Pilot job action?!

[Bloodhound]

I'm a line avionics AMT, and you have my support. Our shifts are 8 1/2 hours, and it doesn't matter to us if we're working on a jet or congregating in the ready room waiting for another assignment. I, and the majority of my LINE MAINTENANCE colleagues voted NO, and I can say with certainty, that if our contract was abrogated, as yours was, we would be doing the same thing. However, the last two days, without getting into detail for obvious reasons, have gotten a little silly in many occasions. Keep it real guys. We're behind you 100%. But please don't put your fellow employee's, whether they be Pilots or AMT's, tickets in danger for an agenda.

Having said that, in my humble opinion, if this continues, Judge Terry Means (AA's lapdog) in Fort Worth will issue an injunction against you just as he did against us, the TWU AMTs, in December of 1999 for excessive write-ups. All legit write-ups....all legit. Make them legit, or keep the book on the glareshield. Best to ya.

 

[Bob Owens]

Bob I really wish I could understand your perspective and I'm trying hard to read and piece together all you wrote here. You are assuming the capacity that AA has in place would be replaced by the acquiring carrier(s) which would not necessarily happen.

Well that’s whats happened in the past even when the system had less excess capacity. I suppose that the banks may agree to just sit on the assets and the millions of people who AA moves every year will simply stay home but I doubt it.

"At the very least some may say your desires to see AA liquidate are selfish as you disregarding the dire implications for other employees and workgroups. "


For selfish reasons I do not desire to see AA liquidate. I was making an objective observation as a licensed A&P mechanic. If AA’s business plan, based upon super low paid mechanics succeeds it will hurt every A&P mechanic in the industry.

"It is beyond belief that you somehow think AA coming out of this restructuring and thrive how it would be adverse to your profession. "

It is beyond belief that someone who claims to be a businessman could honestly not see how it would not be. Our objective is to maximize the dollar value of each hour we sell, not sell more hours. As an old, very wealthy, Jew once told a family member “Don’t be a schmuck, work less and charge more”.

Other carriers aren't looking to match the concessions AA has obtained much like AA didn't seek deep concessions after the RPA up until they filed November 29, 2011.

Wrong, other carriers will use AA as an example in their negotiations.



"Not sure why you are talking about cutting wages, some workgroups got pay increases but had changes in work rules to increase productivity."

If you give me a 3% increase on my base wage only, so in total it comes out to closer to 2% and take away my pension, retiree medical, another week of vacation and double my Medical then I took a paycut. Cant believe you don’t see it that way. The loss of the pension alone is at least a 10% paycut

 

[Bob Owens]

I'm a line avionics AMT, and you have my support. Our shifts are 8 1/2 hours, and it doesn't matter to us if we're working on a jet or congregating in the ready room waiting for another assignment. I, and the majority of my LINE MAINTENANCE colleagues voted NO, and I can say with certainty, that if our contract was abrogated, as yours was, we would be doing the same thing. However, the last two days, without getting into detail for obvious reasons, have gotten a little silly in many occasions. Keep it real guys. We're behind you 100%. But please don't put your fellow employee's, whether they be Pilots or AMT's, tickets in danger for an agenda.

Having said that, in my humble opinion, if this continues, Judge Terry Means (AA's lapdog) in Fort Worth will issue an injunction against you just as he did against us, the TWU AMTs, in December of 1999 for excessive write-ups. All legit write-ups....all legit. Make them legit, or keep the book on the glareshield. Best to ya.

Let the Judge issue whatever he wants, if they are legit then let him duke it out with the FAA. While a judge that does not know what they are doing may rubber stamp a TRO once it gets to court you are never going to see a Judge rule that mechanics or pilots should not do what they are legally required to do as license holders.

From personal experience following a TRO can be dangerous and never again will I let a TRO put me in a position like that again. In the end, because we followed the TRO which directed us to "not work by the book", we ended up with a totaled stairs truck and $1million in damages to a new 777. When we had the hearing and the Supervisor asked me why I didnt follow the book, my response was that the company sought and obtained a TRO that directed me to not follow the book and do things as we traditionally did things. That was the end of the 29F but I was drug tested and held out of service for a week.

 

[Kev3188]

Other carriers aren't looking to match the concessions AA has obtained much like AA didn't seek deep concessions after the RPA up until they filed November 29, 2011.

There will absolutely be downward pressure on employees at other carriers. DL uses an "industry average" to set it's pay rates. AA is one of the carriers it uses in it's peer group. Any lowering of base rates at a carrier- without an accordant boost at another- puts pressure on the curve.

Strangely most of the agents and FAs I've been dealing with have been surprisingly upbeat and professional despite the challenges the company is facing now.

With the band-aid finally ripped off, relief sometimes follows...

Josh, with all due respect, you had better start learning how to read contracts and not take someones word for it. Any workgroup that got a pay raise (and mine, Fleet, did not) lost that increase in givebacks, by a bunch.
My premiums in health insurance alone are going up by $292 dollars a month. And if wouldn't have been for the infamous "me too" clause, that would have been on top of a pay cut! It wasn't just about workrule changes Josh, it was much much more!!

It's amazing how many people will see the structural increases in your T/A's base rate as a "raise." Even worse is when it's one's own co-workers...

 

[737823]

It's amazing how many people will see the structural increases in your T/A's base rate as a "raise." Even worse is when it's one's own co-workers...

Well base wage may increased but overall compensation may still decrease with other changes. I understand the distinction but stand by post-wages did in fact increase for some work groups while overall compensation may have fallen.

Josh

 

[Kev3188]

Well base wage may increased but overall compensation may still decrease with other changes. I understand the distinction but stand by post-wages did in fact increase for some work groups while overall compensation may have fallen.

Josh

I know you understand the difference (and I'm glad you do), but I think you might be stunned at how many don't.

It's an all too easy of sell for a company. Worse is when a union helps pave the way for them.

 

[737823]

I know you understand the difference (and I'm glad you do), but I think you might be stunned at how many don't.

It's an all too easy of sell for a company. Worse is when a union helps pave the way for them.

Agreed. If I were covered under a CBA I would make sure I read through the document in its entirety before voting. It's easy to cherry pick certain items and make it appear to be something it isn't-you have to take a step back and look at the big picture. It's like the old saying don't miss the forest for the trees.

Josh

 

[Rogallo]

Agreed. If I were covered under a CBA I would make sure I read through the document in its entirety before voting.

Josh

And hopefully understand it..!!!

 

[Barfbag]

Actually, its people like me that keep you paid nd your doors open......

Cheers,
777 / 767 / 757

First fo all that you for keeping the doors open at AA. And, yes I can sense that snobbery, that elitism, where you always want to be seated in first, beluga caviar, DP, chateaubriand, and inflight foot rubs if you could get it. This Raffles style of flying is fastly disappearing as the airlines know there are less of these demanding passengers. You see as a non-rev I've flown FC to TYO and MNL on JapanAir and PAL, I've even had a sleeper bed assigned to me in the upper deck of a 747 all the way to MNL. So even as a non-rev I become aware of what the FC passenger wants and what he/she experiences first hand.

That all changed when the FFB hounds started to show up at the gate. Like yourself these hounds use points based on purchases ( like the ones used in chain grocery stores ). A loyalty system based on points and not on service does nothing to improve service but only gives you points to discount a product, namely your FC seat. Your FC is heavily discounted and doesn't truly reflect the true cost of its production. Your FC seat is subsidized by concessions in contracts by pilots, FAs and Mechanics. So whether you're in FC or in the cheap seats, your seat is subsidized. The airlines don't know how to make this work so theyll continue to lower the cost of that seat and improve the points system.

Again thank you for keeping the doors opened.. theres a lot of good people out there trying to earn a living.

BTW I'm retired long ago, and I loathe flying these days even FC.

 

[777 / 767 / 757 Love]

First fo all that you for keeping the doors open at AA. And, yes I can sense that snobbery, that elitism, where you always want to be seated in first, beluga caviar, DP, chateaubriand, and inflight foot rubs if you could get it. This Raffles style of flying is fastly disappearing as the airlines know there are less of these demanding passengers. You see as a non-rev I've flown FC to TYO and MNL on JapanAir and PAL, I've even had a sleeper bed assigned to me in the upper deck of a 747 all the way to MNL. So even as a non-rev I become aware of what the FC passenger wants and what he/she experiences first hand.

That all changed when the FFB hounds started to show up at the gate. Like yourself these hounds use points based on purchases ( like the ones used in chain grocery stores ). A loyalty system based on points and not on service does nothing to improve service but only gives you points to discount a product, namely your FC seat. Your FC is heavily discounted and doesn't truly reflect the true cost of its production. Your FC seat is subsidized by concessions in contracts by pilots, FAs and Mechanics. So whether you're in FC or in the cheap seats, your seat is subsidized. The airlines don't know how to make this work so theyll continue to lower the cost of that seat and improve the points system.

Again thank you for keeping the doors opened.. theres a lot of good people out there trying to earn a living.

BTW I'm retired long ago, and I loathe flying these days even FC.

Talk about being totally and utterly clueless......way to take a single quote and manipulate it, not to mention a complete FAIL in reading comprehension. I spent my life in coach buddy, and now like coming home to my kids in one piece.....I don't use my SWUs nor do I care about where I sit on some little city jumper here in teh states or a baby transcon......I use them on the 150k+ ACTUAL FLKOWN MILES I do internationally on AA. Heading to China for 3-4 days of business and 15 hour work days doesn't take too kindly to your body when you sandwich that between two 13-14.5 hour runs in coach (depending on time of year and winds).

You are a complete moron and have no clue how the system works. I get in first cause I have SWUs, and I get there after spending 7k on a business class ticket.....you read that number correctly? Yeah, REAL SUBSIDIZED THERE. I don't get there for free, or by using a stupid credit card to rack of miles, I get there cause I spend a ton of money with AA and the company thanks me. I'm on a first name bases with the gate agents in my city (non-hub so you see the same over and over again) as well as know most of the Pursers that run those routes, and I love seeing them every 6 weeks cause its like a home away from home. So get a clue buddy........I don't get there on points and miles.....I get there on hard earned money.

Btw, only the most expensive (120k+ miles) award tix are available for purchase unless you book 3 months in advanced or go on odd days, and they NEVER have inventory for regular mileage upgrade to business on many international routes. But you don't use this airline as a business tool, so I'm sure you have no grasp on the TRUE reality of what can and cannot be bought with miles and what it ACTUALLY costs.

Thanks for the comment buddy.....see you just assume things and jump all over me, without asking.......so you are in fact the elitest who thinks he is better and "cooler" than everyone else because you don't expect anything and you are the good customer and I'm just some dick in first class......of course I would expect less too when a 1st class seat to Asia cost no more than $275 as a D2, less than $200 as a 25yrs D2.

BTW, how do you NOT like flying? Even with all of the problems, there is no greater form of transportation in life, even when tiring and delayed. Whether in a Cesna or a loaded 777 sitting at PVG with a 2-hour dealy......SIGN ME UP. It beats taking the train

Cheers,
777 / 767 / 757

 

[737823]

Just received the following email:

Dear Joshua,

At American, we always do our best to provide our customers with a smooth travel experience. You may have seen recent media reports about American's operational challenges or even experienced a service disruption yourself. Whatever the circumstance, I am truly sorry for any inconvenience to you. I also want to let you know what's going on and assure you that we stand ready to help.

Prior to recent issues, American has been running an extremely good operation, with reliability measures at their best levels in many years. The recent delays are due to the increase in maintenance write-ups by our pilots, many right at the time of departure. Our maintenance teams are responding appropriately to such reports, which may cause interruptions in our schedules. I know you will agree that nothing is more important than running a safe and reliable operation. Ensuring the safety of our customers is always our highest priority.

We are taking several immediate steps to improve our service during this period. We are proactively reducing the rest of our September and October schedule by approximately one to two percent. These schedule adjustments will enable us to provide our customers with more reliable service while minimizing impact to travel plans. Additionally, we are increasing staffing of maintenance, reservations and airport personnel to offer you more flexible travel options.

As always, our goal is to get you to your destination safely and on-time. Because you are a valued elite member, should you find that on your day of departure these issues will cause you to arrive more than one hour late at your final destination, all you have to do is ask and we'll do our best to arrange an alternative. We will seek out the best available reaccommodation, whether that is on American or on another carrier — or if you prefer, we will let you cancel your reservation and receive a refund. Your needs are our primary focus.

Above all, I want to thank you for your business and your support. We do not take your loyalty for granted and are working hard on your behalf.

Sincerely,

Suzanne L. Rubin
President
AAdvantage[sup]®[/sup] Loyalty Program

Looks like AA is serious about this and doesn't want people to book on other carriers concerned about operational performance. So far press coverage has been limited to WSJ and a few snippets on NBC which is good. Of course the posters here will want to have it both ways-say that the pilots aren't engaging in job action while at the same time saying the media coverage is beneficial to your negotiations.

 

[737823]

Talk about being totally and utterly clueless......way to take a single quote and manipulate it, not to mention a complete FAIL in reading comprehension. I spent my life in coach buddy, and now like coming home to my kids in one piece.....I don't use my SWUs nor do I care about where I sit on some little city jumper here in teh states or a baby transcon......I use them on the 150k+ ACTUAL FLKOWN MILES I do internationally on AA. Heading to China for 3-4 days of business and 15 hour work days doesn't take too kindly to your body when you sandwich that between two 13-14.5 hour runs in coach (depending on time of year and winds).

You are a complete moron and have no clue how the system works. I get in first cause I have SWUs, and I get there after spending 7k on a business class ticket.....you read that number correctly? Yeah, REAL SUBSIDIZED THERE. I don't get there for free, or by using a stupid credit card to rack of miles, I get there cause I spend a ton of money with AA and the company thanks me. I'm on a first name bases with the gate agents in my city (non-hub so you see the same over and over again) as well as know most of the Pursers that run those routes, and I love seeing them every 6 weeks cause its like a home away from home. So get a clue buddy........I don't get there on points and miles.....I get there on hard earned money.

Btw, only the most expensive (120k+ miles) award tix are available for purchase unless you book 3 months in advanced or go on odd days, and they NEVER have inventory for regular mileage upgrade to business on many international routes. But you don't use this airline as a business tool, so I'm sure you have no grasp on the TRUE reality of what can and cannot be bought with miles and what it ACTUALLY costs.

Thanks for the comment buddy.....see you just assume things and jump all over me, without asking.......so you are in fact the elitest who thinks he is better and "cooler" than everyone else because you don't expect anything and you are the good customer and I'm just some dick in first class......of course I would expect less too when a 1st class seat to Asia cost no more than $275 as a D2, less than $200 as a 25yrs D2.

BTW, how do you NOT like flying? Even with all of the problems, there is no greater form of transportation in life, even when tiring and delayed. Whether in a Cesna or a loaded 777 sitting at PVG with a 2-hour dealy......SIGN ME UP. It beats taking the train

Cheers,
777 / 767 / 757

Great post-my sentiment exactly. Many of the employee posters are narrow minded and don't understand the importance customers-especially high value customers are to AA.

And to the poster that thinks AA serves chateaubriand, Dom Perignon and caviar you have it all wrong. AA F to China especially is pretty ordinary food with things like Turkey Meatloaf, lox and shrimp starter, $10 bottles of Chardonnay and of course ice cream sundaes and Uno's pizza. If you want the former you need to fly Cathay Pacific or Singapore Airlines since American Airlines no longer offers those items in catering. The flights to China usually have a vegetarian pasta, western seafood dish and two Chinese-American inspired dishes like chicken with fried rice or a shrimp wok bowl. Nothing too amazing the same stuff you can buy at your neighborhood Trader Joe's.

Josh

 

[Kev3188]

777Love/ Josh--

I think you guessed missed the last part of his post:

Again thank you for keeping the doors opened.. theres a lot of good people out there trying to earn a living.

BTW I'm retired long ago, and I loathe flying these days even FC.

P.S. I hate flying too. Not the actual act of flight itself, but everything that leads up to it.

 

[777 / 767 / 757 Love]

Great post-my sentiment exactly. Many of the employee posters are narrow minded and don't understand the importance customers-especially high value customers are to AA.

And to the poster that thinks AA serves chateaubriand, Dom Perignon and caviar you have it all wrong. AA F to China especially is pretty ordinary food with things like Turkey Meatloaf, lox and shrimp starter, $10 bottles of Chardonnay and of course ice cream sundaes and Uno's pizza. If you want the former you need to fly Cathay Pacific or Singapore Airlines since American Airlines no longer offers those items in catering. The flights to China usually have a vegetarian pasta, western seafood dish and two Chinese-American inspired dishes like chicken with fried rice or a shrimp wok bowl. Nothing too amazing the same stuff you can buy at your neighborhood Trader Joe's.

Josh

Josh, you sound like me......you know you travel too much when you know the menus by heart.....LOL

Cheers,
777 / 767 / 757

 

[blue collar]

How are they increasing the staffing of maintenance, when they just sent out all the warn letters?