Much of the productivity issue re: the APFA could be resolved by a better computer system. There is WAYYYYYYY too much sitting and most f/as want to get on the plane and do their job. All f/as should be required to be qualified on all equipment. (regardless of base) The trading rules should pretty much be abolished. Why should AA care who works the flight as long as its covered and the f/a is qualified? Sick calls would almost disappear with less retrictive trading rules.....NO NOT BECAUSE the bulk of people call off if they cant get a trade but because many would use a trade rather than call off for a minor illness. (or childs illness) AA is trying to "manage" adults like they did in the 60s-70s. It remains the paternalistic, under the thumb, total control as opposed to a more "modern" participatory management style. Don't count POs as a negative. If the reserves aren't being utilized to the maximum, offer PVDs or even time off without pay. AA "cries" more hours, more productivity but until they fix the inner problems (like the computer sysytem to produce more productive flight schedules) it will be just more hours.
