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Originally Posted by Jughead
(Post 1300457)
I agree. Please do. I agree with all his points, and would love to hear a reaction from a rep.
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The problem with the new policy, after reading the memo, is that as far as the gate agent is concerned, we have a duty to them be part of the gatehouse PA's. This isn't Flight Ops judging itself: our services in the gatehouse have been marketed and sold to ACS. There are a lot of good gate agents, some bad gate agents. They will (rightfully) expect you to do their job (and better, too, as promised in the memo) to whip the uninformed masses into a satisfied and docile shape. Fail to tame the beast, and you might be written up. If you think "I'm not doing that" is the answer, I can envision that some of our gate agents might find your answer unsatisfactory, and in their hand might be the memo that gives them the authority to require you to "do that".
We're now obligated and held to our own best practice. Thing is, the people that didn't voluntarily provide this extra service, might have stayed on the airplane because they know their limitations. And in an age where our PA's in the terminal are quite likely to be recorded, even the great ones might not want to submit their job to the whims of the social media world. |
Originally Posted by GunshipGuy
(Post 1300412)
I disagree with the requirement because it sets a bad precedent allowing management to impose work that was originally something Delta pilots would do if they felt it was needed.
The big issue here isn't inconvenience or personal disagreement with the policy. It's the principal of the matter. We get edicts every week on the manner and method of how we're to do our jobs which is to safely fly aircraft and transport passengers across the globe. We comply with the PWA, LOAs, bulletins, etc. relating to safety, FAA requirements, and efficient use of the company's resources. This PA policy does not relate to those responsibilities and duties. Furthermore, it's not a request. The terminology used is "will." As in, the "Captain (or FO if Captain desires) will make initial PA to passengers" in the gate area if there is a known delay in boarding before boarding begins. The resolution shouldn't be "Don't do it if you don't feel like it" or some attempt to lawyer your way out of it via a physiological needs excuse. The right way to address this over-reach by management is to address it directly in a responsible manner by the organization that takes our money to represent us in regard to our work rules. I say this not due to a fear that this opens the door for more action of this kind, yet I do see how one could make that case. For example, what's the difference between this and RA wanting to "leverage" a Delta pilot in uniform in some other manner? How about a mandate that pilots push wheelchair bound pax to their next gate when they have the time and Airserve folks are no where to be seen? Yes, we've done it before because we wanted to, but what if it were policy? Very well. You've brought up a fair, well thought argument. Now send it to your Rep, because they're the ones who can do something with it. |
Originally Posted by Purple Drank
(Post 1300250)
I'll be sure to mention that when I get called in for blowing off something in the FOM.
"Figmo said I simply didn't need to follow this policy." That should work fine. It would be sad to see this kind of reasoning used everytime we get a memo from management. Just communicate when needed. Pretty simple to me. If you are not available or chose not to take a specific moment to talk to the folks paying our salaries it is up to the individual. That simple. Time to go and hangout with my kids and enjoy the sunshine!:D |
The problem is going to occur on some day when the operation is melting down and the delays are long. The gate agent is going to want us to address an angry mob. And now that every phone is a video camera, it WILL be on YouTube.
In those situations, I'm not so sure its wise to try and bring "Captain's Authority" into play out in the gatehouse. First, we have no legal authority like we do inside the jet and second, what "authority" we do have by virtue of history and tradition will only be diminished if we start involving ourselves in the petty ****ing contests that we all know occur at the desk out there. People feel alot more free to vent and rage at the person behind that desk than they do to a member of the flight crew on the jet. The Captain should not be there for that. Some PAs are fine and I don't really have a problem with this new policy but I hope we will all have the judgment and sense to know when to walk away from the gatehouse if things get ugly. The symbolism and prestige of the "Delta pilot uniform" that management seems to want to exploit could easily get tarnished if we aren't careful about working as auxiliary gate agents in charge of crowd control. |
Originally Posted by Sink r8
(Post 1300535)
. And in an age where our PA's in the terminal are quite likely to be recorded, even the great ones might not want to submit their job to the whims of the social media world.
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Originally Posted by ratsnrip
(Post 1300493)
UPDATE FROM THE CHIEF PILOT’S OFFICE:
"In honor of hearing awareness month this past October I remind you to get your hearing checked. Recently, pilots were obviously told to please SPEAK with the passengers in the gatehouse. A very sad but true story, yesterday in SEA, Pilot X seemed to have heard was to please SLEEP with the passengers. Yes, an honest mistake, but you can only imagine the chaos that followed..... So please.... Take heed of this PSA and get your hearing checked. You may be able to save yourself a lot of heartache (and Viagra)." |
Originally Posted by acl65pilot
(Post 1300150)
Ask your reps to suggest a change from "should" to "may." In either case it does not say "will."
The ACS bulletins say the same thing, so the agents will be expecting it. |
Something my old man told me when I was young seems to fit here: "It's better to be thought a fool than to open your mouth and prove it!!":)
I would agree with the people who say, if you are comfortable doing it, do it, if not, don't. The crowd can tell when someone is anxious and will pick up on it immediately. Denny |
Originally Posted by Sink r8
(Post 1300519)
And how much more would you love it if it was your own rep?
But thanks for your concern (or whatever that was attempting to be). |
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