From the letter American Airlines sent to managers:
From other corporate communications it would appear as if management is preparing to train as many as 15-20 classes at a time.
Managers ARE going to F/A training
- Thread starter BonTemps
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From the letter American Airlines sent to managers:
From other corporate communications it would appear as if management is preparing to train as many as 15-20 classes at a time.
Are these class sizes 60 people per normal training class as when AA is hiring legit. AA can do what they need to and we APFA will do what we need to, and we will.
Side note here, a few years back around late fall early winter, I had just steped up the the MOD window for something, and I wasn't noticed at first. I was there long enough for one of the supervisors (currently still at MIA) to walk in completly worn out and exhausted , the other 2 sitting said where did you go, she said CUN, how was it they asked, the supervisor replied "it was awful, I hate to fly" and then they saw me. There faces were so red, and I just looked at them and that supervsior was totally dishevled and she usually sits behind a desk, I couldn't imagine how this could be , maybe she should try 100hrs per month, bring her won food,less sleep......
So not sure of how many takers there will be, they resort to drafting..oh well.
They spend that money to train and in the end will be paying the APFA members an increase.
Fly safe everyone
Being away from one's safe little cubicle with cat pictures on the wall can be very traumatic for some people.
Strenuous CUN turn? Funny stuff. Would love to see the reaction when a loaded automatic rifle is pointed towards the pax in the crew van held by an idiot 18 year old that doesn't have the sense to keep his finger off the trigger. Life could have sucked for us if a truck across the street had backfired causing the idiot to flinch.
Maybe the MIA FA's can have a "Career Day" at HQ explaining what can happen after heading south of the border. Another good one is the crew bus pick up point at MAD. Look at the concrete pillar above and notice the hundreds of holes from bomb shrapnel. :blink:
PlayTheOdds
Veteran
Interesting read. AA seems to be gearing up for the worst possible scenario. Is the APFA willing to do the same? What about the pilots and "AMT's", are they willing to joins forces with the APFA in a sympathy strike? Or is the “Solidarity” among unions going to break in half as it did in the NWA/AMFA strike?
PlayTheOdds
Veteran
"Impossible"? Please do not kid yourself or even think about being hopeful for this situation. There are a lot of people out there that have not worked under union rules or pay scale. There are also just as many that have but have determined that the unions have not done much for them. You guys can easily be replaced, so keep in mind when you walk out you lose all control. If the other unions do not agree to help in this fight you will lose as well. “Solidarity” is the key to success however I have not seen much of that here. Nor did I see any in the last strike.
Good Luck.
kirkpatrick
Veteran
True, but it's still a different situation. TWA had replacements already trained and parked in hotels ready to fly the day of the strike. They also had replacements hired and waiting their turns to be pumped through the training facilities in both STL and Kansas City, IIRC. AA would have nothing but a few company people and would depend almost entirely on crossovers to run the operation. Even with a strike of a few days the disruption in service and the time necessary to get the operation back to normal would cost an incredible amount of money.
It ain't gonna happen.
MK
Thanks for your account, I like how you tell it. I wasn't there, but have always found your post to have credibility. It's always good to have a credible and wise person aboard 🙂
Fly safe,
Boston in Miami
eolesen
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Never say never. If a chaos-like self-help were called and started to really screw up the operation, I wouldn't rule out shutting down large parts, or the nuclear option of the entire airline.
Also, since you've already hinted at a non trademarked version of chaos-like vs. a general walkout, you made it easier for management to respond... All they have to do is put enough people into the cornerstone cities, and the operation goes on.
I think you're better off doing what AMFA did -- stay on the job and make management wonder what you're up to....
At three instructors per class and just saying they can get 60 in a class room, thats only 1200 people. Then for each group, subtract those who change their mind, cant make it through training, or when God forbid, they get called say thanks, No thanks. Its hardly as perilless as some manager types and other airline employees here hope it to be.
The TWA situation was also a bit different, they actually made trainees pay for there training and uniforms up front. If I remember correctly it was some around 2,500 dollars. They knew these people wanted it and would be ready and available when thy were eventually called. This will be 100% on AA's dime. Training costs, hotel rooms, meals, and uniforms. A couple SR execs might have to settle for a second tier country club membership next year. "Oh, the humanity!"
The TWA situation was also a bit different, they actually made trainees pay for there training and uniforms up front. If I remember correctly it was some around 2,500 dollars. They knew these people wanted it and would be ready and available when thy were eventually called. This will be 100% on AA's dime. Training costs, hotel rooms, meals, and uniforms. A couple SR execs might have to settle for a second tier country club membership next year. "Oh, the humanity!"
TWskyliner
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TWA was running a.m. and p.m. classes and uniforms and training were payroll deducted, not paid for up front.
AC AA LA FA
Veteran
Has this 17 day training even been looked at by the FAA or approved?
At NWA AMFA, went on strike and all the mechanics were replaced.
http://www.usatoday.com/travel/news/2005-11-02-northwest-strike_x.htm
Has anybody else notice that AA isn't threatening to hire replacement mechs? AA must not fear the TWU at all, but the FA's, they are scared of.
Until AA hires replacement FA's from outside the company, it's all just a ploy. The management that are going to be FA's probably aren't critical to the operation and most likely work 9 to 5, when they start working all nighter's, multiple legs, short lay overs, working holidays and weekends, they will break.
Of course they might like 3 days on and 3 days off, better benifits (FA's pay half the insurance as the TWU) flying on other airlines for free if they wear the uniform, jump seat privledges (no more being stuck in DFW all day) union pay, the ability to work as much or as little as you want. working 35 hours a month and getting full benefits.
It's a big gamble what's going to happen.
Until AA hires replacement FA's from outside the company, it's all just a ploy. The management that are going to be FA's probably aren't critical to the operation and most likely work 9 to 5, when they start working all nighter's, multiple legs, short lay overs, working holidays and weekends, they will break.
Of course they might like 3 days on and 3 days off, better benifits (FA's pay half the insurance as the TWU) flying on other airlines for free if they wear the uniform, jump seat privledges (no more being stuck in DFW all day) union pay, the ability to work as much or as little as you want. working 35 hours a month and getting full benefits.
It's a big gamble what's going to happen.
One thing I forgot to mention, is the fact for the most part people from the south don't care about unions or are just against them. I'm basing that on the fact that southern politicians campaign on fighting union infuance, look what happen when the auto bailout happened. The southern senators attacked the unions, and they are not in fear of being kicked out of office. AA being Based in Dallas tells me when AA wants to hire from FA's the street they will not have a problem finding replacements. It's a sad fact that I hope the APFA leadership realizes. Hopefully it won't come to that.
