to society if you subtly wonder if perhaps both sides could be at fault?

There's a much more nuanced view in other parts of the world, which basically boils down to "both sides have done horrible things".

If wearing pro Israel clothing would have gotten him fired, then it's fair he would be fired for pro Palestina clothing as well. The Hitler remarks might be a bit over the top. It's good they are investigating that to see what was actually said or written.

Um, I don’t really follow the situation over there, I have literally zero desire to go to any part of the world where you could be bombed sitting having coffee.
However, what is coming out of this is a very public display of killing civilians, including children. I don’t care what side you’re on or who did what to who, it’s deplorable when civilians are attacked going about there day.

[rookiepilot]

It's interesting how on this side of the pond it's "Israel = GOOD, Palestina = BAD".

If wearing pro Israel clothing would have gotten him fired, then it's fair he would be fired for pro Palestina clothing as well.

Incredibly stupid take that deliberately overlooks the core issue. Promoting Atrocities publicly. In uniform.

He was suspended (And I will cheer loudly his firing and blacklisting) for this — not being “pro Israel or pro Palestine”.

AC:
We did this because this individual’s opinions and publications on social media do not represent Air Canada’s views in any way,” said Fitzpatrick. “This person has never been authorized to speak publicly while identifying themselves as an Air Canada employee.”

ALPA:
ALPA Canada, including the Air Canada pilot group, is aware of the situation and is incredibly saddened by the tragedies in the Middle East. We condemn all violence and hatred, and any promotion thereof. It is our firm expectation that all of our members abide by this principle and our professional code of ethics,” the response said.

They both have it right.

However, followers of his accounts complained to Air Canada concerning several posted photographs including one promoting Sunday’s pro-Palestine rally in Montreal which had added a headline that said “F*** you Israel, burn in hell.” Another posting called Israel a “terrorist state” and commented “Hitler is proud of you.”

[digits_]

However, what is coming out of this is a very public display of killing civilians, including children. I don’t care what side you’re on or who did what to who, it’s deplorable when civilians are attacked going about there day.

Agreed. My point is that the other side has been doing the same things for years.

Let's do a thought experiment. A group of Ukrainian soldiers sees an opportunity to steal a Russian truck, travel all the way to Moskou, undetected, and blows up a famous crowded theater killing 300 Russian civilians.

How would you/the world react?
- A brave elite unit of Ukranian soldiers dealing a devastating blow to Russia!
- A frustrated group of Ukranian soldiers went rogue to avenge their families
- Ukranian terrorists kill innocent Russian children in a deplorable attack! #SaveRussia
...

Would wearing the Ukranian colors or flying the Ukranian flag become socially unacceptable all of a sudden?

It's the oversimplified attitude in the media that's dangerous. A bit of nuance wouldn't hurt.

[Gregor]

Digits, I agree with your perspective. There is absolutely nothing wrong with being Pro-Palestinian. We are in such a Pro-Isreali environment here that some people conflate any criticism with anti-semitism, even in the face of the current failing far-right regime under BN. A little history lesson on the occupation and genocide in the 40's that lead to the perpetually fractured states might go a long way for those interested.
It's tragic that the terrorist Hamas now controls the strip, and they're the only hope the Palestinians have, most of whom only want a place to live. About half of them want Hamas gone. But, peace in the Middle East is something the world's scholars and thinkers have called all but impossible at this point.

As a note- I have no loyalties on either side, I just like to stay informed. My family is also the damn UN. Thanksgiving dinner has people from about 15 different countries. (Thankful for Johnnie Walker more like), and as with any conflict, it's the govt and militaries pulling the triggers while most of the citizens just want to lead a normal life.

This is of course completely seperate from the fact that this AC pilot had the confoundly giant lapse of judgement to publicly post his stuff while in uniform. Not only that, voiced his agressively strong support of Palestine after what can only be called a terrorist attack, even if it was by Hamas.

These actions, in my mind raise too many questions about what's going on upstairs, so putting him on pause is a damn good idea.

[Old fella]

Back in ‘67, June to be exact I was writing my Grade 10 final exams and the big happening was the 6 day war when 3 Arab countries tried to push Israel around. It didn’t work out as planned, Israel laid waste to most of the Arab forces and gained quite a bit of territory in the process through annexation, Golan Heights, West Bank , Sinai Peninsula and Gaza Strip…… the stage was set for another round of hostilities in 1973. Few things changed but ramifications continue to this very day- Hamas and Gaza Strip to mention a few.

[Inverted2]

Did this guy used to work at Skyregional/Jazz? Name sounds familiar. Guess there’s a new position available. He’s gonna be shit-canned 100%

[Reinhard]

However, what is coming out of this is a very public display of killing civilians, including children. I don’t care what side you’re on or who did what to who, it’s deplorable when civilians are attacked going about there day.

Both sides have killed civilians, including children. But Israel has killed an order of magnitude more Palestinians than vice versa. That is an indisputable fact.

Back in ‘67, June to be exact I was writing my Grade 10 final exams and the big happening was the 6 day war when 3 Arab countries tried to push Israel around. It didn’t work out as planned, Israel laid waste to most of the Arab forces and gained quite a bit of territory in the process through annexation, Golan Heights, West Bank , Sinai Peninsula and Gaza Strip…… the stage was set for another round of hostilities in 1973. Few things changed but ramifications continue to this very day- Hamas and Gaza Strip to mention a few.

Hamas was being propped up by Israel.

Times of Israel writes:

"For years, the various governments led by Benjamin Netanyahu took an approach that divided power between the Gaza Strip and the West Bank — bringing Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to his knees while making moves that propped up the Hamas terror group....Most of the time, Israeli policy was to treat the Palestinian Authority as a burden and Hamas as an asset."

https://www.timesofisrael.com/for-years ... our-faces/

[Reinhard]

I think there is a resurgence of anti-palestinianism because at this point in time Isreal has not yet learned how to be multicultural. And I think Palestinians are going to be part of the throes of that transformation, which must take place. Israel is not going to be the monolithic society they once were in the last 80 years. The Palestinians are going to be at the centre of that. It’s a huge transformation for Israel to make. They are now going into a multicultural mode and Palestinians will be resented because of their leading role. But without that leading role and without that transformation, Isreal will not survive.

[Inverted2]

Don’t be quoting Barbara Lerner Spectre in such a way…..

[mmm...bacon]

You’re entitled to your opinions. You’re entitled to air them in public. 100% freedom of speech. What you’re not allowed to do is to drag your employer into your opinions or freedom of speech. Guy’s a dumbass for wearing his uniform and posting pictures. I hope that he finds another job in line with his qualifications.

[Meatservo]

Wow, that's heavy, man. They wouldn't even let me wear my Oilers jersey during the playoffs.

[dontcallmeshirley]

It's interesting how on this side of the pond it's "Israel = GOOD, Palestina = BAD". Even worse than that, you're considered a menace to society if you subtly wonder if perhaps both sides could be at fault?

There's a much more nuanced view in other parts of the world, which basically boils down to "both sides have done horrible things".

If wearing pro Israel clothing would have gotten him fired, then it's fair he would be fired for pro Palestina clothing as well. The Hitler remarks might be a bit over the top. It's good they are investigating that to see what was actually said or written.

"Both sides have done horrible things." What a great way to attempt to sweep under the rug the abhorrent acts committed a couple of days ago.

Raping women is not self defense.
Parading the naked desecrated corpse of a civilian is not self defense.
Kidnapping children is not self defense.
Murdering the elderly is not self defense.
Decapitating a soldier hors de combat is not self defense.
Decapitating children is not self defense.
Placing children in cages is not self defense.
Murdering hostages is not self defense.
Firing into a crowd at a music festival is not self defense.

What is happening and going to continue to happen in Gaza is awful and it's going to get worse. The blame rests solely on Hamas, a terrorist organization with nearly a 70% approval rating by it's constituents.

I hope that you do not believe that Israel should accept that its civilians should endure the above actions and that the above actions are justified because Israel and Egypt refuse to help a population with a "democratically elected" government that causes problems for everyone they come into contact with.

[boeingboy]

Both sides need to come together to fix this - but it hasn't happened in hundreds of years - I dont think it will happen soon.

[boeingboy]

However, what is coming out of this is a very public display of killing civilians, including children. I don’t care what side you’re on or who did what to who, it’s deplorable when civilians are attacked going about there day.

Both sides have killed civilians, including children. But Israel has killed an order of magnitude more Palestinians than vice versa. That is an indisputable fact.

Back in ‘67, June to be exact I was writing my Grade 10 final exams and the big happening was the 6 day war when 3 Arab countries tried to push Israel around. It didn’t work out as planned, Israel laid waste to most of the Arab forces and gained quite a bit of territory in the process through annexation, Golan Heights, West Bank , Sinai Peninsula and Gaza Strip…… the stage was set for another round of hostilities in 1973. Few things changed but ramifications continue to this very day- Hamas and Gaza Strip to mention a few.

Hamas was being propped up by Israel.

Times of Israel writes:

"For years, the various governments led by Benjamin Netanyahu took an approach that divided power between the Gaza Strip and the West Bank — bringing Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to his knees while making moves that propped up the Hamas terror group....Most of the time, Israeli policy was to treat the Palestinian Authority as a burden and Hamas as an asset."

https://www.timesofisrael.com/for-years ... our-faces/

Civilian casualties are unfortunately a product of any war/skirmish/police action or any other one of numerous designations. All countries have done it accidentally. Faulty intelligence, anti-aircraft guns or ammo depots in schoolyards, smart weapons that went dumb or others that simply fell off course.....but what Hamas did is nothing short of what their Nazi predecessors did. They mowed down little old ladies with their grandkids sitting at bus stops, went house to house simply shooting everyone and then taking young women and girls hostage and raping them. Clearly unarmed kids at a music fest blown away with machine guns and RPG's. This - is an indisputable fact.

Yea - both sides have done wrong - but please don't try and justify what happened this weekend to anything the IDF may have done.

[yhz41]

Did this guy used to work at Skyregional/Jazz? Name sounds familiar. Guess there’s a new position available. He’s gonna be shit-canned 100%

Yes and he was an obnoxious clown there too.

[rookiepilot]

Here, Digits, found you a headline.

https://www.cnn.com/

[Bede]

I find the moral equivocation from some posters alarming.

[Old fella]

Interesting part will be how this guy reacts if he is outright dismissed from his FO B787 position. Wearing your employer’s uniform while publicly taking a political position on an international event( horrific as it was) lends credence in the general public eyes this individual represents Air Canada. The very swift response from AC and ALPA indicates this pilot will face sanctions for sure, perhaps time off without pay and a very stern written warning. The pilot fraternity itself has people with alarming views and positions, I have witnessed some myself.