Just because a union may have had a hand in developing policies over the years means that there is still a need for them.
Lets talk about the realities of today. Look at the American Auto Industry who after years of union rape-and-pillage are dying as we speak. Sure those worker are very well paid, but look at the consequences. Sub par-overpriced product that cant compete on the global level.
Why is it always the workers fault instead of management?
If management were run correctly, they are supposed to foresee economic ups and downs in the market, and at the same time bring new technology and innovation as well. That's why they get paid the "big bucks". When they are incompetent and "behind the curve" so to speak, who suffers? Of course the line workers who build the product that "management" develops. Everyone else gets screwed, will they remain unscathed. But I'm not going to go there about the auto workers. The automakers are now looking for a handout, and IF they get one, I know that our airline honchos will follow suit.
Hypothetically speaking. If that day happens when or if they get some sort of gov't aid, what will they do?
I just hope that some sort of justice will happen where we would get back SOME or ALL of what we lost. That's REAL justice. Are we supposed to settle for less than that? From the Customer Service Agents, who work the gates and deal with the frustrated and irate passengers; to the Mechanics who fix the equipment and sign off on the planes; to the Ramp Agents who do the grunt work; to the Cargo Agents who handle the cargo; to the Clerical Staff who run the airlines; to the Travel and Reservation Specialists who book the flights; to the Flight Attendants who are the face of the airline who actually deal with the paying customer first hand; and of course the pilots, we all have a role to play in success of our airlines. Now management has to step up their game and do what is right.
I think this is what were asking for. I think the former NW members who are joining the "New Delta" have experience with the new president of the airline and are very critical. They feel representation is necessary and critical. While the Delta people who haven't had representation, and have dealt with their leaders directly feel they are treated fairly. Personally, at my airline, I am treated fairly, but since we are the only workgroup not unionized, we took the biggest hit, and will be the last group to get anything back because we don't have a contract. We got a total of 4% back, but still lost ground in work rules and other benefits that are monetary and non-monetary. A contract would have helped a lot, since everybody else got some sort of "snap backs". But the good thing is that we are at (or above) "industry standard" in several areas. I know that the economy is tough right now, but I'm confident it will bounce back.
We'll see what happens, and I hope that the "Worlds Biggest Airline" will set the standard for us all to follow with service, and including pay, of course.
