Sure it's the same corporation, but the dynamics are wildly different from even 5 short years ago.
As for the questions: You pretty much had the answers before you asked. I know in multiple places, the ramp has been closed due to lightning, only to have PL's (AW & BW both) demand that workers go back outside to continue to work flights. This is in direct conflict with published guidelines.
As for GSE, in many places, it's not maintained to the standard it should be. Pre-emptive checks are skipped, pieces that are "tagged out" for critical issues mysteriously reappear w/o repair-or just have the tag ripped off- and more.
The idea of an (unfortunately named) "Smackdown" is good I guess, but the way the company has approached it is superficial at best. I've already listed what I feel Dept. 120 needs to make wholesale improvements- the flyer above pretty much captures the rest. The fact that it's become an annual event just shows it's not being done right...
then my suggestion, honestly, is to call OSHA.
If a ramp has been closed and DL mgmt. has acknowledged it and yet sends workers out anyway, then that is a serious issue.
We have laws - due process - in the US and in other countries.
Unions don't enforce the laws. The government does.
I believe in worker safety. I want DL employees safe.
If DL needs to leave a plane sitting unattended for 30 minutes or an hour until a storm passes, that is what has to be done.
MSP isn't exactly known for violent, frequent thunderstorms.
Fix the problem with someone that can solve it.
If the company asks for seat belts, use them. And then don't give them any room to smack anything.
if the company violates its own policies and genuinely endangers worker safety, call OSHA, not a union.
Why would it be an annual event? and if it is, apparently employees have survived it for XXX years? 80-85 maybe? Which means DL isn't really so different after all.
BTW, we had safety campaigns in both ACS and the GO and Res. Do you know how many OJIs are filed by Res employees?
As always, YOUR perspective is genuinely appreciated.