AFA met with management today for approx 6 hours. Plan was presented, and the MEC not at liberty to acutally discuss details for "competitive" reasons. But what was able to be said is that managment has taken the current business model and radically changed its "framework" . Many of the aspects of the business plan mirrors SW model, not in total but certain key elements that when implemented would make for a sound, viable plan to turn this airline around. Changing the "image" of the airline for starters; transforming from a convoluted, complex fare structure , to a more simple, consistant format in fare pricing is one of the key components. Improving the route structure, as well as utilizing the a/cs more efficiently. Improvments to the product, first class and changing customer perception. From the sounds of it, and trying not to drink any damn kool-aide whatsoever to poison the system, this plan may be plausible.
Management did not talk about labor participation in specifics, but did request labor particpation. What is disappointing still is managements inability to address the perception of mistrust of management going forward.
Most employees are not interested in hearing a business plan, when their work place environment continues to be hostile with punitive, new draconian policies that effect the employees day to day work life.
Mangement was told that it is real bad out there in the front line. The MEC chastised management and specifically certain key people. Made management perfectly aware of the Union leaders' role is not to be the "messengers" of the business plan or act as spokespersons for management. Leaders only are elected as the "spokespersons" for their respective group and represent their collective voices in the work place. Mangement will have a rough and tough road to toll in this regard to repair morale first. A concession #3 has never been requested from any airline in a time frame of 18 months in this Industry's history. In my estimation, members must be balloted this time and give permission to its leaders to open contracts. The MEC posed many "hard line, tough questions to mangement, however, tried to make the environment non-adversarial. But, it did get heated at times.
Management was told that in order to get to "point C", you must first go through points A and B. Mangement culture MUST change. It is imperative to the entire company's survival.
The sooner the better.
Next week, theMEC regular scheduled MEC winter meeting held in Pittsburgh for 3
days. On the agenda will be the discussion regarding this meeting with management.
Management did not talk about labor participation in specifics, but did request labor particpation. What is disappointing still is managements inability to address the perception of mistrust of management going forward.
Most employees are not interested in hearing a business plan, when their work place environment continues to be hostile with punitive, new draconian policies that effect the employees day to day work life.
Mangement was told that it is real bad out there in the front line. The MEC chastised management and specifically certain key people. Made management perfectly aware of the Union leaders' role is not to be the "messengers" of the business plan or act as spokespersons for management. Leaders only are elected as the "spokespersons" for their respective group and represent their collective voices in the work place. Mangement will have a rough and tough road to toll in this regard to repair morale first. A concession #3 has never been requested from any airline in a time frame of 18 months in this Industry's history. In my estimation, members must be balloted this time and give permission to its leaders to open contracts. The MEC posed many "hard line, tough questions to mangement, however, tried to make the environment non-adversarial. But, it did get heated at times.
Management was told that in order to get to "point C", you must first go through points A and B. Mangement culture MUST change. It is imperative to the entire company's survival.
The sooner the better.
Next week, theMEC regular scheduled MEC winter meeting held in Pittsburgh for 3
days. On the agenda will be the discussion regarding this meeting with management.
