Hackman
Veteran
- Sep 30, 2003
- 3,997
- 898
Your right, the outsourcing of expensive aircraft to 3rd world countries is rather foolish when you have a maintenance infrastructure, akin to taking your Bugatti to Pep Boys, who I wouldn't let touch my lawn mower. Then add in the ever present terrorist threat, the unlicensed mechanics, drug testing, and the fact that control over the aircraft check time line is mostly lost, hard to see any benefits except the debatable low up front costs. Even the state side 3rd party chop shops are wringing their hands finding ways to attract any talent, talked to a coworker tonight who's brother works in SAT for 3rd party maintenance, they are offering $2000 bonuses for anyone hired by an employee recommendation being that they are qualified and drug tested. He's also making more than we are with his per-diem, but no medical.It's one thing to have the ability to send overhauls out when you don't have the base infrastructure, and yet another when you do.
Lots of other differences in the contract; you're bright - go read them for yourself and see which one micro-manages what the company controls and has lots & lots of protective language. Retirement is just one aspect when you look at benefits. Retiree medical is another. Essentially, no ties or obligations to retirees except travel.
I totally agree with you on the exec compensation. That's covered in the book under the chapter titled "How not to poison the well of labor relations beyond repair".
I don't think the guys at AA read that far.
I have read some of the WN contract, and if there is any micro-management it is the AA/twu ambiguous language, as they like it. Where do you think the phrase "They can do that brother" comes from? Not to mention the twu secret side letters of agreement, the deals done behind closed doors with the twu International sellouts. I wanted your examples of what you find that is so restrictive at WN/AMFA that isn't covered in the AA/twu agreement, I think AA has it covered and then some.
As far as the WN lack of retiree medical, easy to explain that one. When your 401k has 7 figures plus upon retirement, and you make over 6 figures, I surmise it's not too difficult to buy a nice policy that will cover your entire family....and not worry about the house payment, or much else.