b]Merger: [/b]CWA'ers questioned whether recent public statements by CEO Dave Siegel about industry consolidation indicated that management is looking to sell or merge the airline. We asked specifically if there were any merger or sale discussions or approaches going on. The answer from the executives was an unequivocal “Noâ€.
Hmmm....we heard that before. Wolf and Rakesh in their 99 world tour told employees in BOTH PHL and TPA (I was at both meetings) that the company was not for sale and that they were not discussing mergers with anyone. Just a few months later -- suprise, the United merger was announced. So, don't believe a word they say.
CWA'ers raised several additional questions with the
MidAtlantic: CWA'ers described that there is a suspicion that something is wrong with MDA or that MDA plans have been sidetracked or changed. CWA reminded the executives that the pledge of MDA jobs for furloughed employees was the major component in the two concession agreements, and that we have yet to see any of those jobs. Executives said that MDA is definitely on track, and that roll-out may be delayed short-term (by up to two months), but there is no financial or technical impediment to MDA.
MDA - is that the Muscular Dystrophy Association? I'll believe MDA may exist someday, but it'll probably be all that's left of US Airways. Or, it's just the promise of "good days ahead" to keep us working until we're all laid off.
Airport Rage: CWA'ers asked that management join with the union in an effort against airport rage that would include two components: 1) jointly approaching airport authorities to publicize the federal airport rage law in their airports; and 2) jointly urging federal prosecution, rather than local prosecution, in cases where airport rage results in physical aggression or injury of an agent. Executives seemed open and receptive to the suggestion of a joint program and said they would respond early next week.
The response I've usually observed in Customer Service, has been apoligize to the customer for the inconvenience, send him an upgrade coupon and don't encourage the CSR to press charges.
Employee Relations: CWA'ers told executives that US Airways management/employee relations at an all time low, and that CWA'ers believe there is an aggressively negative style of labor relations in the company at this time. Examples of management’s unilateral approach and unwillingness to compromise were cited. Management, for their part, stated that they feel the union(s) are too negative toward management. Executives stated that they intend to take prompt, definite steps to change the atmosphere and asked that the union participate in establishing more cooperative management/employee relations. We agreed.
Duh....management things the unions are too negative towards management? I wonder why? MAYBE BECAUSE YOU ARE INCOMPETENT GREEDY FOOLS who conducted a genocide of an entire sector of the economy. MAYBE BECAUSE YOU REPEATEDLY LIE TO US - telling the mechs in TPA that you weren't going to close their hangar DAYS BEFORE THE DEED WAS DONE!
What the unions need to demands is immediate rehiring of all laid off employees and recinding of the paycuts. If it kills the airline, so beit. The airline signed a contract with us that said NO LAYOFFS. Meet up to your part of the bargain.