A330
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Total 14500
Communication Breakdown; Confusion
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural MEL / CDL; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General Work Refused
Company Policy; Aircraft; Human Factors; MEL
During preflight we discovered MEL 36-XX and 36-XX which deactivated the right bleed system. After discussing the MEL and the weather; Captain (CA) X decided to not accept the aircraft; a decision both FO's (First Officers) agreed with. The weather at the destination was not great; and the enroute alternates were also marginal. If we experienced any issues with the remaining bleed system; we would be unpressurized (unless/until the APU started and we descended below 230); and without ice protection; at night over the North Atlantic. The aircraft had two fume events the week prior causing diversions. No attempt was made to fix the aircraft and it had been flying for 7 days with these MELs.CA X called Dispatch and informed them he would not accept the aircraft and then called CA Y (ZZZ Chief) and discussed the situation with him. He was initially very positive and supportive of our decision. Some time went by while we waited to hear what the plan was going forward. Eventually Crew Tracking called CA X and informed him he would get a missed trip and only he was getting removed. We told Tracking that none of us were comfortable and we all wanted to be removed. After another discussion with CA Y the missed trip was changed to a 15 removal code and we left the aircraft and a reserve crew was called out.CA Y called us all individually and explained that we would not get paid. His explanation was the flight operated; therefore no cancellation and RO (Relief Officer) pay for us. It amounted to 'because the other crew took the flight; you won't get paid'.I am still in shock at his explanation and that this is happening. We were threatened with a missed trip and lost pay because of a safety concern. We do the right thing and voice a safety concern; something I have heard repeatedly from [Company] that we are supposed to do; and are now being penalized. Never in almost 30 years of flying have I seen such a blatant 'pilot-pushing' situation. Safety is clearly taking a back seat at [Company] right now and I am deeply concerned by this.The MEL needs to be revised. [Company] needs to support the pilots when a decision about safety occurs before someone gets hurt. [Company] Management needs to start fixing airplanes instead of allowing unsafe MELs to be carried for days.
A330 First Officer reported the pilot crew was in disagreement with the MEL and Company regarding an inoperative system.