Southwest mechanics derail union integration with Airtran
Southwest Airlines mechanics have voted against the integration agreement crafted between their union and the Teamsters who represent Airtran mechanics. Curiously, Airtran mechanics voted overwhelmingly for the integration agreement.
This isn’t the worst setback for Southwest but it does make one wonder what was a part of that agreement that made it so unsatisfying for the mechanics? This isn’t an area that should feel too threatened on either side as Southwest has a culture of inclusion and has a strong need for mechanics to service its aircraft. I do not see how anyone could have perceived that their jobs or salaries were threatened.
Its not about salaries or jobs for the SWA guys. Its about..wait for it……………SENORITY!! Just like always.
If it was only about seniority, why not just go with date of hire for both sides? I am not employed by either company nor do I work for an airline, but following this case, it is becoming apparent that egos are most definitely adding to the foolishness. The SWA mechanics union/association would like to trample the seniority of Air Tran mechanics claiming it was the former mechanics hard work who built the success of the airline. How’s that for an ego ?? And here I thought it was because thousands of faithful customers like me who continue to fly this airline… There are literally thousands of companies in this country alone who are willing to and can do the maintenance on these SWA aircraft. Southwest is even sending some aircraft outside this country for maintenance. Seems to be working out OK (but I wish they would look at US companies instead). I appreciate the SWA mechanics as much as anyone, but you all really need to get over yourselves.
I stumbled on to a website which seems to represent the opinions of these mechanics – http://www.the-amt.com. First be warned; this is a hateful group and web site built on negative arrogance. It does not have the credibility or worthwhile reading material of other travel industry sites nor is it a helpful site for those of us who like following the industry. It does however offer a glimpse in to what many of these airline mechanics are saying on various subjects. Most comments are negative and offer only self importance ranting and complaints. They point fingers at everyone including their Unions, Airlines, and Government (in fairness there are a small percentage who try to refute these claims and opinions). The Air Tran folks seem to be real victims of this merger at the hand of their fellow Southwest mechanic employees. How sad for this airline. I can only hope and assume that this AMT site and the opinions contained are a small minority of airline mechanics. They can’t all be this bad. Can they?