I think the problem is the inconsistancy of the arguements we get. When members or some of their represenataives bring up what SWA mechanics make (let alone Fed Ex or UPS)we are told by some of the people that Jim put in charge over at the ATD that we should not try and compare ourselves to Southwest, that its Apples and Oranges. Since they in effect speak for him and are only accountable to him he of course gets the blame. It goes with the job. The attack on Marlene was unwarranted and in bad taste and he apoligized for it but lets face it, if you were to ask someone on the street which job they think would pay higher, an Aircraft Mechanic working for a large carrier or a Secretary working for the not for profit Union representing the mechanics most would think an Aircraft Mechanic, by a wide margin and would be shocked to hear that the Secretary for the union representing Aircraft Mechanics makes more than Double what the aircraft mechanics make, and has the weekends and holidays off to boot. This isnt an attack on Marlene or Secretaries, but just bringing out what a poor job of representation that mechanics in this industry have recieved in that this is where their unions have led them. Half the wage of a Secretary. Obviously the unions for secretaries have done a far better job. $140,000 is a good wage, even in New York.
I have issues with a guy who is making double my wage who works for an institution that has seen its assets halved over the last seven years, and yet he is still recieving increases, telling me that I shouldnt expect much from a company that has cut its debt in half, seen its revenue increase by nearly a third while shrinking its capacity and headcount by a third. The fact is the company is much more profitable than the union, its assetts are increasing not decreasing but we dont see those guys taking paycuts or even forgoing their raises, in that respect they act more like management, "do as I say and not as I do".
