Flight Attendant

[signals]

I appreciate your candor, Buscador... but tell me - are you talking to individual FL FAs or are you hearing the union speak? Remember it is the union's job to look out for the interests of its members - and they do not have to cloak their demands in niceties.
But, really, what difference does it make to you if they make as much as you do or if their lifestyle gets upgraded? YOUR company thought it was worth it for the company to buy FL - which means they have to figure out how to pay them more.
It is ironic that other labor groups which aren't represented by the same union are having alot more difficulty... but the FA union might be the fastest integration yet still be contentious in the long run.
What is the scenario in which this labor integration process COULD go smoothly - not just from your perspective but theirs as well?
And how are the FL FAs supposed to express their gratitude, remembering that their paycheck comes from WN the company, not WN, their new coworkers?

Oh, pull-eze, WT. Everyone thinks unions only take people's money, yet your accusing them of shooting themselves in the foot. With greater membership, comes greater revenue, and in these times, a union like an airline wants to lose money.

I find it laughable that you all wear the same feathers but try to hide the same habits. I actually admire your cut-throat industry and watch it carefully because I know that the airline industry is at the top of commerce and everything flows downstream. What happens I your industry today, will arrive in mine tomorrow.

Now to say that certain attitudes in your industry don't exist is a lie. Although we find WN venting some dirty laundry, not everyone is spotless. I think they are integrated in you along with a pride to work for your airline.

Think!

The attitude is a one-upsmanship.
Observation locally:
US employees had to walk outside to go from counters to gates, without going though checkpoint security. Fine in summer, sucks in winter. A US agent knew B6 had access to a door that would avoid the outdoors. She made a comment like 'why should jb have it easyand not us?' Lo and behold, US now had access.

Observation locally:
A MQ baggage cart pulls up to a baggage belt. The ramper starts unloading the luggage on the belt. Another ramper comes in and asks-why didn't you use the first belt? Answer because US doesn't want us to use it. Other ramper-I'm sick of F-ing US dictating their rules on us.
Oh, merger, where is thy sting!

At the US forums of mergers past:
An F/A claimed that once they were the top of the heap and would look down at the SW FAs. Her bitterness came out when she claimed that now SW would look down at them.

So I can see the crap an SW fa had to take and why they may be bitter over someone who they perceive as benefitting from the fruit of their labor. I'll get back to this.

If you want to talk one labor group welcoming another, well the is a perfect example at US that is as bipolar as you can get.

I can talk about Delta and how there is anomosity over the destruction of unions, but that is for you to deal with. I hear things from former NW employees. Instead, I'm taking a left turn at Albuquerque. It was a discussion about Delta's fas red designer dress. Ni-i-ice! I recall the new NWA fas complained that the dress didn't come into a size 38! Needless to say the Delta fas weren't too sensitive.

A US gate agent complained how fas, especially non-revs, gave them a hard time. This was a past thread on here.

So strife in any workplace either verbally or non-verbally is a way of life. Your industry does revolve around a pecking order and it is always us vs. them.

As far as the new ones are profitting from the fruits of your labors, well here is my take and I'll speak from my industry so it's just my 2¢!...
It seems that WN is being rather generous all around. Bringing AT fas to SW fas wage is great and fair. Since the WN fa contract was not up for a vote, the fas really don't have a say in anything except seniority.

Now far be it for me to defend AT by any means. Before the merger, I referred to AirTran as AirTrash. Not for the employees but the clientelle. They were something out of a trailer park. I celebrated when they pulled out of my location. Sorry, but I don't know a better way of putting it.

Btw, WT you are needed at the US Forums
But if FL personell had to deal with what I seen, they not only deserve a raise, but a medal!

 

[buscador]

I wasn't trying to be creative at all. I was just using your words to try and figure out your position. You're angry because while WN F/A's essentially gain nothing (and also lose nothing), the FL F/A's gain a lot due to your better contract and if they would only show appreciation you would be fine with that but every FL F/A has DEMANDED that you (personally) give them everything-so you don't want them to "steal" (your words) from the WN F/A's.

Ok, they fortunately cant "steal" anything from ME,, accept if SWA has miscalculated how you pay all AT people %40 more in pay and benefits for an operation that was losing money(as SWA will be taking out baggage fees). How SWA can pay 10's of millions of $$$ in pay increases and benefits for a company- without baggage fees of $120 million a year would of lost close to $80 million is far beyond my understanding of numbers,,, if the AT arm cant not make up the millions that they are receiving in payraises,, then they do steal from every SWA employee,, the profit sharing, the viability etc,,,, That will take many years to iron out but now all the AT/SWA employees are in the same boat and pray GK has a huge Master Plan

So you think that all AT f/a should come over and get huge payraises, better company, longer careers and not have to give up an ounce of anything,, wow,, you are a very generous person...It wont effect SWA in any way your right,, those employees who have actually worked here that get screwed ,, nope wont hurt them,, o yea,, they dont care,,just ask them

The funny thing is,, our Union which layed down to take a beating,, is the same union that will represent AT/SWA in our next BUYOUT,, well you can now call SWA the Lottery airline,, because now no matter who we Buyout ,, those employees will want the EXact same deal,.,, If its say Alaska Airlines,, which FA's have a much worse contract but much more Seniority than airtran,, The airtran FA , they will be jumping up and down with joy to lose several hundred spots in seniority?? Pushing them all down and many get pushed down to reserve for the rest of their lifes, forcing more people to commute ,,, yep they will still be jumping up and down saying ,, hey we won the lottery once,, why not let them feel the pleasures as well,,,,,because they are fair and giving,,


This seems to be a GReat Business deal,, GK understands more than I could ever in that dept,, but is painful on a personal level for many FA's at SWA,, will cause a Great divide,, dont care what all the POM POM people think,, AT fa will Always be AT FA's in the eyes of those they took from at SWA,, and their lack of apprecitation and lack of willingness to have an ounce of fairness is the why they will always be thought of in that light(opinions of those I talk w),, that sucks for all of us, for the work environment,,the company and the passengers,,,, Human Nature is a b@#ch and all fAs have long long long memories.. The Upside to this deal has many Facets,, the downside has many Faces..

I said it before, it affects me and my personal lifestyle not one ounce,,, I will come do my job, will live my normal life, will not have to commute etc... but just like WT pointed out,, and I hope not ,, But SWA may have just stepped in a pile of S#$t that makes them another Legacy carrier with many disgruntled employees,, losing the culture that 10,000 of us SWA Fa's worked so very hard to achieve is not something I look fwd to ,, hope that it wont happen,, but the forecast is not good

Again,, this is not the companies fault, mgmnt is doing their job in trying to make a better company, this is The fault of the TWU556 for being spineless.. Unfortunately for the company the group that customers spend 90% of their time with will be the same group that are getting the worst deal as far as this BUYOUT in terms of fairness,, thats got to scare some people,,not just me,,,Many FACETs affecting Many FACES


I am only one Voice with only one VOTE--- 2.5 years I am a NO

 

[buscador]

As far as the new ones are profitting from the fruits of your labors, well here is my take and I'll speak from my industry so it's just my 2¢!...
It seems that WN is being rather generous all around. Bringing AT fas to SW fas wage is great and fair. Since the WN fa contract was not up for a vote, the fas really don't have a say in anything except seniority.


Good Job signals,,, are you and WT fighting again,, ohh ohh

As far as contracts your right,, and guess what, when we negotiate a new contract the AT people will be there with their hands out just like we will,, isnt that special,, they will get another raise on top of their %40 raise,, but remember they do deserve it after all they had to work for an inferior airline for 18 years,, so hand it out,, or better yet maybe the 10000 SWA FA's should step out of the contract line and let AT go first,, as they have been under worse working contracts for longer,, let them have all of the new pie and for a second time we will hope for a crumb or two,,,

See now I am a giver too, I am a liberal now after reading so many posts,, so from now on I will liberally give up all I have worked for,, hey anyone need a car,, or maybe trade my nice house for your trailer,, let me know,, Carreers and Company cultures are WAY over rated,,,

 

[AdAstraPerAspera]

nice job,, so creative as well... you cant see any of my points as being somewhat valid.. you think this whole deal is super fantastic and fair... you think this is more fair to whom??? I wish there was a company 5 times bigger and paid so much more that swooped in on SWA and BOUGHT us out ,, I would then get to try to steal from their 40 year flight attendants,, get the AT deal and get my DOH and %40-50 payraise, huge benefits package, 10 times more schedule flexibilities,, and all I do is give up 2.5 years on bidding,, where do I sign and where do I have to move,,I will move to Hong Kong, Narita, taipai,, wherever... sweet.. I am in,, than I would know what winning a lottery feels like also

NYCDelta's right, you know. As you keep saying, you are under the impression that the WN fa's need to "get" something out of this deal. That's not how airline mergers work, my friend. Not everyone benefits.

I guess you think because it's Christmas you need to "get something." Really? How selfish can you get? Go ask santa for something, I suppose. I don't know what you need though...?

Wait, how about ATL, Mexico, Carribbean, Intl destinations, and the East Coast of the US. But that's not enough for you redbellies. What, we're not adding enough gates at LAS for you? Lol.

 

[buscador]

NYCDelta's right, you know. As you keep saying, you are under the impression that the WN fa's need to "get" something out of this deal. That's not how airline mergers work, my friend. Not everyone benefits.

I guess you think because it's Christmas you need to "get something." Really? How selfish can you get? Go ask santa for something, I suppose. I don't know what you need though...?

Wait, how about ATL, Mexico, Carribbean, Intl destinations, and the East Coast of the US. But that's not enough for you redbellies. What, we're not adding enough gates at LAS for you? Lol.

So much easier to spout your ignorance when your the one getting double pay and more flexibility,, if you took a minute to read any of my posts you would see, that I said it is a good business move for the Co,... PERSONALLY SWA gave their true employees NOTHING,, while AT gets HUGE PAY RAISES,, and took a tiny hit in bidding seniority,,, you really need to buy a dictionary with your windfall of cash you may now afford one,,, selfish is one who TAKES more than their share,, which is exactly what you have done,,,, I never once asked for more pay, more benefits,, nothing accept AT to show a little respect and appreciation,,fairness,, like a hit in DOH..boy o boy I am selfish... you deserve everything,, now that I think about it we should of given AFA what they wanted the first round when they WANTED 3 for 1 for AT, every year flown at AT was worth 3 at SWA,,,,yep your #1 MIMI should of gotten 54 years for bidding,, but no way anyone at SWA would think that was an insult... as your lack of gratitude shows, maybe we should of given you more,,

YOu are a true champion,, you have never said ,, HEY I am so grateful SWA bought us out,, my life has changed,, my life has gotten better,.,., nope you chose to keep spouting your ignorance,, so take your cash, your new Superior company,, all your new found riches and find a hobby,,,

 

[BoeingBoy]

and took a tiny hit in bidding seniority,,,

Exaggeration destroys your argument. Since I don't have either separate seniority list or the combined list, you tell me - what position will the #1 FL FA be on the combined list? A "tiny hit" in bidding seniority? How about the #500 FL FA? #1000? #1500? Then give up the same info for the #1 WN FA. The #1000 WN FA. The number #2000 WN FA. #3000, 4000, 5000, etc. Then we can judge for ourselves who took a "tiny hit" in seniority and who took a large hit.

How about instead of complaining about the agreement that was reached, you tell us exactly how you would have integrated the lists? A perpetual B-scale for those who aren't "true" WN FA's? Different work rules forever? Maybe a perpetual fence separating the two operations? Maybe just take the assets but none of the people?

Jim

 

[buscador]

Exaggeration destroys your argument. Since I don't have either separate seniority list or the combined list, you tell me - what position will the #1 FL FA be on the combined list? A "tiny hit" in bidding seniority? How about the #500 FL FA? #1000? #1500? Then give up the same info for the #1 WN FA. The #1000 WN FA. The number #2000 WN FA. #3000, 4000, 5000, etc. Then we can judge for ourselves who took a "tiny hit" in seniority and who took a large hit.

How about instead of complaining about the agreement that was reached, you tell us exactly how you would have integrated the lists? A perpetual B-scale for those who aren't "true" WN FA's? Different work rules forever? Maybe a perpetual fence separating the two operations? Maybe just take the assets but none of the people?

Jim

Again another rational level headed post,, thanks,,

I Have stated this before and 100 times if once, I never said a staple, never said seperate operations, or fences.. Most FA's that I talked to think that seeing as all we had to deal with on our side is seniority,, then it would of been a fantastic showing of gratitude and appreciation if they would of taken a one time hit in DOH of %20-30,, DOH.. or what ever their pay scale was + 1 pay step up ,, where they landed is where they landed on the seniority list.... They would of been making more money, and all the bennies... Just this fair act of gratitude would of been a win/win and we would of all walked away saying welcome aboard...

This was the only chance to come together as one, obviously AT got the better end of the deal and that we all knew was going to happen and good for them,, but to give up nothing on the DOH/pay side and only 2.5 for bidding,, wow,,,,, then you have astra,,who ever he is,, thinking SWA is selfish,, that arrogance helps add to the fact that NOT one AT FA had shown one ounce of gratitude, thats on this forum,, in real life, to one SWA FA that I have ever heard of ,,,I fly a lot and talk to many FA's and ask what the attitude is,, the answer not good, disrespectful and arrogant,, again I have only talked with several AT people and they we ok....

I am telling all AT people that read this, you win,, TWU failed us,, but giving thanks or a simple smile to a SWA flight attendant will go a long way.. but again I am probably being unreasonable and selfish..

 

[buscador]

What will be very interesting seeing as this T/A doesnt seem to have many if any real protections for AT FA's, if people like Adastro come into their SMT - (SWA merger training) with that kind of arrogance and attitude ,, will they even make it out????

Remember they dont jump to SWA pay or Protections until they actually have an official SWA i.d....until that time they can be let go ,, a weeding out process you could say,,, so dont start spending your money yet... keep spouting and please bring that unappreciative arrogant attitude to your special training,, the trainers in DAllas are going to really apprectiate that southern kind of arrogance...

 

[BoeingBoy]

it would of been a fantastic showing of gratitude and appreciation if they would of taken a one time hit in DOH of %20-30

Since FL has only been around for coming up on 19 years, a 20% seniority hit for their most senior FA (assuming hired when the FL started up) is 3.8 years and for their most junior FA is a few months (not sure what that FA's DOH would be but FL has been growing so it would be relatively recent). A 30% hit would be 5.7 years and a few months respectfully. So 2.5 years is a pretty good average of that. Your proposal would be worse for the junior WN FA's (more FL FA's ahead of them) but better for the mid-level WN FA's (fewer FL FA's ahead of them). So it's a question of which WN FA's lose and which win. You vote for the mid-level winning, the agreement shares the "pain" equally between the mid-level and junior FA's. I say "pain" since the airline gets bigger, absorbing the FL FA's being added to the list - the WN FA's don't give up anything.

or what ever their pay scale was + 1 pay step up

You mean 1 step up on the FL or WN pay scale? If the FL pay scale, that's adding a B-scale - I believe a first for WN.

Also, be careful taking "I heard" to seriously. Too many people only look at one thing - their seniority number before and after the integration. Then they complain about how much seniority they lost, forgetting that the airline got bigger - # 3000 on the WN list might be the same relative seniority as #4000 on the combined list but the impulse is to say "I lost 1000 numbers". A WN FA that could get one of their top few choices of schedules should still be able to get the same. Weekends off - the same applies. Favorite layovers - same. But they do get new cities to fly to (or layover or non-rev on their own carrier). A new base or two to bid if so inclined. Hopefully a more profitable company, meaning their stock is worth more and more profit sharing. Etc.

Jim

 

[QA4Jet-A]

What will be very interesting seeing as this T/A doesnt seem to have many if any real protections for AT FA's, if people like Adastro come into their SMT - (SWA merger training) with that kind of arrogance and attitude ,, will they even make it out????

Remember they dont jump to SWA pay or Protections until they actually have an official SWA i.d....until that time they can be let go ,, a weeding out process you could say,,, so dont start spending your money yet... keep spouting and please bring that unappreciative arrogant attitude to your special training,, the trainers in DAllas are going to really apprectiate that southern kind of arrogance...

I have sat back and watched all of this for about a month or two now, without saying a word, and all it does is get crazier.
Here we are, Two Airline Companies trying to become one. I am an AT Employee who is not affected by organized labor and after watching this parade of ideas, I'm glad I am where I am. So far, I have met many SW people and they have ALL been very hospitable and welcomed me into the SW fold. Just last month, at the Crew Hotel in STL, a F/A crew came over to me in the Hotel Lobby and asked me to join them for Dinner. We had a great time discussing all that we will learn from each other and work towards one goal, and that was to maintain the Culture and be a better place to work. I was asked what I was gaining and I simply said, Employment, and that is all I want. As the convo moved forward I also said, If we were to be bought by any airline, I am glad it is SW because YOU set the bar for the industry and we really want to work with people like you. In my travels, I have talked to many of our people around the system and while some are scared about losing their jobs, some have, more will, most are excited to become part of SW. I have yet to hear or see any arrogance or cockiness from FL employees towards SW people. I have yet to hear this, 'I want it all' attitude. As for me, I have been told I will be retained but that it is not guaranteed. I will get the benes as I blend into the SW system and will continue at my current salary. I can live with that. What I want to live with more so is, SW employees ignoring 'Hearsay' and just accept that we are people, just like you, and we want what you do. Be successful in all that we do. Become a stronger company that we can all be proud of. Yes, we are from a smaller carrier but we did do the best we could with what we had, so let us bring our skills to you, blend in, and work it out. None of us are any better than those around us if we can't work together.
Let's forget the years gone by and work towards a future.
QA

 

[buscador]

Since FL has only been around for coming up on 19 years, a 20% seniority hit for their most senior FA (assuming hired when the FL started up) is 3.8 years and for their most junior FA is a few months (not sure what that FA's DOH would be but FL has been growing so it would be relatively recent). A 30% hit would be 5.7 years and a few months respectfully. So 2.5 years is a pretty good average of that. Your proposal would be worse for the junior WN FA's (more FL FA's ahead of them) but better for the mid-level WN FA's (fewer FL FA's ahead of them). So it's a question of which WN FA's lose and which win. You vote for the mid-level winning, the agreement shares the "pain" equally between the mid-level and junior FA's. I say "pain" since the airline gets bigger, absorbing the FL FA's being added to the list - the WN FA's don't give up anything.



You mean 1 step up on the FL or WN pay scale? If the FL pay scale, that's adding a B-scale - I believe a first for WN.

Also, be careful taking "I heard" to seriously. Too many people only look at one thing - their seniority number before and after the integration. Then they complain about how much seniority they lost, forgetting that the airline got bigger - # 3000 on the WN list might be the same relative seniority as #4000 on the combined list but the impulse is to say "I lost 1000 numbers". A WN FA that could get one of their top few choices of schedules should still be able to get the same. Weekends off - the same applies. Favorite layovers - same. But they do get new cities to fly to (or layover or non-rev on their own carrier). A new base or two to bid if so inclined. Hopefully a more profitable company, meaning their stock is worth more and more profit sharing. Etc.

Jim

Nope a B scale wouldnt be fair to them, they take their %30 hit on DOH and then get SWA scale +1 step up,, so they may take a hit on their bidding but a raise on their current pay.. The majority of the AT people are under 12,, so at 8 years (96months) would end up with -32months-2.8 years,,so 6.4 years total.,, the junior people would be 3 years(36 months -12= 2 years),, 18 years would end up at 12 years...

it would hurt the top and help the bottom.. saves the company millions of dollars,, the bottom 1500 would have been around an average hit of 3.5 years,, again I have to check the list again,, but it doesnt matter we dont need to talk about it because its far past that point...this deal looks like it will pass because the TWU is scaring or threating that it may go to arbitration ,, instead of talking about some of the other options that may or may not of benefited the work group as a whole...

The other cities and bigger company ,, I agree with you ,, is good for the company as a whole. As I said there are two parts of this deal in the big picture ,, 1-The company comes first and we all hope this will be a great aquisition making SWA a Better company.... 2- is the point of real and personal lifes of the employees who make the big picture tick...real bank accounts, real face to face flying, real working conditions, real culture,, day to day real life..

As you know and so does the company,, personal perception and public perception are two different balls of wax,,, but if the SWA employees personal perception is they got handed a raw deal, be it real or inaccurate, that will translate into a bad thing and FA's w bad attitudes will change the public perception FAster than any one group,, bad perception reaching to the media, passengers, stockholders.... That is the double edged sword and hopefully the company can figure it out... I can say that in my observations the general perception REAL OR NOT is that SWA FA's got a bad deal, the union is telling to take it because the big bad arbitration monster will sneak in and steal their children if they dont( ok a bit of exaggeration, but you get the point)

The PERCEPTION is that AT seems to be ungrateful and taking all the upgrades etc,,, now again I personally have never heard, or seen , personally or on any forum,,, one AT FA say thanks or show any form of appreciation ,, It does me no good to talk about it,, as I stated before I have never asked for or expected SWA to give me a raise, better bennies because I think the company has been great,, I will come to work and do my job with a smile on my face... I will hope the AT people feel the same... but I personally am not pushed down the list, it means nothing to my seniority w or with out AT...but its those junior people I worry about,, the ones who have to fly with AT people,, will AT bring the arrogance that asastro shows,, with lack of respect,, then watch out,, there goes the culture..and to be fair to AT will the SWA FA's who feel they got a bad deal treat AT people un deservedly??

I have overheard a few AT FA's say.. "I will not clean a Plane", " I will never fly 5 landings",, are they the minority(I hope),,these are the main two comments I have personally heard that make me a little suspect!!

Again, These are the concerns,, I am moving on,,, if this deal should pass it will be on to the next step,, I am simply pointing out that this one has gotten off on the wrong foot and will it ever be able to balance itself out,, ONLY Time will tell,,,

 

[WorldTraveler]

Oh, pull-eze, WT. Everyone thinks unions only take people's money, yet your accusing them of shooting themselves in the foot. With greater membership, comes greater revenue, and in these times, a union like an airline wants to lose money.

I find it laughable that you all wear the same feathers but try to hide the same habits. I actually admire your cut-throat industry and watch it carefully because I know that the airline industry is at the top of commerce and everything flows downstream. What happens I your industry today, will arrive in mine tomorrow.

Now to say that certain attitudes in your industry don't exist is a lie. Although we find WN venting some dirty laundry, not everyone is spotless. I think they are integrated in you along with a pride to work for your airline.

Think!

The attitude is a one-upsmanship.
Observation locally:
US employees had to walk outside to go from counters to gates, without going though checkpoint security. Fine in summer, sucks in winter. A US agent knew B6 had access to a door that would avoid the outdoors. She made a comment like 'why should jb have it easyand not us?' Lo and behold, US now had access.

Observation locally:
A MQ baggage cart pulls up to a baggage belt. The ramper starts unloading the luggage on the belt. Another ramper comes in and asks-why didn't you use the first belt? Answer because US doesn't want us to use it. Other ramper-I'm sick of F-ing US dictating their rules on us.
Oh, merger, where is thy sting!

At the US forums of mergers past:
An F/A claimed that once they were the top of the heap and would look down at the SW FAs. Her bitterness came out when she claimed that now SW would look down at them.

So I can see the crap an SW fa had to take and why they may be bitter over someone who they perceive as benefitting from the fruit of their labor. I'll get back to this.

If you want to talk one labor group welcoming another, well the is a perfect example at US that is as bipolar as you can get.

I can talk about Delta and how there is anomosity over the destruction of unions, but that is for you to deal with. I hear things from former NW employees. Instead, I'm taking a left turn at Albuquerque. It was a discussion about Delta's fas red designer dress. Ni-i-ice! I recall the new NWA fas complained that the dress didn't come into a size 38! Needless to say the Delta fas weren't too sensitive.

A US gate agent complained how fas, especially non-revs, gave them a hard time. This was a past thread on here.

So strife in any workplace either verbally or non-verbally is a way of life. Your industry does revolve around a pecking order and it is always us vs. them.

As far as the new ones are profitting from the fruits of your labors, well here is my take and I'll speak from my industry so it's just my 2¢!...
It seems that WN is being rather generous all around. Bringing AT fas to SW fas wage is great and fair. Since the WN fa contract was not up for a vote, the fas really don't have a say in anything except seniority.

Now far be it for me to defend AT by any means. Before the merger, I referred to AirTran as AirTrash. Not for the employees but the clientelle. They were something out of a trailer park. I celebrated when they pulled out of my location. Sorry, but I don't know a better way of putting it.

Btw, WT you are needed at the US Forums
But if FL personell had to deal with what I seen, they not only deserve a raise, but a medal!

I'm not doubting any of this stuff happens - but it also shows that what you do to other people can well come back and bite you where it counts.
None of the events you recounted, however, have the significance that comes from poisoned employee relations from mergers - groups that still fight with each other and individuals that identify coworkers of a specific group - and hold onto it for years and years to come.
THAT is the kind of stuff that does affect how well a company can operate and makes life just plain miserable for everyone - at least those who choose to be involved in it.
.
And that makes what QA4 wrote all the more refreshing... the hope is very much that the vast majority of FL and WN people WILL quickly adapt and figure out how to productively and peacefully work together to the benefit of themselves and to the benefit of the company.

 

[NYCDelta]

NYCDelta's right, you know. As you keep saying, you are under the impression that the WN fa's need to "get" something out of this deal. That's not how airline mergers work, my friend. Not everyone benefits.

I guess you think because it's Christmas you need to "get something." Really? How selfish can you get? Go ask santa for something, I suppose. I don't know what you need though...?

Wait, how about ATL, Mexico, Carribbean, Intl destinations, and the East Coast of the US. But that's not enough for you redbellies. What, we're not adding enough gates at LAS for you? Lol.

I think that the problem is not that WN is losing something-they don't like that AirTran employees kept their DOH (even though WN got 2.5 years across the board). They don't like that AT employees didn't feel "pain". Whatever, we can agree to disagree. I have exactly one WN F/A friend and one AT F/A friend and they are both happy. That says nothing of the thousands of others-but it was nice to at least hear that.

At the end of the day, almost all WN F/A's will be senior to the majority of AT F/A's. For some-that's just not enough. They want them to lose seniority. The most senior F/A at FL will probably be junior to a WN employee hired in 1997. That's not good enough. They want them to be junior to someone hired in 2000? 2005? I don't know.

Personally, if I worked for WN I would be happy. If this had gone to an arbitrator who slotted the F/A's together, the outcome may have been very different. Look at some previous mergers and you will see what may have happened.

 

[AdAstraPerAspera]

...but its those junior people I worry about,, the ones who have to fly with AT people,, will AT bring the arrogance that asastro shows,, with lack of respect,, then watch out,, there goes the culture..and to be fair to AT will the SWA FA's who feel they got a bad deal treat AT people un deservedly??

I'm sorry that I'm not grateful enough for you. I'm sorry I'm not bending over and kissing your ass just because you have always worked for Southwest Airlines. I'm sorry that I'm not completely over-the-moon beating on my LUV bible. Am I supposed to jump up and down and scream with delight now that Southwest is here to rescue me? Ok, I've been redeemed! I've seen the light, and it is blue with a red belly, with drinks served on trays and 5 legs a day to places like ELP and ABQ! Fan-freaking-tastic! Is that what you need to see so you can stop viewing FL employees as trashy LCC interlopers from Atlanta, but as colleagues and friends?

If you are under the impression that I am going to build a Herb Kelleher shrine in my bedroom and sacrifice goats in his honor while worshiping it every evening and make an annual pilgrimage to DAL to eat the sacred peanuts, you are sadly mistaken.

Here's a fact you won't hear any WN employee talk about: Southwest *needed* AirTran. But AirTran didn't need Southwest.

Why do you think WN had never flown into ATL before? The busiest airport in the world? Atlanta is one of the biggest cities in the US, and has one of the largest local economies in the world. It is the capital of the so-called New South, and is growing larger every day. So many big global companies have their HQ there. Was Southwest just gonna let that giant gaping hole in its route map stay there forever? No, too many business people need to fly there, and business travel is where the money is. But they couldn't compete there by themselves! They could not set up shop on their own and actually start flying into ATL, the busiest airport in the world. They needed help. They needed AirTran.

 

[buscador]

"

I'm sorry that I'm not grateful enough for you. I'm sorry I'm not bending over and kissing your ass just because you have always worked for Southwest Airlines. I'm sorry that I'm not completely over-the-moon beating on my LUV bible. Am I supposed to jump up and down and scream with delight now that Southwest is here to rescue me? Ok, I've been redeemed! I've seen the light, and it is blue with a red belly, with drinks served on trays and 5 legs a day to places like ELP and ABQ! Fan-freaking-tastic! Is that what you need to see so you can stop viewing FL employees as trashy LCC interlopers from Atlanta, but as colleagues and friends?

If you are under the impression that I am going to build a Herb Kelleher shrine in my bedroom and sacrifice goats in his honor while worshiping it every evening and make an annual pilgrimage to DAL to eat the sacred peanuts, you are sadly mistaken.

Here's a fact you won't hear any WN employee talk about: Southwest *needed* AirTran. But AirTran didn't need Southwest.

Why do you think WN had never flown into ATL before? The busiest airport in the world? Atlanta is one of the biggest cities in the US, and has one of the largest local economies in the world. It is the capital of the so-called New South, and is growing larger every day. So many big global companies have their HQ there. Was Southwest just gonna let that giant gaping hole in its route map stay there forever? No, too many business people need to fly there, and business travel is where the money is. But they couldn't compete there by themselves! They could not set up shop on their own and actually start flying into ATL, the busiest airport in the world. They needed help. They needed AirTran.

No, lets try this again,, you seem a little slow... am I reading between the lines here? What you were really saying was!

"I would like to take this moment to give a Thank you to SWA and the employees, for making that company a special and profitable company, thank you for adding longevity to my career and thanks for the tremedous upgrades in pay and benefits I will be recieving for many, many years to come.. On behalf of all AT people, I would like to say THANK YOU!


I want to thank you Adasstro your attitude and disrespect sums up all that We at SWA fear, I will take the higher road and Wish you the Best at your new company, and I would like to take a moment to thank AT and its employees for the new cities and growth potential that we now have, so my Best wishes to All the good AT employees!! Lets Make the New SWA a better airline,,

Good day