Please don't get me wrong here,... I believe the APFA is very guilty here,... but they blame 9/11 for the reason we were all laid off in the first place,... this helps make my point,... By them not giving us extended recall rights they will make us permanent victims of 9/11,... This gives the terrorist another notch in their belts so to speak,... a victory for terrorism,... I can see them now jumping around in the streets over there,... "besides the death and destruction,... we caused people to loose their jobs,... forever,..."
Go read my blog at,...
http://donotletterrorismwin.blogspot.com/
Make suggestions and leave comments and share this with people in the know,...
OK, I've never spoken up about how I have been affected, but enough is enough. I spent 6 days on a 2 day trip, having left NY minutes before the towers fell, and told to put down immediately where we were. I was repeatedly questioned by the FBI because of routes flown and passengers on board. Meanwhile, my husband dies, my job disinigrates, I am forced to sell my home, my mother dies, even the dog died. One of these events alone is supposed to be a "major life event". I have not asked for or received help from any source. I am currently unemployed and practically living out of my car. I have contemplated ending this pain, but I am to mad to do so. The hatred and corruption of AA and APFA will not win.
I feel that the APFA should be held accountable. It seems to me that they have not lifted a finger to help you guys. Is there not some sort of legal recourse that can be taken? Good luck and God speed to all of you.
I am at the point of being afraid of not having medical insurance, and I can't afford what's out there. So I may have to retire soon. I only wish I knew what the future holds. Oh well. APFA is crying poverty due to the fact that they are not collecting the dues from us and the nAAtives that are also furloughed or have retired. Attrition is also reducing the paying members of the non-union. Serves them right. How can they look themselves in the mirror in the morning, knowing that they have all of us on their conscience?
What amazes me, is how APFA cannot negotiate a simple extension of recall rights? It would appear that APFA's aledged "request" for an extension probably went something like this:
APFA to AA: Could you please consider extending recall rights?
AA: No.
APFA: OK
That scenario is really not tongue in cheek, as that is essentially the only information we have, regarding efforts to extend recall rights from APFA spokespeople! They simply said, "We asked, and they (AA) said no."
In the meantime, letters of agreement are being signed off on, that have only one effect: Lessening the likelihood that furloughees will get recalled. Amazingly as well, is the fact that the first to drop off the recall list are over 500 of their "own nAAtives!" All they would have to do, is to go to the company and say, "look....throw them a bone...the vast majority of TWA probably won't come back anyway at the bottom of occupational seniority, so what's the problem here? Make us look good, and frankly you won't have to suffer much of any adverse economic consequences and everyone comes out looking like the good guy." AA comes off as compasionate, furloughees get the relief they need, and APFA comes off looking concerned and proactive, healing the divisions. This is so simple! This is negotiations #101!, but APFA can't even negotiate something as simple as that, or get anything in return for all the "cooperation" that we read about in the press between AA and APFA. Oh...I forgot...8 hours "behind the door"...meaning 6 hours sleep if you're lucky! What a coup!!!! :-))The utter amateur nature of this so-called union, never ceases to amaze me.
How effective would overtired, sleepy Flight Attendants be in an emergency? Some F/A's are working double duty to get double pay while 4,000 TWA F/A's are loosing their jobs.
Having fore the most part moved on with my life after being furlouged in 11/2002, I can still hardly believe that after 18 years of work, I will have no pension or benefits. Of course, there are some 4,000 natives still working, many who were not vested in the retirement program at the time of the furloughs.
AA and APFA certainly do not care about their public image in regards to us. Fact is, most people have forgotten we even existed. AA makes out in not having to provide retirement benefits to the majority of the 4,000 who were not 50 at the time of their furlough. APFA benefits by not having workers who can actually challenge their decisions.
Letters of agreement have provided advatages to AA at the F/As expense, and yet the workforce does nothing to protest? They are being crushed by their own inertia. A classic case of reaping what you sow.
To my dying day I will never forgive AA and its entire force for destroying..emotionally mutilating and creating instataneous depression..some so low as to commit suicide because they couldn't cope financially and the hardships at what AA and its unions did to them...and what is their answer to all of this...9/11. True.. there is no denying that it had affected the airline industry...but explain to me..how is it possible that all the other airlines pulled it together and recalled their employees.. whereas AA strategy was different. First lie..then emotionally assassinate in whatever way it works...99%of the time just ignore them.. as in time they will be gone and for now we just need to tolerate them. If this were not true then the union would be out there being a REAL union and pissing off Arpeys 2 raises...Is it so difficult to badger the company of this or is this rocking the boat for APFA and its comfy position? What amazes me is that APFA chooses not to acknowlege us or help us...their quick answer...go to your rep...sure..but WHO makes the decision there whether to approach the company...huh Ms Tommie???? Who????? Just how many meetings have you had to pursue this...and can you plz supply that info. Bet Arpy doesn't remember and if he doesn't...neither do you. Its all just a script..only the script is for us because there certainly no life in that heart of yours or else you would have done something already and you haven't and you won't. Action speaks louder than words and you AA people have none of these as you hate us so much. Well guess what... I wish you heartbreak when you experience what we have... Thx for the memories..I will never forget them.
The treachery of AA and APFA is unforgiveable. Not only is it a disservice to the furloughed employees but to the traveling public as well. I have heard complaint after complaint from travelers talking about how the f/a's don't care about them, the lack of service, the inconvenience of inadequate flight schedules and the increasing prices. I'm not so sure the injustice is over for us. I wouldn't be at all surprised if the above are plotting to wrangle the rest of our rights and benefits from us. Not only do they not want to extend our recall rights we'll be damn lucky if they don't find some loophole to shorten them or change the retirement benefits!
AA is a corporation. APFA is our union. APFA is supposed to represent us. How did they represent us? AA gave us pay senority. APFA took away our jobs, our furlough pay, and our 90-day medical coverage. APFA could have negotiated to save jobs by letting senior employees take the furlough like United does. APFA is currently giving AA concessions and getting NOTHING in return, like unlimited recall for furloughees. All AA has to do is whisper the B word (bankruptcy) and it gets whatever it wants. In exchange for concessions APFA could get "no cost items" for the flight attendants which would greatly improve your quality of life. They are doing NOTHING. These are our elected representatives.
If APFA truly believes that AA is the reason extended recall rights are being refused by the complany, why isn't your "union" sitting on the doorsteps of Congressmen and women insisting that AA give each of you unlimited recall rights. Congress is probably unaware that 4000 people are about to be unemployed as the resut of the 9/11 terorist attack. As far as I can tell it is the DUTY of a union to give each member fair representation. If they do not they shoud be decertified.
Thank you Kormy for giving us this venue - What a shame that the posts have been laced with the same ole banal hatred and unforgiveness of OUR VERY OWN! Let us all move forward for what is RIGHT!
How has all of this affected me? Here is a copy of a post that I left at the end of a long list of arguing back and forth on another AA f/a discussion board.
------------------------------
As a former TW -- I am sooooo taken aback by my reaction to these posts. There are tears streaming -- my heart actually aches as I realize that perhaps I have not moved on as much as I'd thought. It was like dredging up memories of a loved one that has died.
---deeeeeeep breath!!!!--------
Not sure why I actually took the time to skim thru all those posts. Some of them were very hurtful -- and some very appreciated. I was eleven months away from "early out" (art. 30) (which had been my goal from the beginning) when I was furloughed 4/1/03.
Honestly, I am not complaining. The point was made that we should have seen the writing on the wall. Perhaps that is true. Things would get better -- and I'd stay. The big "two great airlines, one great future" rally had me grateful that I'd stuck it out!!
Collectively, we are a group of real survivors. Verrry resourceful in negotiating work rules that made for a wonderful quality of life -- in exchange, of course, for the top pay rates.
It has been said (yeah, I know, THREE years ago! ) how fortunate we were to get two years of earning such a high rate of pay. I must say that I would have traded that pay for our former quality of life -- no questions! In fact, I would have even taken a pay cut! Those were the most difficult two years of my 19 year career -- INCLUDING my initial 2 year reserve stint!
I remember being so disgusted when I happened upon a DFW bid pack. Nice, livable, human lines. This confirmed what I already knew in my heart--- that the largest airline could not possibly operate the way St. Louis was being operated in the F/A's world. STL was getting dog scraps. --like someone went out of their way to make us miserable! I just quit bothering to bid around my last six months -- the lines WERE that wretched! --Just thought -- stick this out and take early out asap!
I have entered another profession -- at the same time -- I still yearn to be in the sky! I'll be riding down the highway and see an a/c descending into Lambert. I get a little twinge -- and I can no longer wonder who that I know is sitting on those jumpseats or in the flight deck. They are all gone.
I miss you guys! Perhaps we will get a chance for a relaxing "debrief" in the future!
Please keep your eyes wide opened! ANYone could end up on the wrong side of the "fence" at any given time!
I realize that this post will most likely be lost in cyberspace forever! It has done my heart good just to peck it out on the keyboard! whoo! feel better already!
Fly safe! ---------------------------------- I will admit how lame my post is! Like someone ready to roll over and take it! Thanks for the encouragement to stick up for ourselves!
I am one of the 4,000 f/as you guys are talking about, and all I have to say is that I had the option to chose what airline I wanted to work for, so I did, I came to AA, before AA "acquired" TWA, it is not fair for all of us AA'ers for you to just come over to a healthy company at the time, just to take over our jobs, just because you all started flying for TWA even before Jesus was born. Get over yourself, get a life, make yourself and your loved ones happy, and stop bitching about AA/APFA, when you ALREADY know your destiny... Not to never fly for AA with your so called SENIORITY rights... YOU better than us knew the situation of your company for a LONG time.... You should have prepared yourself for what was coming sooner or later.
As an AA f/a, being SENIOR to you, was not fair to see that you were making more than DOUBLE of my pay, plus get the non-rev waived as soon as you all came to AA, when I had to wait five year... So the bottom line is that life is not FAIR for us and you... and as we know someone has to be the loser and this time was YOU/TWA f/as.....
As for your recall rights, most of us would be happy for you to come back, cause you will never get your TWA BIDDING seniority back, so let me remind you that most of your lawsuits have been DISMISSED, so you do not wonder why?
To the above poster who states " I will always be senior to you!"
Quote: "As an AA f/a, being SENIOR to you, was not fair to see that you were making more than DOUBLE of my pay, plus get the non-rev waived as soon as you all came to AA, when I had to wait five year..."
LET ME GIVE YOU A DOSE OF REALITY- AA does NOT plan to recall any furloughees before July 2008. Without recalls within the next two years your position in bidding/reserve , etc will remain stagnant and possibly give you less quality time with your family or loved ones. The consistant removal of flight postitions in your monthy bid package requires you to work leaner and without regard for you as an employee. IN fact, many seniors, depending upon base will be on reserve. Furthermore, if you show up for a trip and work multi legs, with minimal rest and no time to eat a healthful meal, AA nor APFA really cares. Grieve it, if you have a problem, even if it's in clear violation of your contract-you may get justice within 6 months to a year or more. More likely, you will get nothing for your trip from hell. IN the real world of business (AA, AMR, APFA), no one cares how much abuse you take..No one feels your pain, as you. Can define to me the "AA CORPORATE CULTURE?" I know there is a definition but no one seems to have the balls to define it in words. As I see it, the f/a job at AA is not going to improve in any aspect. You are going to work longer, harder, be shuffled off to less than standard hotels without proper/scheduled pickup enabling you for your due rest-food?rest? clean sheets/quiet accomodations?. It is going to get ugly before it gets any better. Sometimes you have to wonder if it is better to be furloughed...sleeping in your own bed at nite. Go figure.
Not one comment from what seems to be an AA f/a on this blog has any of this right!!
We are NOT talking about our seniority here. We are NOT talking about salary. We are TALKING about a JOB, pure and simple. We want a JOB in the airline business. I want to continue a career that I started in 1970!
I for one never thought I would have super seniority with AA. And you know something? It didn't really matter what your seniority was any way. Your flight schedules stink!!!, all of them I ever saw. Your lines were crap and none looked even close to the great lines I flew at TWA. You are not utilized properly when on duty. ( Oops! Maybe you are now poor things, with all the blood they are squeezing out of you). And all you seem to care about are layovers.
I don't want to be senior to any of you. I can even work for less money than you, because I already had for several years at TWA to help them survive. And while operating on a shoe string the pax LOVED us. Look at the JD Powers Awards! I would just like to see you and your company have some compassion for a work group who was damaged so much by 911. You let us take the fall for you! And now you turn your back. Your behavior is reprehensible! You were glad to take all the government money to help you along. AA's treatment of all your employees is pretty low. But their treatment of us is the lowest. And YOU APFA let them do it.
I have to laugh at you a little, cause your day is coming. You wouldn't listen to our money saving suggestions, or our efficient scheduling suggestions.
AA loves you when you are stupid. They don't want us because they know we will educate the work force.
I remember when I first went to an American station. I asked the agent why all the signing in requirements. She said "Well we have to make sure the crew is there". I couldn't believe the AA flight attendants were such irresponsible little kids that they had to have someone looking over their shoulder every minute to make sure you did your jobs. I told her "Anyone who doesn't show up for work deserves to be fired". I now see that AA treated you like children because you acted like children and you still do.
You are not professional adults. You don't have a clue about gracious service, dignity, responsibility, or integrity. What I see is a bunch of whiners and clueless schoolyard bullies fighting selfishly over that last piece of candy.
And I would like to let those who don't know it, that your precious AA contributed to the closing of TWA's doors by sabotaging our bookings. It was done every day on our Carribean trips. We would check in and the agent would tell us the flight was booked for full, and 45 people would show up. Then when we got to Nassau the AA flight would land full to capacity.
Everyone knew what AA was doing at Res. They also lied to the pax when AA's flights cancelled in Nassau. Pax were told there were no other flight but AA's. I saw it with my own eyes and referred pax to our agents and flight. Your company sabotaged TWA. Their intentions were dishonorable all the time.
You know, when I applied to the airlines, I applied to the one I wanted to fly for, and that was TWA. I was also accepted by Delta. I chose TWA because I could see Europe and the rest of the world. I could grow and educate myself more.
You were from Podunk TX at the time. And AA's reputation even then was not good. I kept hearing "no one likes working for AA". You have a bad reputation with the passangers too. The one time I flew on AA years ago as a passanger, I was shunned by the f/a's in the galley after the service. You all thought you were too good to talk to someone from another airline. I never forgot that.
When I heard AA was acquiring us thru a pre-done deal-arrangement, I was sick to my stomach at the thought of having to work for your company. NOTHING we ever heard about you was good. Your pilots were nasty to our crews at layover hotels. Big deal you are from TX. Big state huh?? Big attitude too!!! When I had layovers in Dallas even the desk clerks at the hotels had haughty attitudes. I couldn't figure it out at first, but then it all started to fit together. Yeah you think Big as in Big attitude, better than everyone else AND you're racists too! That's what our Puerto Rico and Santo Domingo passengers told us. They begged us not to pull out of those stations because they would have to fly American and they said you were NOT nice to them.
Today a friend came by. He was trying to go to Detroit yesterday on AA, and because of weather delays he missed an important family event. You don't control the weather, but you do control what happens on board. Guess what? My friend said the 30 year seniority male f/a he had was rude, disinterested in the welfare of the passangers, and had a could care less attitude. The agents weren't so helpful either. Hummmmmh!
OK you can't all be bad all the time. Yeah, I bet it is frustrating flying high time and working short staffed all the time.
And AA is too stupid to see what a demoralized work force will do for their reputation.
Letters to the editor of STL Dispatch today in support and recognition the former TWA/AA flight attendants. ------------------------------
The article "Former TWA workers picket their own union" (Sept. 9) shows how little consideration some American corporations have for their employees. When the government bailed out the airline industry after the terrorist attacks on 9/11, I doubt they intended to shovel money to airline executives to reward themselves with bonuses while depriving the workers of their employment.
I am appalled that American Airlines would not immediately extend the opportunity to their workers to return to their jobs when the company and the industry recover to the point that there are jobs that need to be filled.
The airline spokesman who said the limitation on rehiring was based on the fact that "long-gone" former employees don't want to return to the job needs to walk a mile in the shoes of those folks walking the picket line who obviously feel differently. --------------------------------- Five years ago … foreign terrorists attacked our country. Since then, we have tried to regain a sense of security, but at American Airlines there is little compassion for the thousands of flight attendants who lost their jobs after the tragedy.
Although (American) accepted funds from the U.S. government to help defray its losses, it continues to ignore the pleas of thousands of laid-off workers to extend recall rights beyond the meager five years provided in a contract signed when no one could have imagined the impact or horror of 9/11.
The majority of these employees were ex-TWA and over 40 -- beyond the age where they could easily start new careers. Laid off without severance pay, they have, over the course of three years in exile, forfeited millions of dollars in lost wages. Demanding the flight attendant union pay with further concessions to extend recall rights is reprehensible.
9/11 was an unprecedented event that calls for unprecedented solutions to mitigate the damage. It is time for AA to do the right thing -- suspend limitations on recall rights for 9/11 furloughees. It is the American thing to do.
The events of 9/11...how did they affect you? Tell us on this blog! 
23 comments:
Please don't get me wrong here,... I believe the APFA is very guilty here,... but they blame 9/11 for the reason we were all laid off in the first place,... this helps make my point,...
By them not giving us extended recall rights they will make us permanent victims of 9/11,...
This gives the terrorist another notch in their belts so to speak,... a victory for terrorism,...
I can see them now jumping around in the streets over there,...
"besides the death and destruction,... we caused people to loose their jobs,... forever,..."
Go read my blog at,...
http://donotletterrorismwin.blogspot.com/
Make suggestions and leave comments and share this with people in the know,...
scuba
OK, I've never spoken up about how I have been affected, but enough is enough. I spent 6 days on a 2 day trip, having left NY minutes before the towers fell, and told to put down immediately where we were. I was repeatedly questioned by the FBI because of routes flown and passengers on board. Meanwhile, my husband dies, my job disinigrates, I am forced to sell my home, my mother dies, even the dog died. One of these events alone is supposed to be a "major life event". I have not asked for or received help from any source. I am currently unemployed and practically living out of my car. I have contemplated ending this pain, but I am to mad to do so. The hatred and corruption of AA and APFA will not win.
My heart breaks and I think I have it difficult. I will hope things improve for all of us. Please hang in there!
I feel that the APFA should be held accountable. It seems to me that they have not lifted a finger to help you guys. Is there not some sort of legal recourse that can be taken? Good luck and God speed to all of you.
How much of the tax payer's money - government assistance - was awarded to AA/TWA/LLC from the 911 recovery fund?
I am at the point of being afraid of not having medical insurance, and I can't afford what's out there. So I may have to retire soon. I only wish I knew what the future holds. Oh well.
APFA is crying poverty due to the fact that they are not collecting the dues from us and the nAAtives that are also furloughed or have retired. Attrition is also reducing the paying members of the non-union. Serves them right.
How can they look themselves in the mirror in the morning, knowing that they have all of us on their conscience?
What amazes me, is how APFA cannot negotiate a simple extension of recall rights? It would appear that APFA's aledged "request" for an extension probably went something like this:
APFA to AA: Could you please consider extending recall rights?
AA: No.
APFA: OK
That scenario is really not tongue in cheek, as that is essentially the only information we have, regarding efforts to extend recall rights from APFA spokespeople! They simply said, "We asked, and they (AA) said no."
In the meantime, letters of agreement are being signed off on, that have only one effect: Lessening the likelihood that furloughees will get recalled. Amazingly as well, is the fact that the first to drop off the recall list are over 500 of their "own nAAtives!" All they would have to do, is to go to the company and say, "look....throw them a bone...the vast majority of TWA probably won't come back anyway at the bottom of occupational seniority, so what's the problem here? Make us look good, and frankly you won't have to suffer much of any adverse economic consequences and everyone comes out looking like the good guy." AA comes off as compasionate, furloughees get the relief they need, and APFA comes off looking concerned and proactive, healing the divisions. This is so simple! This is negotiations #101!, but APFA can't even negotiate something as simple as that, or get anything in return for all the "cooperation" that we read about in the press between AA and APFA. Oh...I forgot...8 hours "behind the door"...meaning 6 hours sleep if you're lucky! What a coup!!!! :-))The utter amateur nature of this so-called union, never ceases to amaze me.
How effective would overtired, sleepy Flight Attendants be in an emergency? Some F/A's are working double duty to get double pay while 4,000 TWA F/A's are loosing their jobs.
Having fore the most part moved on with my life after being furlouged in 11/2002, I can still hardly believe that after 18 years of work, I will have no pension or benefits. Of course, there are some 4,000 natives still working, many who were not vested in the retirement program at the time of the furloughs.
AA and APFA certainly do not care about their public image in regards to us. Fact is, most people have forgotten we even existed. AA makes out in not having to provide retirement benefits to the majority of the 4,000 who were not 50 at the time of their furlough. APFA benefits by not having workers who can actually challenge their decisions.
Letters of agreement have provided advatages to AA at the F/As expense, and yet the workforce does nothing to protest? They are being crushed by their own inertia. A classic case of reaping what you sow.
To my dying day I will never forgive AA and its entire force for destroying..emotionally mutilating and creating instataneous depression..some so low as to commit suicide because they couldn't cope financially and the hardships at what AA and its unions did to them...and what is their answer to all of this...9/11. True.. there is no denying that it had affected the airline industry...but explain to me..how is it possible that all the other airlines pulled it together and recalled their employees.. whereas
AA strategy was different. First lie..then emotionally assassinate in whatever way it works...99%of the time just ignore them.. as in time they will be gone and for now we just need to tolerate them. If this were not true then the union would be out there being a REAL union and pissing off Arpeys 2 raises...Is it so difficult to badger the company of this or is this rocking the boat for APFA and its
comfy position? What amazes me is that APFA chooses not to acknowlege us or help us...their quick answer...go to your rep...sure..but WHO makes the decision there whether to approach the company...huh Ms Tommie???? Who?????
Just how many meetings have you had to pursue this...and can you plz supply that info. Bet Arpy doesn't remember and if he doesn't...neither do you. Its all just a script..only the script is for us because there certainly no life in that heart of yours or else you would have done something already and you haven't and you won't. Action speaks louder than words and you AA people have none of these as you hate us so much. Well guess what... I wish you heartbreak when you experience what we have... Thx for the memories..I will never forget them.
The treachery of AA and APFA is unforgiveable. Not only is it a disservice to the furloughed employees but to the traveling public as well. I have heard complaint after complaint from travelers talking about how the f/a's don't care about them, the lack of service, the inconvenience of inadequate flight schedules and the increasing prices.
I'm not so sure the injustice is over for us. I wouldn't be at all surprised if the above are plotting to wrangle the rest of our rights and benefits from us. Not only do they not want to extend our recall rights we'll be damn lucky if they don't find some loophole to shorten them or change the retirement benefits!
AA is a corporation. APFA is our union. APFA is supposed to represent us. How did they represent us? AA gave us pay senority. APFA took away our jobs, our furlough pay, and our 90-day medical coverage. APFA could have negotiated to save jobs by letting senior employees take the furlough like United does. APFA is currently giving AA concessions and getting NOTHING in return, like unlimited recall for furloughees. All AA has to do is whisper the B word (bankruptcy) and it gets whatever it wants. In exchange for concessions APFA could get "no cost items" for the flight attendants which would greatly improve your quality of life. They are doing NOTHING. These are our elected representatives.
I finally figured what APFA really means
"Americans Pathetic Flight Attendants"..how appropriate
Right on the mark!
If APFA truly believes that AA is the reason extended recall rights are being refused by the complany, why isn't your "union" sitting on the doorsteps of Congressmen and women insisting that AA give each of you unlimited recall rights. Congress is probably unaware that 4000 people are about to be unemployed as the resut of the 9/11 terorist attack. As far as I can tell it is the DUTY of a union to give each member fair representation. If they do not they shoud be decertified.
Shame on this group. They are not anywhere close to being a real union!
Thank you Kormy for giving us this venue - What a shame that the posts have been laced with the same ole banal hatred and unforgiveness of OUR VERY OWN! Let us all move forward for what is RIGHT!
How has all of this affected me? Here is a copy of a post that I left at the end of a long list of arguing back and forth on another AA f/a discussion board.
------------------------------
As a former TW -- I am sooooo taken aback by my reaction to these posts. There are tears streaming -- my heart actually aches as I realize that perhaps I have not moved on as much as I'd thought. It was like dredging up memories of a loved one that has died.
---deeeeeeep breath!!!!--------
Not sure why I actually took the time to skim thru all those posts. Some of them were very hurtful -- and some very appreciated. I was eleven months away from "early out" (art. 30) (which had been my goal from the beginning) when I was furloughed 4/1/03.
Honestly, I am not complaining. The point was made that we should have seen the writing on the wall. Perhaps that is true. Things would get better -- and I'd stay. The big "two great airlines, one great future" rally had me grateful that I'd stuck it out!!
Collectively, we are a group of real survivors. Verrry resourceful in negotiating work rules that made for a wonderful quality of life -- in exchange, of course, for the top pay rates.
It has been said (yeah, I know, THREE years ago! ) how fortunate we were to get two years of earning such a high rate of pay. I must say that I would have traded that pay for our former quality of life -- no questions! In fact, I would have even taken a pay cut! Those were the most difficult two years of my 19 year career -- INCLUDING my initial 2 year reserve stint!
I remember being so disgusted when I happened upon a DFW bid pack. Nice, livable, human lines. This confirmed what I already knew in my heart--- that the largest airline could not possibly operate the way St. Louis was being operated in the F/A's world. STL was getting dog scraps. --like someone went out of their way to make us miserable! I just quit bothering to bid around my last six months -- the lines WERE that wretched! --Just thought -- stick this out and take early out asap!
I have entered another profession -- at the same time -- I still yearn to be in the sky! I'll be riding down the highway and see an a/c descending into Lambert. I get a little twinge -- and I can no longer wonder who that I know is sitting on those jumpseats or in the flight deck. They are all gone.
I miss you guys! Perhaps we will get a chance for a relaxing "debrief" in the future!
Please keep your eyes wide opened! ANYone could end up on the wrong side of the "fence" at any given time!
I realize that this post will most likely be lost in cyberspace forever! It has done my heart good just to peck it out on the keyboard! whoo! feel better already!
Fly safe!
----------------------------------
I will admit how lame my post is! Like someone ready to roll over and take it! Thanks for the encouragement to stick up for ourselves!
Thank you for a "to the point comment"...always welcome. Your comment is not lame...it is from the heart!
I am one of the 4,000 f/as you guys are talking about, and all I have to say is that I had the option to chose what airline I wanted to work for, so I did, I came to AA, before AA "acquired" TWA, it is not fair for all of us AA'ers for you to just come over to a healthy company at the time, just to take over our jobs, just because you all started flying for TWA even before Jesus was born. Get over yourself, get a life, make yourself and your loved ones happy, and stop bitching about AA/APFA, when you ALREADY know your destiny... Not to never fly for AA with your so called SENIORITY rights... YOU better than us knew the situation of your company for a LONG time.... You should have prepared yourself for what was coming sooner or later.
As an AA f/a, being SENIOR to you, was not fair to see that you were making more than DOUBLE of my pay, plus get the non-rev waived as soon as you all came to AA, when I had to wait five year... So the bottom line is that life is not FAIR for us and you... and as we know someone has to be the loser and this time was YOU/TWA f/as.....
As for your recall rights, most of us would be happy for you to come back, cause you will never get your TWA BIDDING seniority back, so let me remind you that most of your lawsuits have been DISMISSED, so you do not wonder why?
To the above poster who states " I will always be senior to you!"
Quote:
"As an AA f/a, being SENIOR to you, was not fair to see that you were making more than DOUBLE of my pay, plus get the non-rev waived as soon as you all came to AA, when I had to wait five year..."
LET ME GIVE YOU A DOSE OF REALITY-
AA does NOT plan to recall any furloughees before July 2008. Without recalls within the next two years your position in bidding/reserve , etc will remain stagnant and possibly give you less quality time with your family or loved ones. The consistant removal of flight postitions in your monthy bid package requires you to work leaner and without regard for you as an employee. IN fact, many seniors, depending upon base will be on reserve.
Furthermore, if you show up for a trip and work multi legs, with minimal rest and no time to eat a healthful meal, AA nor APFA really cares. Grieve it, if you have a problem, even if it's in clear violation of your contract-you may get justice within 6 months to a year or more. More likely, you will get nothing for your trip from hell.
IN the real world of business (AA, AMR, APFA), no one cares how much abuse you take..No one feels your pain, as you.
Can define to me the "AA CORPORATE CULTURE?" I know there is a definition but no one seems to have the balls to define it in words.
As I see it, the f/a job at AA is not going to improve in any aspect. You are going to work longer, harder, be shuffled off to less than standard hotels without proper/scheduled pickup enabling you for your due rest-food?rest? clean sheets/quiet accomodations?. It is going to get ugly before it gets any better.
Sometimes you have to wonder if it is better to be furloughed...sleeping in your own bed at nite.
Go figure.
PS:
Quote:
"as we know someone has to be the loser and this time was YOU/TWA f/as....."
Given your arrogant statement above, in all truth,
it boils down to the fact that we ALL lose.
Not one comment from what seems to be an AA f/a on this blog has any of this right!!
We are NOT talking about our seniority here. We are NOT talking about salary. We are TALKING about a JOB, pure and simple. We want a JOB in the airline business. I want to continue a career that I started in 1970!
I for one never thought I would have super seniority with AA. And you know something? It didn't really matter what your seniority was any way. Your flight schedules stink!!!, all of them I ever saw. Your lines were crap and none looked even close to the great lines I flew at TWA. You are not utilized properly when on duty. ( Oops! Maybe you are now poor things, with all the blood they are squeezing out of you). And all you seem to care about are layovers.
I don't want to be senior to any of you. I can even work for less money than you, because I already had for several years at TWA to help them survive. And while operating on a shoe string the pax LOVED us. Look at the JD Powers Awards! I would just like to see you and your company have some compassion for a work group who was damaged so much by 911. You let us take the fall for you! And now you turn your back. Your behavior is reprehensible! You were glad to take all the government money to help you along. AA's treatment of all your employees is pretty low. But their treatment of us is the lowest. And YOU APFA let them do it.
I have to laugh at you a little, cause your day is coming. You wouldn't listen to our money saving suggestions, or our efficient scheduling suggestions.
AA loves you when you are stupid. They don't want us because they know we will educate the work force.
I remember when I first went to an American station. I asked the agent why all the signing in requirements. She said "Well we have to make sure the crew is there". I couldn't believe the AA flight attendants were such irresponsible little kids that they had to have someone looking over their shoulder every minute to make sure you did your jobs. I told her "Anyone who doesn't show up for work deserves to be fired". I now see that AA treated you like children because you acted like children and you still do.
You are not professional adults. You don't have a clue about gracious service, dignity, responsibility, or integrity. What I see is a bunch of whiners and clueless schoolyard bullies fighting selfishly over that last piece of candy.
And I would like to let those who don't know it, that your precious AA contributed to the closing of TWA's doors by sabotaging our bookings. It was done every day on our Carribean trips. We would check in and the agent would tell us the flight was booked for full, and 45 people would show up. Then when we got to Nassau the AA flight would land full to capacity.
Everyone knew what AA was doing at Res. They also lied to the pax when AA's flights cancelled in Nassau. Pax were told there were no other flight but AA's. I saw it with my own eyes and referred pax to our agents and flight. Your company sabotaged TWA. Their intentions were dishonorable all the time.
You know, when I applied to the airlines, I applied to the one I wanted to fly for, and that was TWA. I was also accepted by Delta. I chose TWA because I could see Europe and the rest of the world. I could grow and educate myself more.
You were from Podunk TX at the time. And AA's reputation even then was not good. I kept hearing "no one likes working for AA". You have a bad reputation with the passangers too. The one time I flew on AA years ago as a passanger, I was shunned by the f/a's in the galley after the service. You all thought you were too good to talk to someone from another airline. I never forgot that.
When I heard AA was acquiring us thru a pre-done deal-arrangement, I was sick to my stomach at the thought of having to work for your company. NOTHING we ever heard about you was good. Your pilots were nasty to our crews at layover hotels. Big deal you are from TX. Big state huh?? Big attitude too!!! When I had layovers in Dallas even the desk clerks at the hotels had haughty attitudes. I couldn't figure it out at first, but then it all started to fit together. Yeah you think Big as in Big attitude, better than everyone else AND you're racists too! That's what our Puerto Rico and Santo Domingo passengers told us. They begged us not to pull out of those stations because they would have to fly American and they said you were NOT nice to them.
Today a friend came by. He was trying to go to Detroit yesterday on AA, and because of weather delays he missed an important family event. You don't control the weather, but you do control what happens on board. Guess what? My friend said the 30 year seniority male f/a he had was rude, disinterested in the welfare of the passangers, and had a could care less attitude. The agents weren't so helpful either. Hummmmmh!
OK you can't all be bad all the time. Yeah, I bet it is frustrating flying high time and working short staffed all the time.
And AA is too stupid to see what a demoralized work force will do for their reputation.
In the end it may be their undoing......
Letters to the editor of STL Dispatch today in support and recognition the former TWA/AA flight attendants.
------------------------------
The article "Former TWA workers picket their own union" (Sept. 9) shows how
little consideration some American corporations have for their employees. When
the government bailed out the airline industry after the terrorist attacks on
9/11, I doubt they intended to shovel money to airline executives to reward
themselves with bonuses while depriving the workers of their employment.
I am appalled that American Airlines would not immediately extend the
opportunity to their workers to return to their jobs when the company and the
industry recover to the point that there are jobs that need to be filled.
The airline spokesman who said the limitation on rehiring was based on the fact
that "long-gone" former employees don't want to return to the job needs to walk
a mile in the shoes of those folks walking the picket line who obviously feel
differently.
---------------------------------
Five years ago … foreign terrorists attacked our country. Since then, we have
tried to regain a sense of security, but at American Airlines there is little
compassion for the thousands of flight attendants who lost their jobs after the
tragedy.
Although (American) accepted funds from the U.S. government to help defray its
losses, it continues to ignore the pleas of thousands of laid-off workers to
extend recall rights beyond the meager five years provided in a contract signed
when no one could have imagined the impact or horror of 9/11.
The majority of these employees were ex-TWA and over 40 -- beyond the age where
they could easily start new careers. Laid off without severance pay, they have,
over the course of three years in exile, forfeited millions of dollars in lost
wages. Demanding the flight attendant union pay with further concessions to
extend recall rights is reprehensible.
9/11 was an unprecedented event that calls for unprecedented solutions to
mitigate the damage. It is time for AA to do the right thing -- suspend
limitations on recall rights for 9/11 furloughees. It is the American thing to
do.
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