Smoke and Mirrors said:
I support the company on the outsourcing topic. We must lower labor costs to remain competitive. HP does not perform most of their own work. Dave was correct when he stated that we would be making money if the labor costs were equal to Jetblue.
Most of the iam members that I speak with will not strike. They are not willing to risk their good salaries and retirement to save a few younger members. Unions are all about feeding their young to the lion.
Well well well. At least you come in with guns blazing instead of a trojan horse.
--"I support the company on the outsourcing topic. We must lower labor costs to remain competitive."
Heard the abstract "competitive" plattitude for years from oligharchists in the business press. Of course, cherry picking from this company just who and what needs to be more competitive begs the question. So "we" are more competitive: Just who is the "we" you have in mind? Surely not the hired help. "
--"HP does not perform most of their own work."
Yeah, and they've caught flak from the feds too...were fined as well I believe. They do have a smaller fleet too, although the way our's is likelly to shrink may bring economies of scale closer to your view.
--"Dave was correct when he stated that we would be making money if the labor costs were equal to Jetblue."
I'll bet! And I'll bet you'd fatten the bottom line further yet if frontline compensation were lower yet. For this company to thrive, by doing business the same way it has...and is now, yes the frontline will have to take a(nother) huge hit. What's your point? Maybe this: "Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain!...WE'LL define just how we'll be like JetBlue and just how we won't be!...cheeky peasants!"
--"Most of the iam members that I speak with will not strike. They are not willing to risk their good salaries and retirement to save a few younger members. Unions are all about feeding their young to the lion."
You're reaching and you know it. Good calculated risk though: I'll bet you figured most who would/could refute your claim are not online...being the weekend and all the family stuff that entails...and that you could get a little "hit and run" comment in. "To save a few younger members"? I guess youngness is all relative. Dump the guys in their 40's to save the ones in their 50-60's. A few? Tip of the iceberg...the door has been forced open further and further since being cracked to answer the initial call for concessions...and will be kicked right on down it seems.