I don't wish substandard wages - you obviously can't read. However, a high school grad stock clerk, making 25/hr? An aircraft cleaner topping off at 20? Come on, get real. U needs to get their costs in line with the worth of the job, not just because a union contract says that is what they will be paid. There are many more examples but get the point. It's logical, not a brain teaser. And you don't have to be in finance to figure out some of U's problems. Pilots, F/A, mechanics should be paid appropriately. They are schooled, licensed and must have recurrent training to know their job. Those that rode the coat tails have cost some professions their true worth.
Jane,
Let me take a whack at this.
1. No one disputes that a pilot or mech should make more than an agent. I do dispute that an agent job is worthy only of entry-level wages. While one can be adequate after six months, it takes a couple years to master the ballet of computer skills, logistics, and people skills that you expect the agent attending you to have. And while the myth has it fleet agents are mere bag smashers, the ones I know are accountable to TSA (SIDA and a/c security), FAA (w&b issues) DOT (haz-mat) DOA (live animal shipments) and Customs (international shipments). Sure, not every agent is so qualified, but a lot more than you might think. And, how good do you want the agent in the deicing rig servicing your flight to be?
2. I've watched ASA operated the low-cost model for years (that is what U is becoming, in my view). I've seen them land with low fuel (had the fueler come to me white-faced, once, saying "....the dumb b@#$%^ds just taxied up with 30 gallons of fuel." Turns out they cut fuel to accomodate pax/bags, then missed his first approach. Amazingly, no emergency was declared. A college kid with a 12 pak in his kidneys could compete with their deicing rig.
3. If the market is truly speaking, why does U management invoke WN as THE competitive threat, yet ignore WN for labor compensation purposes? Hint: They make quite a bit more than U. The difference is work rules? Got $20 says nobody can cite any U work rules for agents than is more restrictive than WN's.
4. Are any of the folks advising employees to give money to support the Palace's plan running out and investing major Benjamin's in a long term position in U stock? Thought not.
