WJADXPR wrote: ↑Wed May 09, 2018 9:48 am
As a WestJet Dispatcher I think we can all relate to the concernes brought forward. As a dispatcher we undergo annual exams, recurrent training, FAM Flights, and follow Transport Canada Regulations that govern our profession. We share operational control with the Captain, and share responsibility when things happen. Although not a pilot, we can understand your concerns. My challenge is I can never be in favor of a strike. Our passengers are not at fault here. I know that leaves few other options, however in today's world hurting the paying public is not the way. I suggest forgetting to use the POS when sales occur onboard, closing the doors late, pull into gate late if need be.... These impact revenue but will still get the passenger where they need to be.
Thank you for the support. Much appreciated. The strike vote is, in MHO, all about Swoop... everything else can be negotiated.
Unfortunately, Swoop is not just a pilot problem, not just a WestJet problem, not even just an industry problem. Swoop has huge implications for all labour in Canada. If this gets through, any company in Canada has a road map to just start New Corp. 2.0 and half the wages of the workers. Breaking every trade union in Canada. While this only effects the pilots and flight attendants of WJ at this time, be aware of the road the company is about to embark on. Through the sheer magic of paperwork, the costs of maintenance, support, dispatching, etc., will all be on WJ's books. Swoop will be hugely profitable... because the costs will all be on the WJ ledger, the profits on the Swoop ledger. This will allow the company to move more and more tails and work to the new company. Eventually, all labour groups in the company will become too expensive, and that includes all the people who work in the office no matter what roll you have. Your jobs will slowly but surely be moved to the new company at 40% of what you currently make... but they won't be your jobs anymore. They will lay you off and hire new off the street people for the "completely separate" company that they claim Swoop is. Eventually, WJ is a shell of it's former self while Swoop has all our jobs and business. Just read up on Gregg's favourite example he was inspired by, Jetstar. So, while no one wants a strike, if this is allowed to proceed as planned, the danger is that all of us wind up out of work, applying for our exact same jobs in the exact same equipment/building at significantly reduced wages while the executives issue massive congratulatory bonuses to themselves. Now, I don't begrudge the executives making money but I do not accept them taking money away from me to give it to themselves. I only write this so that everyone understands what is at stake here... the pilots are not just fighting for the pilots. We stand for the whole company. Sadly, we just happen to be the tip of the sword.
WJADXPR wrote: ↑Wed May 09, 2018 9:48 am
I have a great deal of respect for my flight crews, please understand that. You are our colleagues, and we work closely together. Remember more good will come out of the storm if everyone is rowing in the same direction. We want WestJet to succeed and that starts with all of us. Respecting each other's roles and responsibilities. Understanding everyone's opinions.
I look forward to building on the positive relationship I have with my Pilots. Please continue to call in and say hi. I will always provide the highest level of professionalism to you everyday. Although I can understand your position, also understand there is much nervousness and anxiety in relation to what has transpired.
Right back at you. I hope that we don't have to strike. But if we do, I hope you understand it's a country wide issue that WJ has placed upon our shoulders and I hope you can support us, and yourself, through these difficult times.
I'm going to knock this up a notch with my spice weasle. Bam!