A few weeks ago, I posted that I'd had several bad experiences at IAM represented bases. Yesterday, had the opposite experience in MSP and wanted to get that out of the way first.

Now, I can't in good conscience support the idea that because we have a union, we have to support the other union members in their "failure" to work. If we fail to work, what happens? At least a trip to the CPO. It's about professionalism.

I'm all for fair working conditions. But in MI the unemployment rate is about 14.5% and these guys act like they are entitled to employment. Just like the ACS workers in ATL. If you're trying, great! Otherwise shove a cattle prod up their butt and if that doesn't work, show them the door. We're not doing well in customer satisfaction and this is supposed to be the year of the customer. Can you imagine if this wasn't a focus item?

What was the guidance you guys received? Don't do anything? Just sit back and tell your passengers waiting for strollers in the jetway that they're going to miss they're connections to Orlando because you don't want to **** off the union?

(By the way, tim123... I'm not giving you a hard time. I'm just using your post to vent my frustration!)

Does anyone think that this sort of thing may be what give "Unions" a bad name?

Unions have unfortunately gone out of their way to do just that. Even under the best circumstances (Spirit) its easy for management to cast them in a bad light. What most can't stand is someone getting paid for not working. They may be used to it in government employees but hope the private sector works better.

You think?!?!

Talks breaking down and using your right to remove your service is one thing, but to me customer service is the best PR a union could give the consumer. Always go above and beyond, because those are the ones that will keep coming back.

I know the public does not get airline labor or many of the dynamics associated with us, but trying your best given what resources you have is paramount. If you really do not want to do that, just fake it. :D

We do not negotiate with the traveling public and that is good, but that does not mean we do are not concerned with their experience on our product.

Big difference Nu...the ground guys NOT doing their job are DELTA. Picking up a bag, or unkinking the hose is not busting them for protecting their work...its doing the right thing for our mutual company. I'm all for protecting their work...especially if I don't have to do their job. This crap happens all the time in DTW. It needs to be fixed ASAP.

From DeltaNet
 

Boeing's ultra-heavy 747-8 gets off the ground
August 25, 2010


As part of the ongoing test flight program of the latest version of the iconic Boeing 747, engineers decided to see if the company's newest cargo plane could weigh more than 1 million pounds and still get airborne. According to The Wall Street Journal, it could and it did.

Last week, at a desert airfield in Victorville, Calif., a 747-8 freighter, weighed down by dozens of steel pallets and a heavy load of fuel, lumbered into the air and logged the heaviest takeoff by a Boeing jet in company history, the report said.

Boeing engineers loaded the plane more than 25,000 pounds heavier than what is expected to be its certified maximum takeoff weight of 975,000 pounds. In contrast, Airbus's larger A380 superjumbo boasts a certified maximum takeoff weight of 1.25 million pounds, the article said.

The aircraft was loaded with dozens of 3,000-pound steel plates along with a significant load of fuel.

Last week’s test is one of hundreds that Boeing engineers will conduct on the 747-8 test fleet before the new plane receives final certification from the Federal Aviation Administration and foreign regulatory agencies.

Boeing has 76 cargo and 32 passenger versions of the new plane on order. The first 747-8 cargo jet is expected to be delivered by year’s end. The passenger version is planned to enter service sometime next year.

. I have never received a memo from Delta Flight Ops, so till that happen I will continue to serve my customers the way they should be served. I am getting really sick of this "NWA culture" quickly.

Oh, and btw.... I "safely" rode on the JS of a full UAL A320 yesterday, SE taxi w/o blowing anyone over and the wings didn't fall off. ;) FWIW They said that's their norm and rarly 2 engine taxi.

When I flew freight out of Boeing Field I got yelled at for pulling my boxes 30 feet. The bin was still under the DC-8 and I needed my Chieftain loaded. The teamster ramp crew walked away for a smoke. Later that day my Chief pilot called to thank me for always working hard but don't touch the union guys stuff. If they are being lazy go to their supervisor.

The next day I went into the sup's office...short bald buy with a jersey accent. He say's "hoser, I like ya but if you ever touch my guys stuff again I'll kill ya!! Come to me when they are slacking and I'll kill them for you." I had a hard time keeping a straight face cuz this guy could've been on the soprano's.

Lesson one for me was to learn that there are union guys at some places. Lesson two was not to touch anything and just be a stupid tattle tail. I guess we just need to do FCR's for all these lazy folks.

One of these days I'll post my pic of a kinked hose I saw on my preflight in MSY. Sent a copy to the APU guru for his enjoyment.