uza said:
Southwest has around 4.3 mechanics per aircraft and USAirWays has around 12. Southwest has 355 a/c USAirWays has 279 a/c. Southwest is making money and USAirWays is losing money. U’s mechanics are not taking any more, and it appears neither are the other unions. So where oh where are all the savings going to come from? If all of management worked for free, it would not make a dent. So all you people out there that are refusing to budge one inch, what do you think will happen? Do you believe a united stand against more cuts will save the day? If so, how? Forgetting all your hatred and anger for one minute, answer these questions honestly and without the bitterness use rationality and reasoning. This could be your last stand against the evil ones, is it worth it? If so, how, why, do you benefit from a failed company? Even the retirees are concerned about this one. If you’re hoping for a last minute management team change, you’re shooting craps.
I am no fan of unions as most of you know, but in this case, I have to side with the employees. UZA you make SOME valid points, but here's what you're missing:
This management has not dealt in good faith with any employee group. They have broken covenants governed by existing contracts which they are legally bound to honor, and have gone out of their way to break the backs of labor.
Whenever things don't work out, they ignore the real problems and blame everything on labor and unions. They do not accept the responsibility for their own lack of action.
How do you expect a management to come back to the employees a THIRD time when they have already given twice, and the problems which existed then still exist? Here's a short list:
They keep talking about improving utilization of aircraft, improving scheduling and rolling PHL. These moves would result in SUBSTANTIAL savings with minimal impact on labor. Why has this not been done?
They continue to waste valuable money on fighting the outsourcing of Airbus overhauls to an obviously deficient vendor. Why doesn't management just belly up admit they don't legally have the right to break the contract, and then TRY to negotiate in good faith to bring the work back in house?
They keep talking about rationalizing the fare structure, yet it has not been done. I am driving to Boston tomorrow because I can't justify the amount of money they want for me to fly. I have spoken directly to senior management on this issue, and they have as much as admitted they can rationalize the fares but they are basically afraid to. They can't think outside the box--yes they will lose the gravy run fares (which more and more of us are refusing to pay by the way), but with RATIONAL fares they will notice as other airlines have, that AVERAGE fares will go up, therefore overall revenue will go up.
I do not see anyone in management taking the kind of paycuts or making the kind of sacrifices that are being asked of the workers in the field. Until management agrees to a 20-30% paycut and suspension of ALL bonuses, I don't see why labor should give one more cent.
There is a lot which can be done to make the situation better without tapping an already tapped out work force. No one is willing to go out on a limb and make some of these changes however.
I am sad to see what this is doing to the rank and file at Airways--these are truly the finest people in this industry, and despite the way they are being treated, for the most part, they continue to keep smiling and do their jobs in an exemplary manner. I offer them my support, understanding and undying appreciation.
Until management takes action on the above items, and realizes that they need to stop alienating the two groups they need MOST to survive and thrive (employees and loyal customers), there is no chance for the survival of this company. I truly fear that the end is at hand unless there is radical change at the top.
And please don't rant about how I am not an employee of the company and I have no right to chime in here--I spend as much if not more time flying in the system as some employees, and count them as my friends. I consider myself as having a vested interest in the outcome of this crisis, and want nothing more than to see the great people at this company survive and thrive again.
My heartfelt gratitude and appreciation goes out to you all.......