Airline 'exploiters' Accused
The Age
Tuesday October 31, 2000
ADELAIDE
A former chief pilot of the defunct Whyalla Airlines has accused its directors of being serial exploiters who abused the integrity and trust of their employees.
David Usher, sacked by the airline in April, is making a claim in the Industrial Relations Court for more than $260,000 in lost income and entitlements from his former employers, Kym and Chris Brougham.
Mr Usher was dismissed from the airline on April 12 and replaced by Kym Brougham, just weeks before the May 31 crash of flight 904 that killed the eight people aboard.
In his opening yesterday Mr Usher's counsel, John Hankin, said: ``This case is a story about serial exploiters, called Chris and Kym Brougham, and how they abused the dedication, integrity and trust of an honest, hardworking man who is a credit to our society and our country."
``This case will recount the story of how Chris and Kym Brougham caused Whyalla Airlines to shamelessly exploit and abuse David Usher and all of the other pilots employed by Whyalla Airlines."
The hearing was adjourned to allow talks between parties and will continue today.
© 2000 The Age
