The sad truth about union work is that it is usually thankless and not nearly worth the aggravation.
For example, while I understand that Pitbull dislikes JM, I do like him and I'm not one of the senior mamas. I think he's professional, deals with the data well and refrains from the hyperbole that we've seen in previous LECs. I think that the company respects him because he deals with them by trotting out the bare minimum protections we have left in the contract. It's also in the best interests of PHL F/As that he have civil relations with Inflight, so that's why the "letter writer" days are gone. Also, I knew him as just a F/A and I know his work ethic. I also know that he is taking a big paycut being LEC, but he is choosing to do it. I don't know anything about B, but if he's even half effective, he's probably worth keeping.
Yes, I think they should fufill the minimum hours in the office. At the same time, I know they take a lot of calls on personal time, and apparently out of base calls. Anybody want to do that? Not me, thanks. And there's the rub, despite the enduring misery of the reserves, they haven't coughed up a bright individual who wants to dedicate the time and brain power necessary to match Pitbull's acumen. Even if they did, getting elected is tough because the senior mama's vote and pretty much determine who wins.
The thing is, we NEED the great minds such as Pitbull's, but does anyone blame them for not wanting to deal with the nonsense? Pitbull took a furlough for a reason. If we get her back, I for one will cheer, but I would bet that being at the bottom of the seniority list and on LTO would take some serious consideration.
I'm willing to give union leaders some slack, because I don't want the job. The pension's gone, AFA is basically a money feeder to CWA and absent a new contract functions only to try to mitigate the damage of this one. I guess my expectations are pretty low, but honestly what really can be done?
I think a lot of F/As have already taken their future into their own hands outside US, or they're just waiting to retire.