A Christmas Story
Christmas time is once again coming at us like a speeding sleigh. As usual this time of year is filled with typical characters from years past. There is our “Scrooge” who is once again being played by American Airlines. I picture “Scrooge” going back with the Christmas Spirit and being shown how C.R. Smith treated his employees and “Scrooge” laughing at Mr. Smith’s principles. Then the Christmas Spirit takes “Scrooge” to the present and showing him how down trodden and disrespected his employees are and “Scrooge” laughing at all the millions of dollars that he has stolen from his employees. Finally, Christmas Spirit takes “Scrooge” to the future and shows him an airline that ranks dead last in all of his precious DOT rankings but “Scrooge” only laughs because he continues to line his pockets with sacrifices made by his employees. In this particular carol “Scrooge” eventually comes to realize that his laughter only prolongs the inevitable from happening, it doesn’t stop it. Greed is never rewarded! It only condemns.
Another season favorite is “The Grinch” who once again is portrayed by the TWU International. “The Grinch” simply can’t stand seeing anyone enjoy Christmas. No, no, no! All presents must be taken away! Vacations – GONE! Double time – GONE! Paid Lunch – GONE! Hourly wages and benefits – GONE! I can see it now… “The Grinch” sitting on top of a sleigh piled high with our sacrifices while it glows with glee! In this story there is no heart that beats ever so slightly with principles of doing what is right. There is only greed! “The Grinch” cares only for “The Grinch”! He knows that the membership has no control over it, and cant stop him.
There is also the perennial favorite of “A Charlie Brown Christmas” with our very own Senior VP of Human Resources playing the part of Lucy. While Lucy holds the football encouraging Charlie Brown, (AA employees, aka “bricks”), to kick the ball. Of course Charlie can trust Lucy. Behold! Lucy betrays Charlie and yanks the ball right out from under him because that is what Lucy does.
Now these examples of Christmas Season stories have for all too long played over and over within our collective careers. As with all things wished upon we can have not only better Christmas Seasons but also better futures. During the time we spend with our families, friends and coworkers take a moment to reflect on the ability to put a very valuable gift underneath our Christmas Trees. This gift is actually two gifts in one. They are democracy and accountability and the best thing is we can all enjoy them. This gift is AMP. Sign an AMP Authorization card and let’s give “Scrooge”, “The Grinch” and “Lucy” a Happy New Year!
On behalf of the AMP Steering Committee we wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
GO AMP!