> wrote:
> On 04 Feb 2005 11:43:43 GMT, (WardNA) wrote:
>
> >>No one want to be treated badly, but if enough of them just up and
leave,
> >>management will soon find out just how important good relations are.
> >
> >I spoke to one attendant who worked transAtlantic flights, who told me
the pay
> >was not that great but that the airline put them up in five-star hotels
on the
> >Continent, which they appreciated. I wanted to say, where was the union,
to
> >negotiate a 200% pay increase in exchange for two-star hotels, doubling
in the
> >room?
>
> Currently, under severe price pressure. Airline wages are not rising.
> It's a mature industry with overseas competition, and internal
> competition for cheap seats.
A friend works as a FA for United. Before all the "troubles" began he was
making about 45+K. Then this went down to 29.5K. Now they have another 10%
pay cut. Plus which their pensions plan is on shaky ground, etc., etc.
Heck, they even have to pay a lot more for flying leisure somewhere standby
on United (flying on Southwest is cheaper for them actually), which was once
one of the nice perks of being employed by an airline (IIRC formerly they
only paid tax and a small fee).
It's pretty disheartening after 17 years on the job (and this was a job he
aspired to because of benefits and security). He is of course looking for
new employment.
I know a US Air pilot and a United pilot who were both laid off...both in
their late 40's, they are going to nursing school. Hey at least it's
steady employment.
And I'm sure that the airline has
> negotiated a volume disount with the hotel chain (they ain't payin'
> retail!), so it's not as high end as it appears.
As one who used to work at several high - end hotel properties (years ago
I'll admit) flight crews get the biggest discounts of anyone, negotiatied by
the airline. It was something like 20% of rack rate...
My friend often flies to Japan, London, Frankfurt, etc. Prices in those
cities are very high, so they really have to watch their pennies on
layovers, their per diem is not that lavish. It's not like they are dining
at fine restaurants, guzzling champagne, and living la dolce vita. More
likely they are eating a soggy sandwich in their room purchased at the local
7 - 11 or from a vending machine and then watching a movie they brought from
home (South America is a little cheaper, they can splurge for a hamburger in
Buenos Aires or get a $2.00 bottle of wine in Santiago...).
The airline bizness is simply not the interesting and exciting place to
aspire to a career nowadays...
--
Best
Greg