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[BLOCKQUOTE][BR]----------------[BR]On 1/20/2003 3:36:43 PM Uinvestor wrote:
[P]It is amazing how the employees aren’t supporting the pilots during this critical time in their lives. It seems that each union is only looking out for themselves. This is the time to support the ALPA 100% and voice your opinions to help save their pension.[BR][BR]To the CWA members who complain about having their pension frozen in the early 90's- Where was your union during this time? From what I hear, the employees didn't want any representation. You don't see the IAM/AFA/ALPA having their pension frozen during this time.[BR][BR][STRONG] It is true these people elected not to be represented. They were constantly told to "Trust us", "You don't need a union", "We'll take good care of you". All this time they were constantly taken advantage of until they got sick of giving with no one else giving. The ticket/gate/ramp agents had no say in the freezing and termination of their pension. They had to take it because ol' Seth said so. It was then they elected to vote in a union. [/STRONG][BR][BR]These pilots spend approximately $100,000 for their schooling and they deserve every amount of money. Remember, without the pilots, there would be no airline. The other unions wouldn’t have a job. As with the mechanics, these are specially trained employees who are the breath of this airline.[BR][BR] [STRONG]Again you're correct. Pilots do spend a great deal of money for their schooling and they sacrifice a great deal of their family time for their profession. For those sacrifices they are rewarded handsomely with a very high salary and retirement benefits. One thing you fail to recognize is these pilots do not do run the airline by themselves. When is the last time you saw a pilot taking tickets, ticketing a passenger, working an oversold flight, working irregular operations due to weather, loading bags in the dead heat of summer(no a/c in those cargo bins by the way), loading bags in the dead of winter in say a climate like SYR or BUF (no heat in those cargo bins either), deicing during a snow storm with wind chills regularly below zero not just one plane but several for several hours, changing an engine, fixing a seat back, changing a main tire, serving drinks in first class, picking up a bag full of vomit from a sick pax, soothing a nervous pax during heavy turbulence, working the frequent flyer desk, taking a pax reservation, working accounts payable or receivable? It's a team thing Mr Investor. No one group plays more important a role than another. If one part breaks down the whole place does the same.[/STRONG][BR][BR]It is easy for these board members to bash Chip Munn, but at least he isn’t hiding behind a username. If Dave Siegel terminates the pilot’s pension, then I would recommend that he terminate ALL pensions. The employees are in the same boat and should make the same sacrifices with their pensions. [BR][BR] [STRONG]Why should they all take a hit on their pensions? It is my understanding the majority of the problem relies with the underfunding of the pilots pension. While it's terrible they are being threatened with termination of the plan it is something that will have to be dealt with. I firmly am against them giving up their pension. They shouldn't be asked to give any more. Mr. Seigel said the pilots will receive the same money they would have just from two plans instead of one. If that turns out to be the case what is the problem? You stick up for Chip and that's fine but Chip has been on these threads shoving down the throats of the CWA, IAM, AFA and anyone else he could think of that they had to take the cuts. He incessantly said it's better to take a cut and save the jobs rather than have the company get liquidated. He also said they should quit if they didn't like the deal. Well, now the chickens have come home to roost with Mr. Munn and I'm sure that pill is a bitter one he's still trying to swallow. [/STRONG][BR][BR]Half of the union members didn’t even bother voting with the latest concessions. What does this say about the support that the employees have for their unions. Siegel and Glass have an excellent opportunity to lower the labor costs of the CWA members with the $13 hour pay. I would increase the number of SAR/Kiosks and convert many of the mainline stations to express that can’t support all jet service. I have always stated that this employee group should be paid the same as America West employees. Stop comparing your jobs to Southwest, they have made a profit for the last 20-30 years. Since the employees didn't answer my questions on a previous thread, I assume that there aren't many $13 hour jobs out in the workforce for the customer service agents.[BR][BR] [STRONG]My question to you is why are you bashing the customer service people here? The CWA members are a hugely important group to the success/failure of U. If you don't have well paid people representing you on the front lines your whole business plan is up in smoke. Customer service can and does make or break any business. Many people at U don't WANT to leave Mr. Investor. They have made a commitment to this company and don't want to leave. It would be a safe bet for me to say that you'd be the first one to b*%#h and complain if someone didn't handle you with the kid gloves you appear to require.[BR][/STRONG][BR]Every employee should stop bashing the ALPA and support their cause. Anybody can unload bags or check-in flights, but flying or repairing an aircraft takes skill. These jobs aren’t easily replaceable. [BR][BR] [STRONG]Anyone can unload bags or check-in flights huh? Nothing could be further from the truth. Do you have any idea what it takes to do such a job? Do you have any idea how many careers are derailed due to injuries from lifting bags and loading them in the cramped bins or how many agents are injured from handling baggage both inside and out? You have NO idea what it's like. Walk a mile in their shoes and then write about it. If anyone can do it then I challenge you to go to LGA, EWR or PHL and climb in the bin. Stack those bags so you can fit the hundreds of the bags on the plane within the balance limits. If it's so easy let's see YOU do it![BR][/STRONG][BR]Dave- Thanks for the non-stop service to the Masters. I was tired of connecting. I look forward to flying the RJ this April. As I have always stated, the Express employees do an outstanding job- They appreciate their low paying jobs unlike many mainline employees. [BR][BR] [STRONG]Why you are engaging in class warfare is beyond me. The whole company is made up of professionals and deserve to be treated like professionals. I guess the real issues you have with the lower paid agents is between you and the voices you hear or maybe you're just afraid your dues at the club are about to rise.[/STRONG][/P]----------------[/BLOCKQUOTE]
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