dracir1

First of all, we ALL understand your point. What I think you fail to realize (or just plain didn't know) is that just about EVERY worker in America has to spend their own personal money on job related items. In fact, you've already done it assuming you have a suitcase and a flashlight. You are REQUIRED to have a flashlight per our publications and one HAS NOT been provided. For most others, uniforms (or appropriate attire) aren't covered. Lawyers, doctors, engineers, etc. Some waiters/waitresses need certain types of clothing to work at a restaurant (not sure you ever saw the movie Office Space). There are probably thousands of regular workers all over the world that have had to spend their OWN money to purchase an item that arguably the company should pay for. Where do you draw the line? Good question. But I'm certainly not doing so on this matter because . . .

Second, the cost DOES matter. It's a freaking cheap safety vest. If safety vests cost $300, then yes, you stand on a soapbox. At $7, you're just petty. You look, sound (and probably are) an arse!!!! You think a guy working for a lawn service company is gonna complain about a one-time $7 safety vest purchase? You think he understands your plight? You think school teachers, who routinely spend hundreds on decorations and things for YOUR kids at their school, will side w/ you in a strike when it comes out you don't want to do an important safety step of your job over a safety vest? Hell, the flashlight probably cost you more.

Third, THE MATTER WAS ALREADY HANDLED FOR YOU by the union. You don't think they had a discussion about vests before they decided to buy everyone one? I'm sure it went something like this forum until someone smart stood up and pointed out the points I made above. This is union money WELL SPENT - it's useful, it promotes a more safe environment and it shows that we're not petty (at least some of us).

Honestly, the whole matter is fairly freakin embarrasing. Public debates such as these diminish the status of our profession. I can't believe how out of touch we seem to have become.

HSCompressor

It's going to blow your mind to know, that we don't have company issued flashlights to do our walkarounds either. The sh#ttiest regionals give you a flashlight, or let you use the the aircraft's own. But hey, the amazon special right now is only like $30 bucks.

$7 for a vest or $30 for a flashlight. Ironically, some people care/notice one more than the other

spooldup

My regional never gave me a flashlight.... None of the companies I have worked for have... Where do I sign up for the free TFAYD flashlight?

HSCompressor

You don't. We don't get them. That was the point of my comment. My two regionals and my 135 gig authorized us to use the ships.

spooldup

My 135 and regional said no go to that... so.

buzzer

Use whatever leverage you have because you don't have all that much. If it's a vest issue that delays flights at certain stations to make a point, then you have incrementally helped yourself and your brothers/sisters. Do you have each other's backs in the fight for the best contract you can get or not? If not then don't expect much. I think that's the gist of this vest talk.

FlyingR6

From what looks to be a legit email screenshot on the FB page, we are now hiring into a pool.

Basically says due to changes in our network we don't need as much staffing. You're going into a pool and we hope to hear more about a class date for you soon.

flyingpants

Just for a month or two, we’ll ramp back up right after we open CLE, CVG, MDW, RDU, ONT and SJU as bases by mid December.

(sarcasm)

all jokes aside, interesting decision. With all the attrition we have you’d think they’d want as many bodies coming through the door as possible. But what do I know? I just push buttons

AlternateLaw

Unfortunately between our upcoming Q3 results, which now don’t look promising, and some indications of a possible cooling economy we might be seeing the start.

Mugatu

Thank you for writing this, esp the last paragraph.