Let me tell you something Third Seat Hero. I'm a REALIST. Perhaps Fly said it best: It is SO easy to sit behind a keyboard and post comments when it is not your own job at stake. Since your avatar is named "Third Seat Hero" I am going to presume that you are a side-lined engineer that was at one time represented by ALPA. I am a Purser, and as one, I get an ear full from UAL pilots. So let's compare contracts. Pilots gave up their work rules in their last concessionary agreement. The reason why UAL F/A's and UAL pilots do not often stick together in trip pairings (at United, referred to as trip ID's) is that UAL ALPA work rules are vastly inferior to UAL F/A's' work rules. Flight attendants get 5 paid holidays per year, UAL pilots: zero. Furthermore, pilots gave up trip guarantee, legal crew rest minimums, as well as a host of other work-rules that supercede FAA regs.
The REALITY is, is that United was recruiting for 2000 new flight attendants and received 18,000 applications for the 2000 new positions. At the end of the day, their exists a hefty labor supply that is willing to do MY job for a vastly inferior salary. At this time, my career is still workable. When it stops working FOR me, I will re-assess and most likely, move on. However, at this time, I am STILL able to maximize my earnings potential inspite of two rounds of pay cuts. I fly more days per month, I fly Purser, I fly international more frequently, I fly additional holidays more frequently, I sell duty-free when the opportunity arises, and I can opt to fly more hours to make up for my concessions (something that does not exist in the real world of corporate America).
All of these options are personally preferable to risking putting my job on the line under the threat of a strike and realizing that there are thousands of people in this country who are WILLING to do my job for much less in pay, work-rules, and benefits.
In summary, Third Seat, I have given considerable time to assessing my options and compared to what many of my peers experience in the real world, this job, at the moment, is still working FOR me. It is FAR preferable than receiving unemployment benefits, having no medical insurance, having no 401K match, etc. But you are correct; this is a public forum after all and you are free to post your thoughts while sitting behind a computer screen.
For me, having assessed the realities of the MARKETPLACE, coupled by the fact that we are competing in an emerging global economy, I have carefully weighed my options and still CHOOSE to work as an AFA-represented flight attendant in the near term.
Your comments sound really great in theory, but I have considered and accepted the realities of the marketplace. Until I have achieved skills that enhance my marketability in the workplace and have enhanced my value to an employer, I stand by my decision to accept the concessions that my bargaining representative negotiated during my employer's three year stint in bankruptcy, coupled by skyrocking fuel prices, and a very abundant labor force.
I challenge you to go for it if you think striking your employer will achieve the results you desire...