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A very good ongoing discusion on this blog.
http://blogs.dallasobserver.com/unfairpark...illion_form.php
http://blogs.dallasobserver.com/unfairpark...illion_form.php
Some Interesting Thoughts on AA Management Bonuses
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AMR Boss Makes $10 Million. Former TWA Flight Attendents Want Their Share. Or, At Least, Their Jobs.
Mon Apr 23, 2007 at 05:05:38 PM
Whenever you get crap service on American Airlines, just remember, Gerard Arpey made $6.6 million -- this week.Gerard Arpey, boss man over at American Airlines, got $5.4 million last year -- and, oh, another bonus worth $6.6 million this week. So reports the Associated Press today -- as well as a press release we just got from something called the Association of Furloughed Flight Attendants, who express their extreme displeasure with Arpey's big bag o' dough-re-mi. Says our press release, Arpey's raking in the big bucks while, at the same time, shoving to the curb former Trans World Airlines employees who were supposed to keep their jobs when AA bought TWA for $500 mil in cash back in 2001. Their pissed-off press release is after the jump. --Robert Wilonsky
American's Arpey Gets $10.2 Million Former TWA Employees Cry Foul
St. Louis, MO -- AMR Corp parent of American Airlines paid Chief Executive Gerard Arpey a total compensation package of $10.2 million for 2006. American Airlines returned to profitability after a five year string of losses.
That has the former employees of TWA crying foul. American Airlines purchased TWA in 2001 and coined the phrase "Two Great Airlines -- One Great Future." After giving job assurances to the TWA employees and Congress for a fast track approval of the acquisition, only seven percent of the entire TWA workforce remains employed. One work group that was most affected are the approximate 4,000 former TWA flight attendants. To date, "Not a single one is employed," states Roger Graham who served TWA for 18 years as a flight attendant.
The flight attendants of the now defunct TWA, many of which had 20 to 40 years seniority, were placed onto the bottom of the seniority list at American by the Association of Professional Flight Attendants union and were the first to be laid off after the 9/11 attacks, with the right to
return for five years as vacancies occurred. To date, American Airlines is the only airline that has terminated its flight attendants because of 9/11.
The former TWA attendants are fighting to have their recall rights extended due to the extenuating circumstances of 9/11 and have become quite vocal in recent months. On April 17th, separate and apart from their union, held an informational rally at Lambert St. Louis, International Airport deploring an estimated $160 million in executive bonuses. Those familiar with the situation say only five percent of the executive bonuses would save their jobs by extending their recall rights. The executive bonuses are in addition to the 2006 compensation received by Arpey.
"It's nothing short of greed when one man's annual income could extend the recall rights of 4,000 people, thus saving their jobs. It gives a whole new meaning to 'One Great Future.' The question is, who's?" states Graham.
Category: Probably Insignificant Aviation News
53 Comments:
randy richardson says:
This is a clear failure of leadership. Asking your employees to make financial sacrifices and then financial benefiting from the company's rebound is shameful and unethical. Mr. Arpey should return his entire bonus.
Posted at: April 23, 2007 10:40 PM
Tim W. says:
Arpey can't do anything about the furloughed attendants. The flight attendants union has a contract with AA that stipulates the amount of time a furloughed employee can remain employed. That time was decided on by the union itself, and the company can not unilaterally change the contract.
Whatever your perception of the stock awards, and your crap service on AA, those situations have nothing to do with an obligation to which the company is contractually bound.
And yes, I'm a spokesman for AA.
Posted at: April 24, 2007 9:33 AM
Lee says:
Uh, Mr. Tim W. AA spokesman. AAs crap service has quite a bit to do with it. Think about it.
Posted at: April 24, 2007 11:39 AM
Chris says:
Lets get back to the REAL world now... (where unions don't exist)
Look at ANY non-union fortune 500 company, and tell me an instance where the executives give back to the employees... And TWA flight attendants, be glad your in a union, otherwise, you would have been fired for good, with zero money.
Posted at: April 24, 2007 2:26 PM
Tom Stanovich says:
I have read about this Flight Attendant from TWA. Kudo's to him for standing up to American. I'm not sure why he would want to work for such an unethical company, He needs to become a politician.
Posted at: April 24, 2007 8:37 PM
Jim says:
Tim W. AA spokesman, you have it all wrong. Arpey can do something about the 5 year recall limit. It is not set by the union, it is negotiated between the union and the company. If Arpey wanted to extend recall the union would go along with it. It could be done outside of formal negotiations with a simple letter of agreement.
Arpey used to be considered to be making modest pay in comparison to other airline CEO's. Not any more Mister $10 million dollar man.
Posted at: April 24, 2007 9:46 PM
karen marshall says:
Mr. Arpey,
It's undisputable that the results from the tragic events of 911 played a major role in the down sizing of AA. We would all agree that 911 was a historical event in America, a tragic day for all. The Government even agreed and came to your aid, something that isn't a STANDARD practice. So please tell us how you can still claim the STANDARD RECALL FOR ANY EMPLOYEE remains the same even after the 911 events? After the Gov bailout, you're receiving bonuses, bonuses at the expense of all employees, especially the FURLOUGHED GROUP, mainly the TWA GROUP. The GOV offered you a hand up, not a hand out! We, the Furloughed Group which includes both AA and TWA employees deserve the same, a hand up! Remember that the next time you find yourself glancing over at THE GREAT PURPLE DINOSAUR; you just might want to save some of his magical powers, because you're going to need a miracle if there ever comes a time when AA finds them in a position to possibly acquire or merge with another carrier. You will need to sprinkle the magic dust while you're explaining to congress how you will protect the next carrier’s employees; after all, AA promised us the TWA group the same. We have only 7 %( seven percent) of TWA employees on the property. So tell us again how TWO GREAT AIRLINES EQUAL ONE GREAT FUTURE? How is this Fair and Equitable, as promised by AA to the TWA employees? Don Carty even stated on Larry King live back in NOV, 2001 that ALL TWA EMPLOYEES would be called back to work! Hasn't happened yet!
Furloughed Flight Attendant
Posted at: April 24, 2007 10:18 PM
Charles says:
I am one of the many flight attendants that was furloughed after 9/11. All that I am asking for is the "Right" to come back when needed by American Airlines nothing more nothing less. I would say that only 15 to 20 percent would actually come back to work for American Airlines.
Charles FURLOUGHED- 23YEARS as a Flight Attendant trustno1-1.blogspot.com
donotletterrorismwin.blogspot.com
Posted at: April 25, 2007 12:52 AM
Ex-TWA Flygirl says:
Tom Stanovich - You hit it right on the head - you are hearing the buzz.
Roger Graham is an amazing and dedicated person with the extreme courage to stand up to American Airlines. This cause of the little guy vs the unmovable corporate giant, maybe sometime soon, Michael Moore or at least 60 minutes will opt to do a piece.
Only knowing Roger as an ex TWA flight attendant, I have no doubt he would be sucessful in whatever he does but I think the cause now is not that some of the ex TWA flight attendants want to work for AA so badly but just the POINT of the issue. Like how dare they try to get away with what they have done to us. American Airlines wants us to keep quiet and go away about what they have done to us and stay out of the press and media. But the hardships, deaths and suicides of my collegues have haunted me deeply and well as the rest of us ex TWA flight attendants still waiting recall and I WON'T GIVE UP .
All we want is to be offered the CHANCE to say Yes or No to working for American Airlines. That is why I will stand by Roger Graham.
And to Tim W, AA spokesman, the reason why the service on AA is crAAp lately is because the flight attendants working now are stretched to the max and have been giving their all since 9/11. They need a break too. Bringing back some furloughed flight attendants to add an extra crew member to some routes and would provide a cushion the overworked crew is a win-win situation for passengers and employees, just think on it...
Posted at: April 25, 2007 9:26 AM
Carol B. says:
Mr. Arpey,
As one of the many who wish to return to the job that I known as my own, and as I read the newspaper report of how many flights have had to be cancelled because people were not available or legal for work why are you not recalling? We promise to be good and work nicely with others. We promise to promote the company. Why can't we come back?
I don't think it's the money, not when bonuses can be paid out as they seem to doing for the last two years.
Don't you think we are good enough to return to the work we love?
Posted at: April 25, 2007 10:41 AM
sue says:
CNN LARRY KING LIVE
Interview with Norman Mineta and Donald Carty
Aired November 19, 2001 - 21:00 ET
COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KING: Fulton, Indiana, we take another call for Don Carty, hello.
CALLER: Hello, my question is once business picks up, will the employees laid off from the September 11 attack, get their jobs back?
KING: Are you one of those, ma'am?
CALLER: No, I am not.
KING: OK.
CARTY: I'm glad you asked the question. Our primary objective is to get this airline rebuilt so we can do exactly that, recall all of the people that we had to furlough.
KING: How many were laid off?
CARTY: In the end, we were able to mitigate a lot of the 20,000, and it is down to -- about the 12 or 13,000 range. And what we are trying to do is very hard, is remember that those people, too, are part of the American airlines family. We are trying to stay linked to them, we have created a Web site for them. We are helping them with interim careers while they wait to be recalled.
KING: Do you expect to them to be recalled?
CARTY: Absolutely. We will get them all back to work
KING: Has government money come to you, or is that guaranteed loans?
CARTY: Some money came to us. The government actually allocated 5 billion dollars to the industry, as a grant to pay for the time that the airplanes were grounded and the ongoing economic effect of that. And then they are proffering $10 billion in loan guarantees. Of that first five billion, two and half billion of it or close to 2 1/2 billion has come to the airlines and we have received our share of that first...
The TWA Employees are still waiting for our share of the Gov bailout money! We are also holding AA accountable for the promises they made to the TWA EMPLOYESS AS WELL AS THE STATE OF MISSOURI!
Posted at: April 25, 2007 11:47 AM
David Collins says:
"Whatever your perception of the stock awards, and your crap service on AA, those situations have nothing to do with an obligation to which the company is contractually bound.
And yes, I'm a spokesman for AA."
This reply from a spokesman from AA is the very reason Tim W. is just that, a spokesperson. The messenger. Therefore, Tim and his duty to speak for someone that is now going to hide behind a contractual agreement. Please before you run into Tim on the street and give him a piece of your mind, remember this is not him talking. He is just the messenger. Letters of agreement signed by Mr. Arpey and APFA to assist during tough times cannot be drafted to assist those affected by 9-11? Thus is just one item of mismanagement that will directly affect the willingness to work with your unions that was so loudly touted when AA wanted something from labor.
Nationwide pickets over bonus payouts are over. The working pilots are running around the worlds airports with "Hats Off" showing their appreciation for top AA management. The flight attendants, battered from long hours on duty with minimum rest periods, probably are dishing out a crap product and it's the fault of the persons reaping the benefits. Is that a reason to take a bonus? You treat your people like crap, your company makes money, and you think your doing a good job. Beautiful.
Last week at Lambert STL, frequent flyers recognized many friends at the podiums as we passed out literature asking for support for a handful of jobs, lives, and careers to be spared after AA received taxpayer money to help save the company from imminent bankruptcy. Another item of where taxpaying citizens have been crapped on. Some of whom counted on a paycheck from AMR.
Although there were two different flight attendant groups the TWA jobless were not complaining about Mr. Arpey and his spare change, they simply want what was told to them they would have. JOBS.
Lawsuits that have little hope, grievance award money that was promised, contracts that were to be "Mirrored." All of that aside. Last weeks picket will find the TWA flight attendants true to the union that represents them. As stated by Gerard Arpey last week that he held little hope for the TWA peoples return because of the contractual agreement on 5 year recall, this is where the "crap" begins. This is an attempt to throw this back in the unions lap once again. It pits union brothers and sisters against each other as was done when this began with a freaking hot dog stand, some free cool aid, and Don Caarty feeding us some "crap" about a future.
I agree with the first statement by randy richardson. A clear failure of leadership.
David Collins 22years seniority
Posted at: April 25, 2007 2:24 PM
Val Kinealy says:
A simple Letter of Agreement between AA and
APFA (the Flight Attendant union) could extend the recall rights of all flight attendants who were furloughed, thereby giving everyone the option to return to their jobs at some point.
I've yet to hear the reasoning on either side
as to why this cannot be accomplished. Perhaps Tim W. could address this.
Thank you.
Posted at: April 25, 2007 2:38 PM
TWA Furloughed Flight Attendant says:
This comment is directed to Tim W., spokesman for AA. You write that AA can do nothing to extend the flight attendants recall rights as this is a contractual issue. Other AA spokespeople have used this comment when speaking to the media. To set the record straight, you should know that "letters of agreement" are often signed between the union and company to deal with issues such as this. Instead, AA asks the union to open up their contract and they will consider extending our recall rights. This is another smoke and mirrors tactic as everyone knows the union will never do this. The active flight attendants are not about to offer more givebacks to extend our recall as they feel they have given more than enough already. Especially in light of the recent executive bonuses. Heroes such as Roger Graham keep my faith in this country alive and I can only pray AMR will grow a conscience or the congress/media will help us out. Otherwise, we are yet another case of you're old/expensive and we can replace you with young/cheap labor. Please prove me wrong. I would love to have my career back.
Posted at: April 25, 2007 2:49 PM
budnick says:
The issue has always been money. Now it is obvious that it is not. The execs got the bonuses and cashed in on millions of shares of stock (see you may suffer too, general public). So why can't I work? Why after 30 years have I been put aside? I made about $23,000 a year as a flight attendant with AA and I am now too expensive to recall. I want to work and be an asset to my country and to my company, but for whatever excuse is given, I am not being given the chance to do just that.
AA come on call us back and give everyone a little common courtesy.
Posted at: April 25, 2007 4:17 PM
Rick G. says:
Actually, AA refused the federal bailout money. The bonus' are on the backs of the existing employees you took a 33% pay cut post 9/11 and haven't received any of the concessions back. Arpey should be ashamed of himself. Thanks corporate America!
Posted at: April 25, 2007 5:04 PM
PK says:
No Doubt a companies bottom line must be considered. Older more experienced employees cost more. Contracts are mutually agreed upon and herein lies the problem. Neither AA nor APFA claims to be the one responsible for the events leading up to and the resulting concessions to the Flight Attendant contract which will result in the loss of over 4,000 jobs most of which are former TWA Flight Attendants. We've seen Bogus elections, voting periods extended when the result was not to the companies liking, When Flight Attendants lost their jobs we saw their own union surrender their severance pay and while every other employee group and airline secured unlimited recall, This was not asked for and was conceded by APFA and not granted by AA as other airlines did voluntarily. People have lost homes, families have disolved, some have out of desperation taken their lives.
This is a simple issue and it involves just doing the right and easy thing.
What concerns me most is to believe that while every other airline rebounds and grows back after 911, while furloughed employees are welcomed back and new plane orders are made and while executives reap millions as their reward for keeping things on track.. AMR is apparently will to hold off of re expansion and growing even though all other carriers are with some even beginning to hire again, simply to get rid of TWA's former and award winning Flight Attendants.
If this is true then God help AMR because that is the most irresponsible and morally empty leadership I have seen in my experience with 6 airlines over 24 years. For APFA to have surrendered as much in concessions without asking for or securing a single thing in return such as non cost items is equally ignorant and irresponsible.
There are times when you just have to do whats right. Doing things behind the guise of a corporation the size of AMR does not excuse anyone from the moral responsibility they have.
Posted at: April 25, 2007 5:51 PM
Margaret says:
I am sure Tim W. of AA must realize that we furloughed F/A's are a little too saavy to buy the line about' their hands are tied' in reference to extension of our recall rights. It just doesn't fly (pardon the pun) Tim...As mentioned many times before, a simple letter of agreement can allow for our recall to happen at some time. We realize we won't all be recalled immediately in mass...We LOVED our CAREERS, and want the option to, at some time, be able to come back to do what we have been very well trained to do. TWA F/A's won JD Powers awards for our Customer Service...That shouldn't intimidate you, as I believe it must. You should embrace the possibility of having a group of F/A's available to return and give some relief to the rank and file on the line right now. The active F/A's are all exhausted from working so many hours, having their trips extended, and sent out on what they thought were going to be days off. It is only April and you are short staffed today....What do you imagine it will be like when the summer travel really gets going? It is unconscionable that Mr. Arpey and others have taken such HUGE bonuses, but refuse to pay for quality workers. By the way, Don Carty was the one who said we'd be paid at the scale AA put us at when we were taken by AA...Does the expression, "Fair and Equitable Treatment" mean anything to you? That is another expression Mr. Carty used when he promised the TWA workers we would keep our jobs. Shame on you all for your abundant greed!
Posted at: April 25, 2007 5:55 PM
Furloughed with over 20 yrs seniority says:
Come on, AA management, you remember what
"Letter of Agreement" are with your unions!!
That's all the TWA Flight Attendants are
asking for and rightfully deserve after a
national crisis like 9/11.
Posted at: April 25, 2007 7:37 PM
Rob says:
If AA wants to compete with all of the post bankruptcy carriers, it will need to strengthen and expand, while keeping and winning back customers.
It will only be able to do this with a seasoned proffesional work force in the air and on the ground.
It has several thousand experienced, dedicated employees that it has already made a promise to. All Mr Arpey and the leadership of the APFA have to do is the right thing. The TWA employees can stregthen AA if it is smart enough to give us a chance!!!
Just do the right thing!!!
Posted at: April 25, 2007 7:47 PM
Anonymous says:
Tim W--you talk about "crap service"? Well you can thank yourself (AA management)for implementing the no service that you have on your flights. Gone are the days of service and a nice meal--I believe pretzels aren't even an option anymore!! And with short staffing on your flights and making F/A's work on their days off what little morale the F/A's have is further squashed. Recall some flight attendants to give your workers some relief, properly staff your flights and provide your passengers with a little service.
Posted at: April 25, 2007 8:00 PM
Gale says:
American Airlines and APFA (the flight attendant union) CAN get together and write a "letter of agreement" to extend recall rights to the fuloughed AA and formerTWA flight attendants. It would be the decent and morally right thing to do. Obviously, if American can hand out millions of dollars in bonuses to so-called executives, then they can write a simple letter of agreement to extend recall rights to the flight attendants. They can also start recalling some of the furloughees to ease the burden on the current employees who are overextended and fatigued with the current flying situation. Trips are being cancelled due to lack of staffing. Recalling furloughed flight attendants would ease that situation. If American Airlines can hand out hundreds of millions of dollars in bonuses, then they should be able to put out a few dollars (comparably speaking) to get more flight attendants out on the line. We are experienced, hard-working employees - we are an asset to your company. American Airlines needs to step up to the plate and actually do the right thing and start putting the money back in the employees' pockets - not adding to the millions received by the "executives". Speaking of executives, are they the ones who actually do the work to attract and hopefully keep the customes? Are they the ones who come in contact with the actual paying customer? Has it ever occured to the "executives" who actually does the work to keep an airline running? Personally, I'd like to know what those 800+ executives did to earn such huge bonuses. AA - how about taking some initiative, get together with APFA and write that letter of agreement? It's the right thing to do.
Posted at: April 25, 2007 8:23 PM
Julia says:
SHAME ON YOU, AA and APFA! Do the right thing and extend the recall rights of those effected by 9/11. Don't let us become further victomized by the terrorist acts of 9/11.
After working over a quarter of a century I will leave American Airlines, by falling off the recall list in May of 2008, with no benefits, medical or retirement. Invest your MONEY wisely, MR. Arpey. God forbid you ever find yourself in the situation you, AA and APFA have put the former TWA employees in.
Bravo to Roger Graham for his determination in this matter!
Posted at: April 25, 2007 8:49 PM
MPT says:
What has happened in this country, how much does it take one or some individuals to survive. Is this about who has more or who makes more. The employee suffers and the general flying public suffers, the only ones who win are those who go running to the bank with their bonuses or golden parachutes. Both management and unions have a Moral and Ethical responsibility to those they employ, what has happened to that, being proud to work for a certain company and wanting to retire with as much dignity as possible. What mixed signals we are giving to all, especially our own children when we tell them to do the RIGHT THING. What is that anymore, can you please tell me Mr Arpey and Ms Huto-Blake ? Way to go Roger, it is nice to see the unbiased facts for a change.
Posted at: April 25, 2007 9:53 PM
Steve Kornman says:
Roger Graham has stood up for the morally right thing...to do what you say and say what you mean.
Basically, AA will be at loggerheads with its flight attendant union and let passengers suffer lousy service because the company and the union posture for contract negotiations, while flights go out severely short staffed.
How convenient when the AA or the union can side a quick "side agreement" when it suits them BUT not to recall or extend recall to each and every furloughed employee.
The union should be held accountable for not representing ALL OF ITS MEMBERS and AA has no conscience for accepting federal bailouts from 9/11 and not MAKING ONE EFFORT to extend recall to all employees.
Oh, I almost forgot, Tim W. I am a spokesperson for Roger Graham and a TWA furloughee.
Posted at: April 25, 2007 10:22 PM
valerie hitchins says:
Maybe Larry King should be brought back into this.But this time it would be the TWA F/A's and Gerard Arpey. Valerie
Posted at: April 25, 2007 11:51 PM
MPT says:
When does a company or a union have any responsibity to their own employees? Where does a Moral or Ethical responsiblity to the employees come to play? When is enough money enough? Roger, thank you for being so tenacious and thank you for telling the facts.
Posted at: April 25, 2007 11:55 PM
Tes says:
I would like to know why the execs of this company and country feel entitled to multi-million dollar salaries for the work that they do but consistently devalue the front line employees who actually work with their customers and provide services. AA customers would be better served by having an adequate number of employees to check in customers at the ticket counters and gates and enough flight crew to keep from canceling flights. The execs should be ashamed of themselves for taking such a large bonus while they are chronically short of employees who actually do the work.
Posted at: April 26, 2007 4:26 AM
Ron Valentino says:
It is totally unconscionable the way American Airlines has treated furloughed workers from 9/11 . Hiding behind a "contract" with the flight attendant union to unload itself of a more senior group of flight attendants is corporate shenanigans at its lowest level ever! Do the "Wright" thing and when the time comes return all former employees to their jobs.
Posted at: April 26, 2007 5:21 AM
jojo says:
I have always wanted to return to the only work I have known since I started nearly 30 years ago. Mostly because I like being able to pay my bills and also because I love my job and the comfort of knowing I do it well. But, even more than wanting my job back I NEED it back. It is my only chance at any piece of mind that I will be able to provide for myself when I am no longer able to work. If not recalled by this time next year I will never recieve the retirement I earned over the last three decades. No money, no benefits, no medical insurance, nothing to show for the last 30 years except a full sickbank that I earned over those many years, never used and may never see (you must retire to cash it in). I am the sole wage earner and caretaker for myself and there is not a day that goes by that I don't worry about time running out. I am one of many of us living in this state of fear. The only thing more horrific than the actual events of 911 is that American Airlines senior managment has, and continue to, manipulate and use this tragedy to benefit their own financial greed. AA is flying their planes short staffed, keeping flight attendants out longer than schedualed, not allowing any personal days off, allowing those flight attendants desperate for money to rack up more and more overtime inspite of contract limits, even canceling flights due to lack of staffing. AA has eliminated many customer services even added to safety concerns with fatigued flight attendants and fewer of them. This is so wrong on so many levels.
Posted at: April 26, 2007 1:50 PM
Derek Foster says:
Unless American Airlines makes good on the promises of their predecessors, it will be unlikely they will ever be given Congressional approval again to purchase another carrier. This whole mess would have been swept under the rug without even a whimper, but then again, I don't think American realized that good people like this Roger guy wasn't going to let them step on thousands of people without raising Cane. It's a terrible thing that is happening and what's even worse the union and American both could use this guy and colleagues talents.
Posted at: April 26, 2007 8:46 PM
Jan says:
Way to go American! Is it any wonder that in the eyes of the world the USA is no longer admired or respected? Your wealth has been made for you by the sacrifices of many hard working dedicated employees. When you look in the mirror I know you see a wealthy man--but you will not find a man of principle looking back at you. Shame!! I loved my job and was heartbroken when it was taken from us. I felt forced to retire in order to have health insurance, but I must say that my $81.55/mo pales in the blaze of bonuses doled out to the heirarchy. To think that these bonuses would have allowed the TWA and the 99 AA flight attendants furloughed after the horror of 9-11 to continue their employment is sickening. American---the robber baron of the new mellenia.
Posted at: April 26, 2007 9:58 PM
Don says:
Arpey receives $6.6 million in stock and sells it right away {he doesn't have much faith in the company}. The poor over worked emplyees at AA take a 4 year paycut, and I'm sure they're feeling pretty foolish right about now. The bankruptcy threat works all the time!!! Is APFA in bed with the company or what???
Posted at: April 26, 2007 11:03 PM
karen marshall says:
As part of the aquisition, American offered virtually all TWA Employees employment. Purchase offer as follows; provide employment benefits and post-retirement benefits to all employess hired by purchaser (American) at levels substaintially no less favorable then those benefits provided to purchaser's (American's) similarly situated employees. American promised the TWA Employees Fair and Equitable treatment. We believed them, the same way Don Carty (former CEO) had stated before the U.S Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, his commitment to adding TWA's 20,000 employees to the American Family. Mr. Carty said what the Senate Committee and the Bankruptcy Court needed to hear to approve the deal with no intention whatsoever of living up to those commitments. Unknown to us (TWA) at the time, American was also making promises to their unions. American promises of employment was and still is a hollow one. We, the TWA Employees only ask that American Airlines live up to their promise of FAIR AND EQUITABLE for ALL TWA EMPLOYEES. It will be very difficult for American to convince Congress of any future purchases of another carrier. Sounds like Roger Graham has been gathering alot of support and along with many legislators, American will be under their watchful eye.
Posted at: April 26, 2007 11:13 PM
mags says:
AA, shame on you!!! Whenever I see or hear a commercial for AA I hear you trying to sound like one of the 'regular guys'. Compassionate, knowing you, the traveler, wants to be at home with your family...or make it to that baseball game you promised your son you'd take him to. GAG! While the concept is very heartwarming, the reality of how unscrupulous and greedy AA is makes these ads a total joke. You (AA) don't care about anyone but your own personal pocketbooks. I had over 30 yrs. seniority when my CAREER was stolen by AA and APFA. It is a career that I loved, did well, and hope to have the opportunity to return to some day. I have had many conversations with the active F/A's at AA. Many of them realize how unfairly we have been treated by upper management and the union. I have had several say how much they hope to work with us (TWA furloughees) in the near future. We know the rank and file active employees are not 'the enemy'....we can play well with others; give us a chance! Extending our recall rights (unlimited) is the morally right thing to do. Tim W., Mr. Arpey, any of you 'big guns' (Tim, I realize you aren't really a 'big gun' merely a mouthpiece for them) ...How would you like to be over 50 and thrown away from a career you have been working for over 30 years....We had NO severance pay, 1 mo. insurance, and no respect (from management or union) for a job well done. Think about it. How would you pay your bills and feed your family? Do any of you 'big guns' have kids in college? Any illness that you have NO insurance for? How selfish and greedy can you be? APFA tells us it isn't their fault we haven't been recalled, the company says the same. Quit using each other as an excuse. Grow up and accept responsibility for the 4,000 F/As you have put out of work....not to mention the thousands and thousands of others from the various other work gropus from TWA that were promised "fair and equitable treatment' by AA. Please stop this nonsense by extending our recall rights! By that agreement (easily done in a letter of agreement) you can gain respect throughout the country...not just airline employees, but many, many other people. If you can play fair with us, possibly the government might play fair with you when/if you want to take another airline. AA has always prided itself in being the #1 largest airline. How much longer can you retain that prized position while other airlines are ALL hiring employees (because their furloughees are back on the line)...but you are being stubborn and hoping you can wait us out until we fall off the recall list? Now, go and do the RIGHT thing! (extended recall)
Posted at: April 27, 2007 9:16 AM
david collins says:
Thank you Dallas Observer. Your article about the executive payouts at American Airlines, the treatment of the TWA people, and the native American employees that were bamboozled into thinking that this was about alliance between labor and management, once again casts light on what our country has become. Enron Corp. gathered media attention for a while and it was back to business as usual.
Tim W.(And yes, I'm a spokesman for AA) was correct in his statement about contractual issues regarding 5 year recall. However, the rebuts to his statement have been logical and most of all, ETHICAL.
I'm not going to hold my breath for further discussion out of the messenger. I believe actions speak louder than words. Therefore, thank you Roger Graham, and everyone involved in correcting this wrong.
Posted at: April 27, 2007 9:16 AM
SUE says:
Arpey held out little hope for former TWA flight attendants who would like to see expired or soon-to-expire recall rights extended, saying treatment of furloughed employees is governed by a contract.
Arpey, we feel the same way. We also hold out little hope for American Airlines to remain in the number One position much longer. WE are tired of being your BAIT with regards to our recall extention being governed by a contract. The Unions didn't promise Fair and Equitable Treatment, YOU, American Airlines made that statement.
American Airlines promised in front of Congress, Court, and TWA EMPLOYEES that we would have FAIR AND EQUITABLE TREATMENT from American Airlines. Until this is resolved within the Company, We will continue to hold American Airlines, not the unions accountable to this promise!
We are not going away. We will be at any Congressional Hearing with regards to any future purchases of another carrier. Our voices are being heard. We have Senators, Mayors addressing this issue with American. American Airlines will soon feel the effects of being FENCED IN!!! While other carriers are expanding, you American Airlines will begin to slip into the Number TWO postion. We will never allow you to continue this behavior with another carrier. We will continue with OUR FIGHT FOR JUSTICE, and we're just getting started!
Posted at: April 27, 2007 10:28 AM
PK says:
What Mr. Arpey and all those who benefitted from the executive payout should know as they proudly proclaim success in keeping a company going is simple this... The measure of a man is not made when times are good, that's easy.. you find out who you are when times are bad and you rise to the occassion.
Taking money and jobs from the backs of workers you are are responsible for keeping the money for the few of you while you stand by watching their lives deteriorate and become less is nothing even close to success.
They should be giving money back, not rewarding their failure.
Posted at: April 27, 2007 10:47 AM
UnAmerican Airlines says:
No Executive should receive MILLOINS in Bonuses while the ONLY work group on AA property without "Unlimited" Recall Rights are the Flight Attendants. Our limited (FIVE) years recall rights have been expiring and all of us will be off the payroll summer of 2008 Thank You AMR and APFA!!!
Please visit this blog:
http://trustno1-1.blogspot.com
Please Support "Extended Recall Rights" for All American Airlines Flight Attendant.
Posted at: April 27, 2007 4:34 PM
sue2 says:
2700 AA employees have been furloughed. THey lose their recall rights July 2008. THese are former TWAers with 20-35 years experience in aviation-many have lost their homes/livilihood, while AA has provided no HEATHCARE/INSURANCE. It is a 'pipe dream' for those furloughed parents to send their children to college .
I am behind Roger Graham 100%. He is the impedemy of a great spokesperson for the former TWAers along with many former TWA Angels who stand beside him. Many who would like to be recalled to their jobs in STL and New York.
For Tim W (AA Spokesperson), I challenge you to answer in behalf of Arpey after reading these replies. Perhaps AA Legal has suggested that you shut your mouth and that you remain anonymous in responding. After all, You are under the AA thumb of what can be said and perhaps have been given a gag order. Im sorry if your tongue has been removed-that must hurt.
In my estimation, AA MGT is about the $$/bonuses. AA will relish the day the former TWers Fall off the recall list because they can hire newbys at new hire pay.Watch what happens after July 2008, once the last AAer (TWA) drops off the employment roster. My prediction? AA will hire in droves. Mgt will be licking their chops AGAIN on the backs of all employees. Wake up, DFW employees! and other AA bases. Let your voices be heard.
AA Employees need to speak up now! The treatment of AA employees is a travesty and disgusting. Look at Enron, Worldcom,......
It is easy to forget or choose not to be involved, especially if it doesnt touch YOU personally. I think AA employees' have been maimed and all should take time in the day to be vocal. Step up to the plate or just wait until AA is acquired/merged with another airline-Maybe, THAT would get your attention.
Posted at: April 27, 2007 7:26 PM
sue2 says:
2700 AA employees have been furloughed. THey lose their recall rights July 2008. THese are former TWAers with 20-35 years experience in aviation-many have lost their homes/livilihood, while AA has provided no HEATHCARE/INSURANCE. It is a 'pipe dream' for those furloughed parents to send their children to college .
I am behind Roger Graham 100%. He is the impedemy of a great spokesperson for the former TWAers along with many former TWA Angels who stand beside him. Many who would like to be recalled to their jobs in STL and New York.
For Tim W (AA Spokesperson), I challenge you to answer in behalf of Arpey after reading these replies. Perhaps AA Legal has suggested that you shut your mouth and that you remain anonymous in responding. After all, You are under the AA thumb of what can be said and perhaps have been given a gag order. Im sorry if your tongue has been removed-that must hurt.
In my estimation, AA MGT is about the $$/bonuses. AA will relish the day the former TWers Fall off the recall list because they can hire newbys at new hire pay.Watch what happens after July 2008, once the last AAer (TWA) drops off the employment roster. My prediction? AA will hire in droves. Mgt will be licking their chops AGAIN on the backs of all employees. Wake up, DFW employees! and other AA bases. Let your voices be heard.
AA Employees need to speak up now! The treatment of AA employees is a travesty and disgusting. Look at Enron, Worldcom,......
It is easy to forget or choose not to be involved, especially if it doesnt touch YOU personally. I think AA employees' have been maimed and all should take time in the day to be vocal. Step up to the plate or just wait until AA is acquired/merged with another airline-Maybe, THAT would get your attention.
Posted at: April 27, 2007 7:28 PM
Patty says:
I had 24 yrs with TWA and 2 with AA when I got furloughed after the events of 911. I am a single parent with 3 children in college. It has been a big struggle. I make half what I made with the airlines because I was 48 when furloughed and was not Powerpoint, Excel or Word savvy to go out and get a job that was not entry level. How dare AA and APFA not to extend recall rights for all furloughed employees. Shame on you! Live in my shoes and struggle to get my kids through college and pay my bills. I was an Award Of Excellence employee with TWA and have numerous "orchid" letters from passengers. AA needs us...extend recall rights!!!!
Posted at: April 27, 2007 8:57 PM
Robert Applegate says:
I am not sure that Tim W. is the spokeperson for American Airlines, but if his perception is that AA has crap service, maybe it is a matter of trickle down human resource waste.
"THIS IS NOTHING TO SNICKER ABOUT" or attempt to wash your hands of because you have willfully purged your company of JD Powers Award Winners for passenger service.
May 17th we were at Lambert Airport passing flyers, asking passegers to join Senator Claire McCaskill(D-MO),Mayors Slay,Barnes,Cafazza, and Gates, as well as, Congressman Cleaver, in urging American Airlines CEO Gerard Arpey to do the American thing and "EXTEND THE RECALL RIGHTS" of those former TWA and AA employees that are laid off and being terminated because of the dastardly attacks of 9/11.
On a personal note I would like to add that I started my career as a flight attendant in the summer of 1976 which will end up in the crapper on July 2, 2008, 11 days short of retirement, with no medical,no passes, no severance, and no pension worth mentioning.
None of the people who have been victemized in the aftermath of 9/11 deserve to be handed a lame excuse of nothing can be done. I think we all know what that balloon is filled with and will not fly under the oversite of congressional review.
Posted at: April 27, 2007 9:09 PM
Nene Caferin says:
I am an AMR stockholder. I find it repulsive and unfair that AMR is probably hiring foreign flight attendants; expanding American Eagle flights while AA Flights Attendants are still on furlough. The AA Flight Attendant Union should monitor this closely and not allow it to happen!
Posted at: April 27, 2007 10:52 PM
Mary Pat Taylor says:
Mr. Arpey and Ms Hutto-Blake,
The company says it is up to the union to make this injustice right, the union on the other hand says it is the company's responsibility. When it is both the company and the union's responsibility to protect those who cannot be present to represent themselves during the so called negotiations that took place, how could the company and union negotiate severence pay away and not know in their hearts that this was both morally and ethically wrong. What has happened to human decency and integrity in our American companies today. You, the company furloughed the last 1200 remaining Twa f/as to the streets without severence pay because it was negotiated away as a cost saving factor and both parties knew in their hearts which employees they were doing this to. Again, we were the only group that this was done too. Mr Arpey, do you think this was right? Please do not say it was negotiated away. Was there not one person on that negotiating team that thought this was unfair or unjust? What values are left in our society today? Did not one person on either side not see that the only people who lost in the concessions were going to be the TWA/AA flight attendants.
Put yourself in my position, my last announcement made as a f/a after we landed in STL was "On behalf of American Airlines and your entire crew, we would like to welcome you to St Louis, Missouri". On that crew alone, we had well over 100years of dedicated service and there was not one person to wish us well or even say good luck. I only hope this never happens to you or anyone you know, because I know in my heart that I could never even want to wish this on those who negotiated my career away.
Posted at: April 28, 2007 12:57 AM
Robert Applegate says:
I would like to add to and correct previous comments I made on this blog. First of all it was April 17th not May 17th that some of us furloughed AA/TWA-LLC employees assembled in St.Louis and other locations to appeal to our community and taxpayers, who kept American Airlines a viable carrier through uncertain times.
It is apparent that none of the nearly $840 million in aid, that American Airlines received, will be used to aid those unspoken victems, furloughed in the aftermath of 9/11. What if your your employees and taxpayers would have had the same attitude, that it is out of our control and our hands are tied by contractual language? Where would American Airlines be?
The sum of bonuses received by Executives is equivalent to all the profits earned since 2000 at American Airlines. Only 5% of these bonus monies would save jobs and extend a hand up to those being terminated by the 5 year window of recall.
American taxpayers and employees responded when the airline service industry was on the ropes. It's time the American Executives respond in same kind.
Posted at: April 28, 2007 1:02 AM
Cowgirl says:
The recent bonuses given to AA execs cast a spotlight on how obscene the imbalance is between Corporate America and the rapidly disappearing middle class in this country.
I am also a former TWA flight attendant on furlough from American Airlines. Thank you Roger, and all the other furloughed employees who fight to keep our story heard.
We must continue to fight for recall extension not only for ourselves as a work group, but to set an example for all the hard working people in this country who find themselves outsourced, overworked and underpaid.
Ladies and gentlement, The American Airlines bonuses highlight the downside of our free market system. Shame on American Airlines executives and their CORPORATE GREED.
Posted at: April 28, 2007 8:25 AM
Pearl says:
Unbelievable! You would think these people were asking for a handout. They just want to work at the same job they have had for decades. If not right now whenever they are needed. What is the problem? Contracts are ammended on a daily basis in this country. Mr Arpey has said his hands were tied to help this group because of their contract. Mr Arpey, just for the sake of argument, why don't you make an offer to the union to change the wording of the contract? If it really cannot be done it won't be for your lack of trying. We all want and need to believe that not ALL CEO's are without a conscience.
Posted at: April 28, 2007 9:31 AM
Richard says:
Corporate greed is alive and thriving in America. Take from the workers and give to the executives....and sleep with the union!
American Airlines and the APFA Union (representatives for the AA flight attendants) are both responsible for this travesty. There have been many "side agreements" made to the current contract in the past, when it suited the company and the union, without opening the ENTIRE contract.
American's posturing and APFA's failure to push the issue, extension of recall rights,
has sent the message loud and clear, "WE DON'T WANT THE FORMER TWA FLIGHT ATTENDANTS BACK!"
Posted at: April 28, 2007 11:04 AM
nick says:
Just remember that what has happened to the TWA flight attendants can happen to anyone. When I tell this story to people they cannot believe it. Well believe it and everyone wake up to what is going on in corporate America. Flight attendants with 20-30 years of service are going to lose their jobs with no pension and no benefits.
Posted at: April 28, 2007 1:34 PM
Robert Applegate says:
Tim W. says: The company can not unilaterally change the contract.
I would like to site an instance when American Airlines extended Longevity Bonuses and Pay Scale against the objection of APFA, to the former AA/TWA-LLC flight attendants.
I would also like to know if you could explain how it was that Don Carty, former CEO American Airlines and John Ward, former APFA union president, were able to extend time limit on the vote on concessions, unilaterally changing contract language, when the vote was not going as planned?
Posted at: April 28, 2007 1:46 PM
Val says:
Imagine if you will, to walk a mile in our shoes.
Posted at: April 28, 2007 6:00 PM
Martie says:
American accepted government funds for the purpose of keeping their wings in the air due to the down turn in business caused by 9/11. They closed TWA's base in New York while they expanded their own, and had to force American Airlines Flight Attendants to relocate to New York, at the same time forcing TWA Flight Attendants to leave New York to be based in St. Louis. I chose to commute since I have six children whose entire childhood had been spent in New York. I did this from 10/2001 - 4/2003--the day they laid -off my seniority with 24 years of service.
We attend training every year -recurrent training that brings us up to date on safety issues including hi-jackings, dismantling of on-board bombs,latest CPR, and first aid techniques. The only training for hi-jackings -was the Stockholm- syndrome; a syndrome in which the captives begin to side with their captures,and the only knowledge shared of terrorist groups was recent activities of groups like the HAMAS. Hi-jackings until 9/11 meant the preservation of the aircraft as a tool for negotiating, as well as assuring the release of those onboard as the hi-jackers let their plight be heard. Not even AA could have prepared us for what did transpire that day. So if they couldn't with their resources, how do you think we should have know to negotiate a contract for unlimited recall. Every other company has hired back all that wished to return to flying except AA. All other carriers are hiring off the street. AA seems to be purposely flying short staffed, and causing schedule changes to extend the scheduled flights of flight attendants out on trips to make up for the shortages--noted in this past weeks schedule. Such extremes to not take us back--why??? Are they going to hire from the street at the day after the five years limit is up?Has corporate "American" decided somehow that the restoration of these careers for the less than 3000 remaining on the street,cost too much,( statistics show that 40% will choose not to return) when at the same time, wishes to utilize more than twice that amount to pay just one individual, Arpey.
To Timm AA Spokesperson -- I was in the sky with my life on the line for this comapny, at 8:47 am over Manhattan on 9/11 - and yes it was a widebody aircraft fully fueled with three men of Middle Eastern descent onboard. I did not ask for a hand out from the governement for persons effected by 9/11 as I thought I still had a job and career - one that I could look forward to retiring from with a pension,medical and flight benefits. I was under 50 at the time of the furlough, and will receive nothing for the years I put in, while person's like Arpey will have more than he could reasonably spend in a life time.
Get AA to
Posted at: April 28, 2007 7:07 PM
Mon Apr 23, 2007 at 05:05:38 PM
Whenever you get crap service on American Airlines, just remember, Gerard Arpey made $6.6 million -- this week.Gerard Arpey, boss man over at American Airlines, got $5.4 million last year -- and, oh, another bonus worth $6.6 million this week. So reports the Associated Press today -- as well as a press release we just got from something called the Association of Furloughed Flight Attendants, who express their extreme displeasure with Arpey's big bag o' dough-re-mi. Says our press release, Arpey's raking in the big bucks while, at the same time, shoving to the curb former Trans World Airlines employees who were supposed to keep their jobs when AA bought TWA for $500 mil in cash back in 2001. Their pissed-off press release is after the jump. --Robert Wilonsky
American's Arpey Gets $10.2 Million Former TWA Employees Cry Foul
St. Louis, MO -- AMR Corp parent of American Airlines paid Chief Executive Gerard Arpey a total compensation package of $10.2 million for 2006. American Airlines returned to profitability after a five year string of losses.
That has the former employees of TWA crying foul. American Airlines purchased TWA in 2001 and coined the phrase "Two Great Airlines -- One Great Future." After giving job assurances to the TWA employees and Congress for a fast track approval of the acquisition, only seven percent of the entire TWA workforce remains employed. One work group that was most affected are the approximate 4,000 former TWA flight attendants. To date, "Not a single one is employed," states Roger Graham who served TWA for 18 years as a flight attendant.
The flight attendants of the now defunct TWA, many of which had 20 to 40 years seniority, were placed onto the bottom of the seniority list at American by the Association of Professional Flight Attendants union and were the first to be laid off after the 9/11 attacks, with the right to
return for five years as vacancies occurred. To date, American Airlines is the only airline that has terminated its flight attendants because of 9/11.
The former TWA attendants are fighting to have their recall rights extended due to the extenuating circumstances of 9/11 and have become quite vocal in recent months. On April 17th, separate and apart from their union, held an informational rally at Lambert St. Louis, International Airport deploring an estimated $160 million in executive bonuses. Those familiar with the situation say only five percent of the executive bonuses would save their jobs by extending their recall rights. The executive bonuses are in addition to the 2006 compensation received by Arpey.
"It's nothing short of greed when one man's annual income could extend the recall rights of 4,000 people, thus saving their jobs. It gives a whole new meaning to 'One Great Future.' The question is, who's?" states Graham.
Category: Probably Insignificant Aviation News
53 Comments:
randy richardson says:
This is a clear failure of leadership. Asking your employees to make financial sacrifices and then financial benefiting from the company's rebound is shameful and unethical. Mr. Arpey should return his entire bonus.
Posted at: April 23, 2007 10:40 PM
Tim W. says:
Arpey can't do anything about the furloughed attendants. The flight attendants union has a contract with AA that stipulates the amount of time a furloughed employee can remain employed. That time was decided on by the union itself, and the company can not unilaterally change the contract.
Whatever your perception of the stock awards, and your crap service on AA, those situations have nothing to do with an obligation to which the company is contractually bound.
And yes, I'm a spokesman for AA.
Posted at: April 24, 2007 9:33 AM
Lee says:
Uh, Mr. Tim W. AA spokesman. AAs crap service has quite a bit to do with it. Think about it.
Posted at: April 24, 2007 11:39 AM
Chris says:
Lets get back to the REAL world now... (where unions don't exist)
Look at ANY non-union fortune 500 company, and tell me an instance where the executives give back to the employees... And TWA flight attendants, be glad your in a union, otherwise, you would have been fired for good, with zero money.
Posted at: April 24, 2007 2:26 PM
Tom Stanovich says:
I have read about this Flight Attendant from TWA. Kudo's to him for standing up to American. I'm not sure why he would want to work for such an unethical company, He needs to become a politician.
Posted at: April 24, 2007 8:37 PM
Jim says:
Tim W. AA spokesman, you have it all wrong. Arpey can do something about the 5 year recall limit. It is not set by the union, it is negotiated between the union and the company. If Arpey wanted to extend recall the union would go along with it. It could be done outside of formal negotiations with a simple letter of agreement.
Arpey used to be considered to be making modest pay in comparison to other airline CEO's. Not any more Mister $10 million dollar man.
Posted at: April 24, 2007 9:46 PM
karen marshall says:
Mr. Arpey,
It's undisputable that the results from the tragic events of 911 played a major role in the down sizing of AA. We would all agree that 911 was a historical event in America, a tragic day for all. The Government even agreed and came to your aid, something that isn't a STANDARD practice. So please tell us how you can still claim the STANDARD RECALL FOR ANY EMPLOYEE remains the same even after the 911 events? After the Gov bailout, you're receiving bonuses, bonuses at the expense of all employees, especially the FURLOUGHED GROUP, mainly the TWA GROUP. The GOV offered you a hand up, not a hand out! We, the Furloughed Group which includes both AA and TWA employees deserve the same, a hand up! Remember that the next time you find yourself glancing over at THE GREAT PURPLE DINOSAUR; you just might want to save some of his magical powers, because you're going to need a miracle if there ever comes a time when AA finds them in a position to possibly acquire or merge with another carrier. You will need to sprinkle the magic dust while you're explaining to congress how you will protect the next carrier’s employees; after all, AA promised us the TWA group the same. We have only 7 %( seven percent) of TWA employees on the property. So tell us again how TWO GREAT AIRLINES EQUAL ONE GREAT FUTURE? How is this Fair and Equitable, as promised by AA to the TWA employees? Don Carty even stated on Larry King live back in NOV, 2001 that ALL TWA EMPLOYEES would be called back to work! Hasn't happened yet!
Furloughed Flight Attendant
Posted at: April 24, 2007 10:18 PM
Charles says:
I am one of the many flight attendants that was furloughed after 9/11. All that I am asking for is the "Right" to come back when needed by American Airlines nothing more nothing less. I would say that only 15 to 20 percent would actually come back to work for American Airlines.
Charles FURLOUGHED- 23YEARS as a Flight Attendant trustno1-1.blogspot.com
donotletterrorismwin.blogspot.com
Posted at: April 25, 2007 12:52 AM
Ex-TWA Flygirl says:
Tom Stanovich - You hit it right on the head - you are hearing the buzz.
Roger Graham is an amazing and dedicated person with the extreme courage to stand up to American Airlines. This cause of the little guy vs the unmovable corporate giant, maybe sometime soon, Michael Moore or at least 60 minutes will opt to do a piece.
Only knowing Roger as an ex TWA flight attendant, I have no doubt he would be sucessful in whatever he does but I think the cause now is not that some of the ex TWA flight attendants want to work for AA so badly but just the POINT of the issue. Like how dare they try to get away with what they have done to us. American Airlines wants us to keep quiet and go away about what they have done to us and stay out of the press and media. But the hardships, deaths and suicides of my collegues have haunted me deeply and well as the rest of us ex TWA flight attendants still waiting recall and I WON'T GIVE UP .
All we want is to be offered the CHANCE to say Yes or No to working for American Airlines. That is why I will stand by Roger Graham.
And to Tim W, AA spokesman, the reason why the service on AA is crAAp lately is because the flight attendants working now are stretched to the max and have been giving their all since 9/11. They need a break too. Bringing back some furloughed flight attendants to add an extra crew member to some routes and would provide a cushion the overworked crew is a win-win situation for passengers and employees, just think on it...
Posted at: April 25, 2007 9:26 AM
Carol B. says:
Mr. Arpey,
As one of the many who wish to return to the job that I known as my own, and as I read the newspaper report of how many flights have had to be cancelled because people were not available or legal for work why are you not recalling? We promise to be good and work nicely with others. We promise to promote the company. Why can't we come back?
I don't think it's the money, not when bonuses can be paid out as they seem to doing for the last two years.
Don't you think we are good enough to return to the work we love?
Posted at: April 25, 2007 10:41 AM
sue says:
CNN LARRY KING LIVE
Interview with Norman Mineta and Donald Carty
Aired November 19, 2001 - 21:00 ET
COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KING: Fulton, Indiana, we take another call for Don Carty, hello.
CALLER: Hello, my question is once business picks up, will the employees laid off from the September 11 attack, get their jobs back?
KING: Are you one of those, ma'am?
CALLER: No, I am not.
KING: OK.
CARTY: I'm glad you asked the question. Our primary objective is to get this airline rebuilt so we can do exactly that, recall all of the people that we had to furlough.
KING: How many were laid off?
CARTY: In the end, we were able to mitigate a lot of the 20,000, and it is down to -- about the 12 or 13,000 range. And what we are trying to do is very hard, is remember that those people, too, are part of the American airlines family. We are trying to stay linked to them, we have created a Web site for them. We are helping them with interim careers while they wait to be recalled.
KING: Do you expect to them to be recalled?
CARTY: Absolutely. We will get them all back to work
KING: Has government money come to you, or is that guaranteed loans?
CARTY: Some money came to us. The government actually allocated 5 billion dollars to the industry, as a grant to pay for the time that the airplanes were grounded and the ongoing economic effect of that. And then they are proffering $10 billion in loan guarantees. Of that first five billion, two and half billion of it or close to 2 1/2 billion has come to the airlines and we have received our share of that first...
The TWA Employees are still waiting for our share of the Gov bailout money! We are also holding AA accountable for the promises they made to the TWA EMPLOYESS AS WELL AS THE STATE OF MISSOURI!
Posted at: April 25, 2007 11:47 AM
David Collins says:
"Whatever your perception of the stock awards, and your crap service on AA, those situations have nothing to do with an obligation to which the company is contractually bound.
And yes, I'm a spokesman for AA."
This reply from a spokesman from AA is the very reason Tim W. is just that, a spokesperson. The messenger. Therefore, Tim and his duty to speak for someone that is now going to hide behind a contractual agreement. Please before you run into Tim on the street and give him a piece of your mind, remember this is not him talking. He is just the messenger. Letters of agreement signed by Mr. Arpey and APFA to assist during tough times cannot be drafted to assist those affected by 9-11? Thus is just one item of mismanagement that will directly affect the willingness to work with your unions that was so loudly touted when AA wanted something from labor.
Nationwide pickets over bonus payouts are over. The working pilots are running around the worlds airports with "Hats Off" showing their appreciation for top AA management. The flight attendants, battered from long hours on duty with minimum rest periods, probably are dishing out a crap product and it's the fault of the persons reaping the benefits. Is that a reason to take a bonus? You treat your people like crap, your company makes money, and you think your doing a good job. Beautiful.
Last week at Lambert STL, frequent flyers recognized many friends at the podiums as we passed out literature asking for support for a handful of jobs, lives, and careers to be spared after AA received taxpayer money to help save the company from imminent bankruptcy. Another item of where taxpaying citizens have been crapped on. Some of whom counted on a paycheck from AMR.
Although there were two different flight attendant groups the TWA jobless were not complaining about Mr. Arpey and his spare change, they simply want what was told to them they would have. JOBS.
Lawsuits that have little hope, grievance award money that was promised, contracts that were to be "Mirrored." All of that aside. Last weeks picket will find the TWA flight attendants true to the union that represents them. As stated by Gerard Arpey last week that he held little hope for the TWA peoples return because of the contractual agreement on 5 year recall, this is where the "crap" begins. This is an attempt to throw this back in the unions lap once again. It pits union brothers and sisters against each other as was done when this began with a freaking hot dog stand, some free cool aid, and Don Caarty feeding us some "crap" about a future.
I agree with the first statement by randy richardson. A clear failure of leadership.
David Collins 22years seniority
Posted at: April 25, 2007 2:24 PM
Val Kinealy says:
A simple Letter of Agreement between AA and
APFA (the Flight Attendant union) could extend the recall rights of all flight attendants who were furloughed, thereby giving everyone the option to return to their jobs at some point.
I've yet to hear the reasoning on either side
as to why this cannot be accomplished. Perhaps Tim W. could address this.
Thank you.
Posted at: April 25, 2007 2:38 PM
TWA Furloughed Flight Attendant says:
This comment is directed to Tim W., spokesman for AA. You write that AA can do nothing to extend the flight attendants recall rights as this is a contractual issue. Other AA spokespeople have used this comment when speaking to the media. To set the record straight, you should know that "letters of agreement" are often signed between the union and company to deal with issues such as this. Instead, AA asks the union to open up their contract and they will consider extending our recall rights. This is another smoke and mirrors tactic as everyone knows the union will never do this. The active flight attendants are not about to offer more givebacks to extend our recall as they feel they have given more than enough already. Especially in light of the recent executive bonuses. Heroes such as Roger Graham keep my faith in this country alive and I can only pray AMR will grow a conscience or the congress/media will help us out. Otherwise, we are yet another case of you're old/expensive and we can replace you with young/cheap labor. Please prove me wrong. I would love to have my career back.
Posted at: April 25, 2007 2:49 PM
budnick says:
The issue has always been money. Now it is obvious that it is not. The execs got the bonuses and cashed in on millions of shares of stock (see you may suffer too, general public). So why can't I work? Why after 30 years have I been put aside? I made about $23,000 a year as a flight attendant with AA and I am now too expensive to recall. I want to work and be an asset to my country and to my company, but for whatever excuse is given, I am not being given the chance to do just that.
AA come on call us back and give everyone a little common courtesy.
Posted at: April 25, 2007 4:17 PM
Rick G. says:
Actually, AA refused the federal bailout money. The bonus' are on the backs of the existing employees you took a 33% pay cut post 9/11 and haven't received any of the concessions back. Arpey should be ashamed of himself. Thanks corporate America!
Posted at: April 25, 2007 5:04 PM
PK says:
No Doubt a companies bottom line must be considered. Older more experienced employees cost more. Contracts are mutually agreed upon and herein lies the problem. Neither AA nor APFA claims to be the one responsible for the events leading up to and the resulting concessions to the Flight Attendant contract which will result in the loss of over 4,000 jobs most of which are former TWA Flight Attendants. We've seen Bogus elections, voting periods extended when the result was not to the companies liking, When Flight Attendants lost their jobs we saw their own union surrender their severance pay and while every other employee group and airline secured unlimited recall, This was not asked for and was conceded by APFA and not granted by AA as other airlines did voluntarily. People have lost homes, families have disolved, some have out of desperation taken their lives.
This is a simple issue and it involves just doing the right and easy thing.
What concerns me most is to believe that while every other airline rebounds and grows back after 911, while furloughed employees are welcomed back and new plane orders are made and while executives reap millions as their reward for keeping things on track.. AMR is apparently will to hold off of re expansion and growing even though all other carriers are with some even beginning to hire again, simply to get rid of TWA's former and award winning Flight Attendants.
If this is true then God help AMR because that is the most irresponsible and morally empty leadership I have seen in my experience with 6 airlines over 24 years. For APFA to have surrendered as much in concessions without asking for or securing a single thing in return such as non cost items is equally ignorant and irresponsible.
There are times when you just have to do whats right. Doing things behind the guise of a corporation the size of AMR does not excuse anyone from the moral responsibility they have.
Posted at: April 25, 2007 5:51 PM
Margaret says:
I am sure Tim W. of AA must realize that we furloughed F/A's are a little too saavy to buy the line about' their hands are tied' in reference to extension of our recall rights. It just doesn't fly (pardon the pun) Tim...As mentioned many times before, a simple letter of agreement can allow for our recall to happen at some time. We realize we won't all be recalled immediately in mass...We LOVED our CAREERS, and want the option to, at some time, be able to come back to do what we have been very well trained to do. TWA F/A's won JD Powers awards for our Customer Service...That shouldn't intimidate you, as I believe it must. You should embrace the possibility of having a group of F/A's available to return and give some relief to the rank and file on the line right now. The active F/A's are all exhausted from working so many hours, having their trips extended, and sent out on what they thought were going to be days off. It is only April and you are short staffed today....What do you imagine it will be like when the summer travel really gets going? It is unconscionable that Mr. Arpey and others have taken such HUGE bonuses, but refuse to pay for quality workers. By the way, Don Carty was the one who said we'd be paid at the scale AA put us at when we were taken by AA...Does the expression, "Fair and Equitable Treatment" mean anything to you? That is another expression Mr. Carty used when he promised the TWA workers we would keep our jobs. Shame on you all for your abundant greed!
Posted at: April 25, 2007 5:55 PM
Furloughed with over 20 yrs seniority says:
Come on, AA management, you remember what
"Letter of Agreement" are with your unions!!
That's all the TWA Flight Attendants are
asking for and rightfully deserve after a
national crisis like 9/11.
Posted at: April 25, 2007 7:37 PM
Rob says:
If AA wants to compete with all of the post bankruptcy carriers, it will need to strengthen and expand, while keeping and winning back customers.
It will only be able to do this with a seasoned proffesional work force in the air and on the ground.
It has several thousand experienced, dedicated employees that it has already made a promise to. All Mr Arpey and the leadership of the APFA have to do is the right thing. The TWA employees can stregthen AA if it is smart enough to give us a chance!!!
Just do the right thing!!!
Posted at: April 25, 2007 7:47 PM
Anonymous says:
Tim W--you talk about "crap service"? Well you can thank yourself (AA management)for implementing the no service that you have on your flights. Gone are the days of service and a nice meal--I believe pretzels aren't even an option anymore!! And with short staffing on your flights and making F/A's work on their days off what little morale the F/A's have is further squashed. Recall some flight attendants to give your workers some relief, properly staff your flights and provide your passengers with a little service.
Posted at: April 25, 2007 8:00 PM
Gale says:
American Airlines and APFA (the flight attendant union) CAN get together and write a "letter of agreement" to extend recall rights to the fuloughed AA and formerTWA flight attendants. It would be the decent and morally right thing to do. Obviously, if American can hand out millions of dollars in bonuses to so-called executives, then they can write a simple letter of agreement to extend recall rights to the flight attendants. They can also start recalling some of the furloughees to ease the burden on the current employees who are overextended and fatigued with the current flying situation. Trips are being cancelled due to lack of staffing. Recalling furloughed flight attendants would ease that situation. If American Airlines can hand out hundreds of millions of dollars in bonuses, then they should be able to put out a few dollars (comparably speaking) to get more flight attendants out on the line. We are experienced, hard-working employees - we are an asset to your company. American Airlines needs to step up to the plate and actually do the right thing and start putting the money back in the employees' pockets - not adding to the millions received by the "executives". Speaking of executives, are they the ones who actually do the work to attract and hopefully keep the customes? Are they the ones who come in contact with the actual paying customer? Has it ever occured to the "executives" who actually does the work to keep an airline running? Personally, I'd like to know what those 800+ executives did to earn such huge bonuses. AA - how about taking some initiative, get together with APFA and write that letter of agreement? It's the right thing to do.
Posted at: April 25, 2007 8:23 PM
Julia says:
SHAME ON YOU, AA and APFA! Do the right thing and extend the recall rights of those effected by 9/11. Don't let us become further victomized by the terrorist acts of 9/11.
After working over a quarter of a century I will leave American Airlines, by falling off the recall list in May of 2008, with no benefits, medical or retirement. Invest your MONEY wisely, MR. Arpey. God forbid you ever find yourself in the situation you, AA and APFA have put the former TWA employees in.
Bravo to Roger Graham for his determination in this matter!
Posted at: April 25, 2007 8:49 PM
MPT says:
What has happened in this country, how much does it take one or some individuals to survive. Is this about who has more or who makes more. The employee suffers and the general flying public suffers, the only ones who win are those who go running to the bank with their bonuses or golden parachutes. Both management and unions have a Moral and Ethical responsibility to those they employ, what has happened to that, being proud to work for a certain company and wanting to retire with as much dignity as possible. What mixed signals we are giving to all, especially our own children when we tell them to do the RIGHT THING. What is that anymore, can you please tell me Mr Arpey and Ms Huto-Blake ? Way to go Roger, it is nice to see the unbiased facts for a change.
Posted at: April 25, 2007 9:53 PM
Steve Kornman says:
Roger Graham has stood up for the morally right thing...to do what you say and say what you mean.
Basically, AA will be at loggerheads with its flight attendant union and let passengers suffer lousy service because the company and the union posture for contract negotiations, while flights go out severely short staffed.
How convenient when the AA or the union can side a quick "side agreement" when it suits them BUT not to recall or extend recall to each and every furloughed employee.
The union should be held accountable for not representing ALL OF ITS MEMBERS and AA has no conscience for accepting federal bailouts from 9/11 and not MAKING ONE EFFORT to extend recall to all employees.
Oh, I almost forgot, Tim W. I am a spokesperson for Roger Graham and a TWA furloughee.
Posted at: April 25, 2007 10:22 PM
valerie hitchins says:
Maybe Larry King should be brought back into this.But this time it would be the TWA F/A's and Gerard Arpey. Valerie
Posted at: April 25, 2007 11:51 PM
MPT says:
When does a company or a union have any responsibity to their own employees? Where does a Moral or Ethical responsiblity to the employees come to play? When is enough money enough? Roger, thank you for being so tenacious and thank you for telling the facts.
Posted at: April 25, 2007 11:55 PM
Tes says:
I would like to know why the execs of this company and country feel entitled to multi-million dollar salaries for the work that they do but consistently devalue the front line employees who actually work with their customers and provide services. AA customers would be better served by having an adequate number of employees to check in customers at the ticket counters and gates and enough flight crew to keep from canceling flights. The execs should be ashamed of themselves for taking such a large bonus while they are chronically short of employees who actually do the work.
Posted at: April 26, 2007 4:26 AM
Ron Valentino says:
It is totally unconscionable the way American Airlines has treated furloughed workers from 9/11 . Hiding behind a "contract" with the flight attendant union to unload itself of a more senior group of flight attendants is corporate shenanigans at its lowest level ever! Do the "Wright" thing and when the time comes return all former employees to their jobs.
Posted at: April 26, 2007 5:21 AM
jojo says:
I have always wanted to return to the only work I have known since I started nearly 30 years ago. Mostly because I like being able to pay my bills and also because I love my job and the comfort of knowing I do it well. But, even more than wanting my job back I NEED it back. It is my only chance at any piece of mind that I will be able to provide for myself when I am no longer able to work. If not recalled by this time next year I will never recieve the retirement I earned over the last three decades. No money, no benefits, no medical insurance, nothing to show for the last 30 years except a full sickbank that I earned over those many years, never used and may never see (you must retire to cash it in). I am the sole wage earner and caretaker for myself and there is not a day that goes by that I don't worry about time running out. I am one of many of us living in this state of fear. The only thing more horrific than the actual events of 911 is that American Airlines senior managment has, and continue to, manipulate and use this tragedy to benefit their own financial greed. AA is flying their planes short staffed, keeping flight attendants out longer than schedualed, not allowing any personal days off, allowing those flight attendants desperate for money to rack up more and more overtime inspite of contract limits, even canceling flights due to lack of staffing. AA has eliminated many customer services even added to safety concerns with fatigued flight attendants and fewer of them. This is so wrong on so many levels.
Posted at: April 26, 2007 1:50 PM
Derek Foster says:
Unless American Airlines makes good on the promises of their predecessors, it will be unlikely they will ever be given Congressional approval again to purchase another carrier. This whole mess would have been swept under the rug without even a whimper, but then again, I don't think American realized that good people like this Roger guy wasn't going to let them step on thousands of people without raising Cane. It's a terrible thing that is happening and what's even worse the union and American both could use this guy and colleagues talents.
Posted at: April 26, 2007 8:46 PM
Jan says:
Way to go American! Is it any wonder that in the eyes of the world the USA is no longer admired or respected? Your wealth has been made for you by the sacrifices of many hard working dedicated employees. When you look in the mirror I know you see a wealthy man--but you will not find a man of principle looking back at you. Shame!! I loved my job and was heartbroken when it was taken from us. I felt forced to retire in order to have health insurance, but I must say that my $81.55/mo pales in the blaze of bonuses doled out to the heirarchy. To think that these bonuses would have allowed the TWA and the 99 AA flight attendants furloughed after the horror of 9-11 to continue their employment is sickening. American---the robber baron of the new mellenia.
Posted at: April 26, 2007 9:58 PM
Don says:
Arpey receives $6.6 million in stock and sells it right away {he doesn't have much faith in the company}. The poor over worked emplyees at AA take a 4 year paycut, and I'm sure they're feeling pretty foolish right about now. The bankruptcy threat works all the time!!! Is APFA in bed with the company or what???
Posted at: April 26, 2007 11:03 PM
karen marshall says:
As part of the aquisition, American offered virtually all TWA Employees employment. Purchase offer as follows; provide employment benefits and post-retirement benefits to all employess hired by purchaser (American) at levels substaintially no less favorable then those benefits provided to purchaser's (American's) similarly situated employees. American promised the TWA Employees Fair and Equitable treatment. We believed them, the same way Don Carty (former CEO) had stated before the U.S Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, his commitment to adding TWA's 20,000 employees to the American Family. Mr. Carty said what the Senate Committee and the Bankruptcy Court needed to hear to approve the deal with no intention whatsoever of living up to those commitments. Unknown to us (TWA) at the time, American was also making promises to their unions. American promises of employment was and still is a hollow one. We, the TWA Employees only ask that American Airlines live up to their promise of FAIR AND EQUITABLE for ALL TWA EMPLOYEES. It will be very difficult for American to convince Congress of any future purchases of another carrier. Sounds like Roger Graham has been gathering alot of support and along with many legislators, American will be under their watchful eye.
Posted at: April 26, 2007 11:13 PM
mags says:
AA, shame on you!!! Whenever I see or hear a commercial for AA I hear you trying to sound like one of the 'regular guys'. Compassionate, knowing you, the traveler, wants to be at home with your family...or make it to that baseball game you promised your son you'd take him to. GAG! While the concept is very heartwarming, the reality of how unscrupulous and greedy AA is makes these ads a total joke. You (AA) don't care about anyone but your own personal pocketbooks. I had over 30 yrs. seniority when my CAREER was stolen by AA and APFA. It is a career that I loved, did well, and hope to have the opportunity to return to some day. I have had many conversations with the active F/A's at AA. Many of them realize how unfairly we have been treated by upper management and the union. I have had several say how much they hope to work with us (TWA furloughees) in the near future. We know the rank and file active employees are not 'the enemy'....we can play well with others; give us a chance! Extending our recall rights (unlimited) is the morally right thing to do. Tim W., Mr. Arpey, any of you 'big guns' (Tim, I realize you aren't really a 'big gun' merely a mouthpiece for them) ...How would you like to be over 50 and thrown away from a career you have been working for over 30 years....We had NO severance pay, 1 mo. insurance, and no respect (from management or union) for a job well done. Think about it. How would you pay your bills and feed your family? Do any of you 'big guns' have kids in college? Any illness that you have NO insurance for? How selfish and greedy can you be? APFA tells us it isn't their fault we haven't been recalled, the company says the same. Quit using each other as an excuse. Grow up and accept responsibility for the 4,000 F/As you have put out of work....not to mention the thousands and thousands of others from the various other work gropus from TWA that were promised "fair and equitable treatment' by AA. Please stop this nonsense by extending our recall rights! By that agreement (easily done in a letter of agreement) you can gain respect throughout the country...not just airline employees, but many, many other people. If you can play fair with us, possibly the government might play fair with you when/if you want to take another airline. AA has always prided itself in being the #1 largest airline. How much longer can you retain that prized position while other airlines are ALL hiring employees (because their furloughees are back on the line)...but you are being stubborn and hoping you can wait us out until we fall off the recall list? Now, go and do the RIGHT thing! (extended recall)
Posted at: April 27, 2007 9:16 AM
david collins says:
Thank you Dallas Observer. Your article about the executive payouts at American Airlines, the treatment of the TWA people, and the native American employees that were bamboozled into thinking that this was about alliance between labor and management, once again casts light on what our country has become. Enron Corp. gathered media attention for a while and it was back to business as usual.
Tim W.(And yes, I'm a spokesman for AA) was correct in his statement about contractual issues regarding 5 year recall. However, the rebuts to his statement have been logical and most of all, ETHICAL.
I'm not going to hold my breath for further discussion out of the messenger. I believe actions speak louder than words. Therefore, thank you Roger Graham, and everyone involved in correcting this wrong.
Posted at: April 27, 2007 9:16 AM
SUE says:
Arpey held out little hope for former TWA flight attendants who would like to see expired or soon-to-expire recall rights extended, saying treatment of furloughed employees is governed by a contract.
Arpey, we feel the same way. We also hold out little hope for American Airlines to remain in the number One position much longer. WE are tired of being your BAIT with regards to our recall extention being governed by a contract. The Unions didn't promise Fair and Equitable Treatment, YOU, American Airlines made that statement.
American Airlines promised in front of Congress, Court, and TWA EMPLOYEES that we would have FAIR AND EQUITABLE TREATMENT from American Airlines. Until this is resolved within the Company, We will continue to hold American Airlines, not the unions accountable to this promise!
We are not going away. We will be at any Congressional Hearing with regards to any future purchases of another carrier. Our voices are being heard. We have Senators, Mayors addressing this issue with American. American Airlines will soon feel the effects of being FENCED IN!!! While other carriers are expanding, you American Airlines will begin to slip into the Number TWO postion. We will never allow you to continue this behavior with another carrier. We will continue with OUR FIGHT FOR JUSTICE, and we're just getting started!
Posted at: April 27, 2007 10:28 AM
PK says:
What Mr. Arpey and all those who benefitted from the executive payout should know as they proudly proclaim success in keeping a company going is simple this... The measure of a man is not made when times are good, that's easy.. you find out who you are when times are bad and you rise to the occassion.
Taking money and jobs from the backs of workers you are are responsible for keeping the money for the few of you while you stand by watching their lives deteriorate and become less is nothing even close to success.
They should be giving money back, not rewarding their failure.
Posted at: April 27, 2007 10:47 AM
UnAmerican Airlines says:
No Executive should receive MILLOINS in Bonuses while the ONLY work group on AA property without "Unlimited" Recall Rights are the Flight Attendants. Our limited (FIVE) years recall rights have been expiring and all of us will be off the payroll summer of 2008 Thank You AMR and APFA!!!
Please visit this blog:
http://trustno1-1.blogspot.com
Please Support "Extended Recall Rights" for All American Airlines Flight Attendant.
Posted at: April 27, 2007 4:34 PM
sue2 says:
2700 AA employees have been furloughed. THey lose their recall rights July 2008. THese are former TWAers with 20-35 years experience in aviation-many have lost their homes/livilihood, while AA has provided no HEATHCARE/INSURANCE. It is a 'pipe dream' for those furloughed parents to send their children to college .
I am behind Roger Graham 100%. He is the impedemy of a great spokesperson for the former TWAers along with many former TWA Angels who stand beside him. Many who would like to be recalled to their jobs in STL and New York.
For Tim W (AA Spokesperson), I challenge you to answer in behalf of Arpey after reading these replies. Perhaps AA Legal has suggested that you shut your mouth and that you remain anonymous in responding. After all, You are under the AA thumb of what can be said and perhaps have been given a gag order. Im sorry if your tongue has been removed-that must hurt.
In my estimation, AA MGT is about the $$/bonuses. AA will relish the day the former TWers Fall off the recall list because they can hire newbys at new hire pay.Watch what happens after July 2008, once the last AAer (TWA) drops off the employment roster. My prediction? AA will hire in droves. Mgt will be licking their chops AGAIN on the backs of all employees. Wake up, DFW employees! and other AA bases. Let your voices be heard.
AA Employees need to speak up now! The treatment of AA employees is a travesty and disgusting. Look at Enron, Worldcom,......
It is easy to forget or choose not to be involved, especially if it doesnt touch YOU personally. I think AA employees' have been maimed and all should take time in the day to be vocal. Step up to the plate or just wait until AA is acquired/merged with another airline-Maybe, THAT would get your attention.
Posted at: April 27, 2007 7:26 PM
sue2 says:
2700 AA employees have been furloughed. THey lose their recall rights July 2008. THese are former TWAers with 20-35 years experience in aviation-many have lost their homes/livilihood, while AA has provided no HEATHCARE/INSURANCE. It is a 'pipe dream' for those furloughed parents to send their children to college .
I am behind Roger Graham 100%. He is the impedemy of a great spokesperson for the former TWAers along with many former TWA Angels who stand beside him. Many who would like to be recalled to their jobs in STL and New York.
For Tim W (AA Spokesperson), I challenge you to answer in behalf of Arpey after reading these replies. Perhaps AA Legal has suggested that you shut your mouth and that you remain anonymous in responding. After all, You are under the AA thumb of what can be said and perhaps have been given a gag order. Im sorry if your tongue has been removed-that must hurt.
In my estimation, AA MGT is about the $$/bonuses. AA will relish the day the former TWers Fall off the recall list because they can hire newbys at new hire pay.Watch what happens after July 2008, once the last AAer (TWA) drops off the employment roster. My prediction? AA will hire in droves. Mgt will be licking their chops AGAIN on the backs of all employees. Wake up, DFW employees! and other AA bases. Let your voices be heard.
AA Employees need to speak up now! The treatment of AA employees is a travesty and disgusting. Look at Enron, Worldcom,......
It is easy to forget or choose not to be involved, especially if it doesnt touch YOU personally. I think AA employees' have been maimed and all should take time in the day to be vocal. Step up to the plate or just wait until AA is acquired/merged with another airline-Maybe, THAT would get your attention.
Posted at: April 27, 2007 7:28 PM
Patty says:
I had 24 yrs with TWA and 2 with AA when I got furloughed after the events of 911. I am a single parent with 3 children in college. It has been a big struggle. I make half what I made with the airlines because I was 48 when furloughed and was not Powerpoint, Excel or Word savvy to go out and get a job that was not entry level. How dare AA and APFA not to extend recall rights for all furloughed employees. Shame on you! Live in my shoes and struggle to get my kids through college and pay my bills. I was an Award Of Excellence employee with TWA and have numerous "orchid" letters from passengers. AA needs us...extend recall rights!!!!
Posted at: April 27, 2007 8:57 PM
Robert Applegate says:
I am not sure that Tim W. is the spokeperson for American Airlines, but if his perception is that AA has crap service, maybe it is a matter of trickle down human resource waste.
"THIS IS NOTHING TO SNICKER ABOUT" or attempt to wash your hands of because you have willfully purged your company of JD Powers Award Winners for passenger service.
May 17th we were at Lambert Airport passing flyers, asking passegers to join Senator Claire McCaskill(D-MO),Mayors Slay,Barnes,Cafazza, and Gates, as well as, Congressman Cleaver, in urging American Airlines CEO Gerard Arpey to do the American thing and "EXTEND THE RECALL RIGHTS" of those former TWA and AA employees that are laid off and being terminated because of the dastardly attacks of 9/11.
On a personal note I would like to add that I started my career as a flight attendant in the summer of 1976 which will end up in the crapper on July 2, 2008, 11 days short of retirement, with no medical,no passes, no severance, and no pension worth mentioning.
None of the people who have been victemized in the aftermath of 9/11 deserve to be handed a lame excuse of nothing can be done. I think we all know what that balloon is filled with and will not fly under the oversite of congressional review.
Posted at: April 27, 2007 9:09 PM
Nene Caferin says:
I am an AMR stockholder. I find it repulsive and unfair that AMR is probably hiring foreign flight attendants; expanding American Eagle flights while AA Flights Attendants are still on furlough. The AA Flight Attendant Union should monitor this closely and not allow it to happen!
Posted at: April 27, 2007 10:52 PM
Mary Pat Taylor says:
Mr. Arpey and Ms Hutto-Blake,
The company says it is up to the union to make this injustice right, the union on the other hand says it is the company's responsibility. When it is both the company and the union's responsibility to protect those who cannot be present to represent themselves during the so called negotiations that took place, how could the company and union negotiate severence pay away and not know in their hearts that this was both morally and ethically wrong. What has happened to human decency and integrity in our American companies today. You, the company furloughed the last 1200 remaining Twa f/as to the streets without severence pay because it was negotiated away as a cost saving factor and both parties knew in their hearts which employees they were doing this to. Again, we were the only group that this was done too. Mr Arpey, do you think this was right? Please do not say it was negotiated away. Was there not one person on that negotiating team that thought this was unfair or unjust? What values are left in our society today? Did not one person on either side not see that the only people who lost in the concessions were going to be the TWA/AA flight attendants.
Put yourself in my position, my last announcement made as a f/a after we landed in STL was "On behalf of American Airlines and your entire crew, we would like to welcome you to St Louis, Missouri". On that crew alone, we had well over 100years of dedicated service and there was not one person to wish us well or even say good luck. I only hope this never happens to you or anyone you know, because I know in my heart that I could never even want to wish this on those who negotiated my career away.
Posted at: April 28, 2007 12:57 AM
Robert Applegate says:
I would like to add to and correct previous comments I made on this blog. First of all it was April 17th not May 17th that some of us furloughed AA/TWA-LLC employees assembled in St.Louis and other locations to appeal to our community and taxpayers, who kept American Airlines a viable carrier through uncertain times.
It is apparent that none of the nearly $840 million in aid, that American Airlines received, will be used to aid those unspoken victems, furloughed in the aftermath of 9/11. What if your your employees and taxpayers would have had the same attitude, that it is out of our control and our hands are tied by contractual language? Where would American Airlines be?
The sum of bonuses received by Executives is equivalent to all the profits earned since 2000 at American Airlines. Only 5% of these bonus monies would save jobs and extend a hand up to those being terminated by the 5 year window of recall.
American taxpayers and employees responded when the airline service industry was on the ropes. It's time the American Executives respond in same kind.
Posted at: April 28, 2007 1:02 AM
Cowgirl says:
The recent bonuses given to AA execs cast a spotlight on how obscene the imbalance is between Corporate America and the rapidly disappearing middle class in this country.
I am also a former TWA flight attendant on furlough from American Airlines. Thank you Roger, and all the other furloughed employees who fight to keep our story heard.
We must continue to fight for recall extension not only for ourselves as a work group, but to set an example for all the hard working people in this country who find themselves outsourced, overworked and underpaid.
Ladies and gentlement, The American Airlines bonuses highlight the downside of our free market system. Shame on American Airlines executives and their CORPORATE GREED.
Posted at: April 28, 2007 8:25 AM
Pearl says:
Unbelievable! You would think these people were asking for a handout. They just want to work at the same job they have had for decades. If not right now whenever they are needed. What is the problem? Contracts are ammended on a daily basis in this country. Mr Arpey has said his hands were tied to help this group because of their contract. Mr Arpey, just for the sake of argument, why don't you make an offer to the union to change the wording of the contract? If it really cannot be done it won't be for your lack of trying. We all want and need to believe that not ALL CEO's are without a conscience.
Posted at: April 28, 2007 9:31 AM
Richard says:
Corporate greed is alive and thriving in America. Take from the workers and give to the executives....and sleep with the union!
American Airlines and the APFA Union (representatives for the AA flight attendants) are both responsible for this travesty. There have been many "side agreements" made to the current contract in the past, when it suited the company and the union, without opening the ENTIRE contract.
American's posturing and APFA's failure to push the issue, extension of recall rights,
has sent the message loud and clear, "WE DON'T WANT THE FORMER TWA FLIGHT ATTENDANTS BACK!"
Posted at: April 28, 2007 11:04 AM
nick says:
Just remember that what has happened to the TWA flight attendants can happen to anyone. When I tell this story to people they cannot believe it. Well believe it and everyone wake up to what is going on in corporate America. Flight attendants with 20-30 years of service are going to lose their jobs with no pension and no benefits.
Posted at: April 28, 2007 1:34 PM
Robert Applegate says:
Tim W. says: The company can not unilaterally change the contract.
I would like to site an instance when American Airlines extended Longevity Bonuses and Pay Scale against the objection of APFA, to the former AA/TWA-LLC flight attendants.
I would also like to know if you could explain how it was that Don Carty, former CEO American Airlines and John Ward, former APFA union president, were able to extend time limit on the vote on concessions, unilaterally changing contract language, when the vote was not going as planned?
Posted at: April 28, 2007 1:46 PM
Val says:
Imagine if you will, to walk a mile in our shoes.
Posted at: April 28, 2007 6:00 PM
Martie says:
American accepted government funds for the purpose of keeping their wings in the air due to the down turn in business caused by 9/11. They closed TWA's base in New York while they expanded their own, and had to force American Airlines Flight Attendants to relocate to New York, at the same time forcing TWA Flight Attendants to leave New York to be based in St. Louis. I chose to commute since I have six children whose entire childhood had been spent in New York. I did this from 10/2001 - 4/2003--the day they laid -off my seniority with 24 years of service.
We attend training every year -recurrent training that brings us up to date on safety issues including hi-jackings, dismantling of on-board bombs,latest CPR, and first aid techniques. The only training for hi-jackings -was the Stockholm- syndrome; a syndrome in which the captives begin to side with their captures,and the only knowledge shared of terrorist groups was recent activities of groups like the HAMAS. Hi-jackings until 9/11 meant the preservation of the aircraft as a tool for negotiating, as well as assuring the release of those onboard as the hi-jackers let their plight be heard. Not even AA could have prepared us for what did transpire that day. So if they couldn't with their resources, how do you think we should have know to negotiate a contract for unlimited recall. Every other company has hired back all that wished to return to flying except AA. All other carriers are hiring off the street. AA seems to be purposely flying short staffed, and causing schedule changes to extend the scheduled flights of flight attendants out on trips to make up for the shortages--noted in this past weeks schedule. Such extremes to not take us back--why??? Are they going to hire from the street at the day after the five years limit is up?Has corporate "American" decided somehow that the restoration of these careers for the less than 3000 remaining on the street,cost too much,( statistics show that 40% will choose not to return) when at the same time, wishes to utilize more than twice that amount to pay just one individual, Arpey.
To Timm AA Spokesperson -- I was in the sky with my life on the line for this comapny, at 8:47 am over Manhattan on 9/11 - and yes it was a widebody aircraft fully fueled with three men of Middle Eastern descent onboard. I did not ask for a hand out from the governement for persons effected by 9/11 as I thought I still had a job and career - one that I could look forward to retiring from with a pension,medical and flight benefits. I was under 50 at the time of the furlough, and will receive nothing for the years I put in, while person's like Arpey will have more than he could reasonably spend in a life time.
Get AA to
Posted at: April 28, 2007 7:07 PM
eolesen
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.... yawn.....
If APFA really wants to pursue this, then do so during the upcoming Section 6 negotiations. There's no reason folks can't be put back on the list retroactively. The company will probably expect something in return, which is why I doubt APFA will do it.
If APFA really wants to pursue this, then do so during the upcoming Section 6 negotiations. There's no reason folks can't be put back on the list retroactively. The company will probably expect something in return, which is why I doubt APFA will do it.
Why wait until the harm is done. The Company is not shy about asking for LOAs when it is in their best interest. Stupid APFA for not securing extended recall during one of those moments. This could be done tomorrow.
yawn.....you probably wouldn't be yawning if this was your career. There is no need to be so disrespectful of those trying to hold AA to their word. More power to them, sans yawns.
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Sorry if the destruction of a couple of thousand careers bores you.
I think that if it had been your career destroyed, you would feel differently.
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I'd be curious to see just what the alleged "cost" to the company of extending recall rights to seven, or even ten, years would be. Most of the remaining TWA are at top of scale, but many junior ones, including those who have already dropped off, are closer to the bottom as far as pay is concerned. The company must have a figure in mind, and I can't believe the union doesn't know what it is. I'll have to do a little hounding.
I see nothing wrong with the concept of the union giving somethink in return. After all, it's everybody's union, not just the senior people. TWA's independent union, IFFA, won seven year recall rights back in '83, and I don't recall any discussion of it costing us much if anything.
MK
eolesen
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ca·reer
–noun
1. an occupation or profession, esp. one requiring special training, followed as one's lifework: He sought a career as a lawyer.
2. a person's progress or general course of action through life or through a phase of life, as in some profession or undertaking: His career as a soldier ended with the armistice.
If being a flight attendant were truly one's lifework, then you should be able to do that anywhere, not just at AA.
As a matter of fact, my wife's career was destroyed along with that of a couple thousand other people in management in the post 9/11 staffing cuts. The big difference is that she wasn't given any recall rights whatsoever.
She got over it and moved on.
Perhaps y'all might want to consider doing likewise, because holding out hope for APFA to do something about it is about as productive as it would be to trap farts as a renewable energy source.
Many of us have moved on to successful new careers. That being said, those who have spent 20, 30, or 40 years flying (yes, that is a career) should have the option of returning. AA has been able to effectively shortchange the customers and active f/as in their attemp to avoid a recall. They have moved as much domestic flying to AE as the pilots contract would allow. (to the point that AE is stressed to the max) I think it will be "interesting" to see how summer staffing is accomplished without some sort of recall.
I feel sorry that your wife had no one to advocate for her. I hope you were more supportive to her than you have been in your posts on this site.
eolesen
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Don't worry, Nancy. My wife has more than enough fortitude to stand up for herself (perhaps NHBB can attest to that?). She didn't need a third party to do that for her back in 2002, and quite frankly, it doesn't appear that any of the dues collection agencies have really stood up for the employees they were supposed to protect.
For all of the airline people I know personally who were "forced" to make career changes due to 9/11, I have yet to find one who really wound up worse off for it. The only ones who've shown any signs of struggle are those left behind at AA, UA, or other airlines.
For all of the airline people I know personally who were "forced" to make career changes due to 9/11, I have yet to find one who really wound up worse off for it. The only ones who've shown any signs of struggle are those left behind at AA, UA, or other airlines.
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DING DING DING! We have a winner.
Today's Understatement Award goes to .................................Erik
Agreed! I had a friend who was a management employee (computer programmer) who laid off right after 9/11. After several months of searching for a new job, he decided to go to nursing school. He is now a Nurse, making more money than he did at AA (even as a programmer) and is much more satisfied with his career.
Congratulations to all. My concern is for those just shy of 50 on Jul 2,03, who lost all chance at any retirement after devoting 20, 30 years to flying. Many of those wishing for the opportunity to come back are working in other careers. These are the same people who did not receive one penny of severance pay, nor extended unemployment. We will just have to see how this plays out.
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