COMPANY CHEERLEADERS?

[gonzo]

In the 90's AWA was having serious trouble with cash flow. Ed and Mike (the founders of AWA) were giving a "state of the airline" speech at the hanger. All groups were there.

During the speech Mike made the statement that we will need to cut back on costs in order to survive. The majority of the crowd clapped and cheered. The next statement was that "bankruptcy is not in our vocabulary". The crowd cheered again, but it was much less of a cheering crowd, except a group of about 10 -15 people. This speech was given before there was a union for any of the groups, except for the pilots I believe.

The next statement was a shock to the majority of the group except the 10 -15 cheerleaders.

"We will need to cut back on jobs in order to make it through this tough time". Most of the mechanics were looking at each other saying "what did he just say?" and they were wondering why the group of 10 -15 people were cheering very loud and clapping. We all thought, "did they just hear what was said?"

Would you cheer if the CEO of the company told you that you would be losing your job?

Two days later AWA filed for bankruptcy. 🙂

 

[AIRWOMAN]

What is your definition of a Company Cheerleader today? Then I'll do the poll, ok? 🙄

 

[bofie]

In the 90's AWA was having serious trouble with cash flow. Ed and Mike (the founders of AWA) were giving a "state of the airline" speech at the hanger. All groups were there.

During the speech Mike made the statement that we will need to cut back on costs in order to survive. The majority of the crowd clapped and cheered. The next statement was that "bankruptcy is not in our vocabulary". The crowd cheered again, but it was much less of a cheering crowd, except a group of about 10 -15 people. This speech was given before there was a union for any of the groups, except for the pilots I believe.

The next statement was a shock to the majority of the group except the 10 -15 cheerleaders.

"We will need to cut back on jobs in order to make it through this tough time". Most of the mechanics were looking at each other saying "what did he just say?" and they were wondering why the group of 10 -15 people were cheering very loud and clapping. We all thought, "did they just hear what was said?"

Would you cheer if the CEO of the company told you that you would be losing your job?

Two days later AWA filed for bankruptcy. 🙂

I've been in situations like that. There are natural applause lines that trigger a reflex response in some folks to things that they never would've agreed with if given a second to think.

A better question,I think, is whether a negative attitude or a positive one is warranted at this moment...and whether attitude might make all of the difference when things are hanging in the balance?

 

[gonzo]

What is your definition of a Company Cheerleader today? Then I'll do the poll, ok? 🙄

Define it for yourself. 🙂

 

[Seatacus]

What is your definition of a Company Cheerleader today? Then I'll do the poll, ok? 🙄

I bet that these "cheerleaders" are people whose jobs were ones that were saved by laying off others.

 

[Dog Wonder]

What is your definition of a Company Cheerleader today? Then I'll do the poll, ok? 🙄

Some one who doesn't know how ridiculous they look in that short skirt

 

[gonzo]

I've been in situations like that. There are natural applause lines that trigger a reflex response in some folks to things that they never would've agreed with if given a second to think.

A better question,I think, is whether a negative attitude or a positive one is warranted at this moment...and whether attitude might make all of the difference when things are hanging in the balance?

I don't believe that any attitude is warranted. Just listening to the speech. I couldn't see where a positive or a negative attitude would be helpful or hindering to the situation.

Whether the information was given or not the results were going to be the same. 🙂

 

[speedbird86]

With the exception of management, I never ran accross any cheerleaders. All the line folks were bitchleaders.

 

[gonzo]

With the exception of management, I never ran accross any cheerleaders. All the line folks were bitchleaders.

speedbird86 is a "happy camper". So you work at the line? 🙂

 

[delldude]

sounds eerily similar to our own PIT hangar road shows....for some strange reason,soon after the dissemination of the BAD NEWS a sense of glee overcame the masses with all sorts of standing ovations and such..i always suspected somewhere in the sound system there were secret orfices pumping out some type of euphoric chemical...i always wore a gasmask.
i wonder,do lemmings cheer right before they get to the cliff?

 

[gonzo]

sounds eerily similar to our own PIT hangar road shows....for some strange reason,soon after the dissemination of the BAD NEWS a sense of glee overcame the masses with all sorts of standing ovations and such..i always suspected somewhere in the sound system there were secret orfices pumping out some type of euphoric chemical...i always wore a gasmask.
i wonder,do lemmings cheer right before they get to the cliff?

I'm glad to hear that it isn't just an AWA thing.
ROFL.....Lemmings say Weeeeeeeeeee as they plummet to their first bounce.

🙂

Some one who doesn't know how ridiculous they look in that short skirt

Hmmmmmm......that visual I didn't need. 😉

🙂

 

[AstroLounge]

What is your definition of a Company Cheerleader today? Then I'll do the poll, ok? 🙄

Being supportive of the Company is one thing, after all they pay your salary. Being naive and uninformed is an entirely different issue. I have worked in this industry many years and have noticed alot of people look at things with ROSE COLORED glasses (they never have an opinion on anything....until it Directly affects THEM). Being optimistic is one thing, ignorant and self-centered is another.

 

[AIRWOMAN]

Being supportive of the Company is one thing, after all they pay your salary. Being naive and uninformed is an entirely different issue. I have worked in this industry many years and have noticed alot of people look at things with ROSE COLORED glasses (they never have an opinion on anything....until it Directly affects THEM). Being optimistic is one thing, ignorant and self-centered is another.

Exactly.........not being informed, not asking questions and so on is/could be everyone's downfall. But the FACTS have to be put forward.

 

[EricLv2Fish]

Would you cheer if the CEO of the company told you that you would be losing your job?

Two days later AWA filed for bankruptcy. 🙂

Anyone losing their job is not a cheerful situation. I'm not sure what relevance this thread has to our current situation at the new US Airways, other than perhaps to imply history may repeat itself. 2 months into the merger is enough to pass judgement? DP was liked by most at AWA. I don't think there is any disputing that fact. Can he gain the trust and respect of US East employees? Only time will tell, but 2 months is hardly enough time to pass judgement IMO.

 

[gonzo]

Anyone losing their job is not a cheerful situation. I'm not sure what relevance this thread has to our current situation at the new US Airways, other than perhaps to imply history may repeat itself. 2 months into the merger is enough to pass judgement? DP was liked by most at AWA. I don't think there is any disputing that fact. Can he gain the trust and respect of US East employees? Only time will tell, but 2 months is hardly enough time to pass judgement IMO.

The relevance of any thread is what you make of it. Ed and Mike were very well liked by all employees. Most of the employees would do what ever it took to get things done and done right. It was a true team effort.

The respect for Ed and Mike came from the way they treated their employees. That day in the hanger they were trying to tell everyone how bad things were for the company. Some were in shock and other refused to believe what was said. A few understood what was said and new about what the future would hold in store for all.

For the most part ED and Mike were honest with their employees. The employees trusted them both for that and other reasons.

It was the day that every thing started down hill very fast.

From that day forward employees were hardened by the future officers and management that would be "in-charge" of the company. The officers of the company formed and molded the attitudes of the AWA employees from that time forward.

The U east employees have been through similar situations I am sure. Their attitudes have also been formed by the events of their history.

You lash out at people for what you consider to be negative talk. I consider it to be "experienced" talk. It's a little rough some times but it is worth listening to. Good or Bad.

DP has some "earning" to do as far as respect has to go. IMHO🙂