F2F Class Notes (Celeste) [R]

Read the 2nd part (paragraph) of the article below and talk about it in your next class. Ask a lot of questions!

Airline boss promises pilots bonus to keep flying
(Source: breakingnewsenglish.com/1710/171009-pilots.html)

The boss of Europe’s biggest low-cost airline has promised to increase the pay and working conditions of pilots to stop them leaving the company. Michael O’Leary, CEO of Ryanair, made a personal pledge to the budget carrier’s 4,200 pilots to address concerns that pilots are dissatisfied and want to quit the company. Pilots have been offered salary increases of up to $11,700 and loyalty bonuses of $14,000. A long-serving pilot told the BBC this was, “too little, too late.” He said: “There is a lack of basic benefits [for pilots] – no free bottles of water, coffee or tea and no crew meals.” He said pilots also had to buy their own uniform. He added: “People have just had enough of the toxic atmosphere.”

Mr O’Leary is attempting to repair the damage done to Ryanair’s reputation after a scheduling error with pilot holidays. The costly mistake meant more than 20,000 flights have been cancelled recently because of a lack of available pilots. This has affected over 700,000 passengers. An industry analyst said the airline made this costly error, “by initially disrespecting the skill set of pilots”. He added: “In a rare move, [Ryanair] is being forced to backpedal, apologize and meet [pilots’] pay demands.” O’Leary is confident that pilots will stay. He said: “I urge you to stay with Ryanair for a brighter, better future for you and your family.” He added: “We are a very secure employer in a very insecure industry.”

There were about 18 classmates and 2 teachers in Wuhan for our college reunion.

When you were married, your husband gave you a pledge. = You were married but now you are not.
When you got married, your husband gave you a pledge. = On your wedding day, your husband made a promise to you.

Are you satisfied with your English classes?
Are you satisfied/pleased with your new haircut?
Are you satisfied with the service at the restaurant?
Are you satisfied with your manicure(hands) and pedicure (feet)?

Do you have to wear a uniform at work? I don’t have to wear a uniform at work.

What is the atmosphere like in your office? = What is your office like?
A: Maybe some green plants.– My office is very quiet. = My office atmosphere is very quiet.

Many foods are dangerous and toxic, maybe if you eat them  you will die.

Vocabulary

It was difficult to continue the paper on the wall. – It was difficult to put the paper on the wall.

spell the word = say every letter of the word in order