What is going on
10-10-2021 | 03:56 PM
#61
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Jan 2008
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Media now speculating that the delays and cancellations are tied to the vaccine mandate: "Travel industry analyst Henry Harteveltd cited the ongoing vaccine wrangle as a possible reason for the chaos. Southwest's pilots union denies any industrial action is ongoing, but Harteveld said pilots could have organized to arrange in unauthorized action known as a 'work slowdown.'"
Passengers are beginning to tie the chaos to a perceived work action by the pilots at SWA: "Passengers took to Twitter to speculate over the vaccine lawsuit after rivals axed far fewer flights; American Airlines cancelled 63 flights Sunday, while United cancelled nine trips. ‘This has nothing to do with weather,’ said one Twitter user. ‘Thanks for ruining our week with our grandkids. ‘At least admit it was due to selfish pilots.’"
My guess is that SWA would love to be able to shift the perception as to who's responsible for the havoc from themselves to the pilots. They'd be thrilled if people on forums like this would help provide them with the evidence they need in order to make that shift. Filing a lawsuit against the union in federal court blaming them for an illegal work action that disrupted the operation would be an obvious way to do that. It would have the additional benefit of possibly penalizing the union financially and stripping the union of leverage.
Passengers are beginning to tie the chaos to a perceived work action by the pilots at SWA: "Passengers took to Twitter to speculate over the vaccine lawsuit after rivals axed far fewer flights; American Airlines cancelled 63 flights Sunday, while United cancelled nine trips. ‘This has nothing to do with weather,’ said one Twitter user. ‘Thanks for ruining our week with our grandkids. ‘At least admit it was due to selfish pilots.’"
My guess is that SWA would love to be able to shift the perception as to who's responsible for the havoc from themselves to the pilots. They'd be thrilled if people on forums like this would help provide them with the evidence they need in order to make that shift. Filing a lawsuit against the union in federal court blaming them for an illegal work action that disrupted the operation would be an obvious way to do that. It would have the additional benefit of possibly penalizing the union financially and stripping the union of leverage.
10-10-2021 | 04:01 PM
#62
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Joined: Feb 2018
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I'll take your word for it. I've never heard of him before today. I don't know that it really matters, though. If SWA is getting bad press from various media sources and on social media, they'd probably like to deflect it. If they can deflect it to the pilots to help them look a little better in the middle of this acute issue right now but also, more strategically, use it to assist them in their negotiations and battles against the union, then all the better.
10-10-2021 | 04:43 PM
#63
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Joined: Oct 2017
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I just think its great that you guys are staging a sick out over this.
How many guys are involved? What do you think the union will have to give up in negotiations to get them back on property?
How many guys are involved? What do you think the union will have to give up in negotiations to get them back on property?
10-10-2021 | 04:52 PM
#64
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 384
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From: 757/767 First Officer
One of the greatest job actions I’ve ever seen!
Go SWAPA go!!!
Go SWAPA go!!!
10-10-2021 | 05:21 PM
#65
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10-10-2021 | 05:24 PM
#66
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Joined: May 2021
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So obviously this is a staffing issue. Even if XX pilots called in sick over the vaccination it wouldn’t affect 30% of their schedule or they should be able to pull reserve and offer bonus for people to come in and fill those lines. My question is going forward , will the company be able to turn it around ? It’s not a good look when you cancel 30% of your flights. People are going to turn else where even id the price is higher. As a potential employee it makes me rethink flying here long term. Management needs this fixed ASAP.
10-10-2021 | 05:32 PM
#67
Prime Minister/Moderator
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 44,888
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From: Engines Turn or People Swim
If they wanted to make a real statement though, they would have waited until Nov 23.
And why didn't they coordinate this with the *other* Texas airline pilot group?
10-10-2021 | 06:05 PM
#68
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Joined: Jun 2017
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This could potentially be worse than the Spirit situation. At least with Spirit, most rational passengers understand every airline has hiccups from time and time and it would eventually fix itself. Although, it probably took longer than most expected. Most passengers were probably still willing to make bookings knowing it would be over eventually.
On the other hand, for Southwest…. this could be a snowball effect. Again, I’m not at southwest, just giving my 2 cents as an outsider. But being that the mandates don’t look to be going away anytime soon, passengers could view this is a long term/reoccurring theme and therefore be nervous about making future bookings. Who cares about a $50 one way to Vegas if you’re not sure you’re going to make it there. The TAF for the mandated inclement weather doesn’t look to be going away anytime soon.
10-10-2021 | 06:17 PM
#69
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Joined: Dec 2008
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Way to stand up SWAPA et al!
I support you in your efforts. At least someone has some cajones in this industry. Let’s go Brandon!!
I support you in your efforts. At least someone has some cajones in this industry. Let’s go Brandon!!
10-10-2021 | 06:20 PM
#70
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Joined: Dec 2005
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So that’s not what is going on here.
Management told pilot to get the vaccine this week. Guess what? Pilots actually went out and did it. As a result, a portion of our pilots can’t fly or pick up anything for a few days.
Add the ATC mess that stranded crews, dense schedules, Covid sick pulls, our admitted staffing challenges, and this is what you get. It’s not “whiny children” That’s ludicrous.
Management told pilot to get the vaccine this week. Guess what? Pilots actually went out and did it. As a result, a portion of our pilots can’t fly or pick up anything for a few days.
Add the ATC mess that stranded crews, dense schedules, Covid sick pulls, our admitted staffing challenges, and this is what you get. It’s not “whiny children” That’s ludicrous.
