I am going to say something very controversial here. I disagree with the above strategy.
First of all, I consider myself a strong union supporter. I consider myself a professional who is worth more than I am currently being paid. I believe management does not realize my true worth, and that they have often lied to me. I believe not only have they dropped the ball running this airline efficiently, but the ball is rolling into heavy traffic.
The above sentiments notwithstanding, I cannot agree with the majority here. I have spent many years carefully considering my position on this argument, and I have reached some fundamental conclusions.
Everyone here complains about the rampant “It’s not my job” syndrome among the rampers, gate agents, ops, etc. Is it the best solution to take the low road and join them? I agree that many people don’t even do their own jobs, but so what? Do we really want to contribute to the abysmal failure of ASA? Captains do have a responsibility to be managers, to work towards the safe and successful completion of every flight. Yes, other employees have been hired to assist in this endeavor, and through pathetic mismanagement there is no accountability for their repeated failures, but that still does not change a captain’s responsibility to be a professional.
This brings me to my primary reason for not endorsing a “let nature run its course” slowdown. I have watched pilots try this philosophy for years. Is it the vast majority of pilots? Probably not, but it is a significant number, and I guarantee that management knows this. But ASA management has time and time and time again proven that they are going to do the bare minimum regardless of if pilots do a piss poor job, or even if pilots do an outstanding job. Management is not willing to reward you for doing a good job, but they are also not willing to fix things if you do a poor job. In short, it doesn't matter what you do.
If you think otherwise, try looking back over 26 years of history. So take that italicized statement from the last paragraph and do what you will with it. Given that, I believe in doing a professional job, doing right by my passengers, and knowing that I did everything I could to contribute to the success of the airline. And I don’t give a d.a.m.n. about Brian LaBreque or any of the other idiots in charge.
When the dust settles, that’s what we all want in the end, a successful profitable airline, because that’s the only way we’re going to get a piece of the financial action. I believe the best way to exert our muscle is on the picket line, when we can demand a fair share of the profits that WE EARNED!
