LUV -- employee benefits

[shon7]

Was speaking with one of the Car Rental Agents at MDW and asked him where he went to get snacks since they do not allow people beyond the security checkpoint and there is only one vendor at MDW. His response was rather amusing. He said, "oh I just go to Southwests Area. Although it is access only if you knock at the door they are kind enough to let us use their vending machines." He went on to state that LUV really takes care of its employees and LUV employees at Midway get subsidized snacks (25c for popcorn!), Cable TV (heard that tonight they were playing Casablanca), and also an opportunity to run their own businesses/ sell stuff (something about a lady catering food).

Firstly -- is this true ? What is the advantage of having Cable at a Workplace? Second, are employees encouraged to come up with ideas to "sell stuff" and are there instances where this is approved in the system?


(the agent I spoke with wanted to sell hotwheel cars at the car rental counter -- which I didn't think was such a bad idea!)

 

[SWAInflt]

Was speaking with one of the Car Rental Agents at MDW and asked him where he went to get snacks since they do not allow people beyond the security checkpoint and there is only one vendor at MDW. His response was rather amusing. He said, "oh I just go to Southwests Area. Although it is access only if you knock at the door they are kind enough to let us use their vending machines." He went on to state that LUV really takes care of its employees and LUV employees at Midway get subsidized snacks (25c for popcorn!), Cable TV (heard that tonight they were playing Casablanca), and also an opportunity to run their own businesses/ sell stuff (something about a lady catering food).

Firstly -- is this true ? What is the advantage of having Cable at a Workplace? Second, are employees encouraged to come up with ideas to "sell stuff" and are there instances where this is approved in the system?


(the agent I spoke with wanted to sell hotwheel cars at the car rental counter -- which I didn't think was such a bad idea!)

Back when I was based in MDW, seems like I remember that A/C MX folks had one of those popcorn machines and they would sell it by the bag for about a quarter. As far as cable TV goes...I know both Flight Ops and Inflight Crew Lounges had cable television...Inflight even has a big screen. Aside from the big screen, every WN ramp, ops, and customer service break room I have ever been in has had a similar setup. No big deal. The guy you spoke with has probably been taking his breaks sitting on a milk crate, in a converted broom closet, listening to the cubbies on a transistor radio. By comparison, I'm sure our crew lounges seem positively palatial.

As far as people selling stuff at work. If you get enough people together...somebody is eventually gonna start hawking their wares. I would not say the company necessarily encourages this. As long their side businesses don't interfere with the job, or don't put an unauthorized SWA logo on whatever your peddling, they simply look the other way.

At any rate, I'm glad our folks in MDW are showing this guy a little kindness.

 

[LUVChild]

As far as "running their own businesses," I think you'll find quite a few airline employees who have little side businesses. There are a few flight attendants and other employees I know of who sell jewelry, lanyards, candles, t-shirts, etc. I wouldn't even say that the company "looks the other way"...they just don't care. And really, why should they? It's just a case of management not sweating the small stuff. It's not doing any harm, and if it's being done by a SWA employee, we know they've had the necessary background checks to be in a "secured" area.

Prior to 9/11, I was able to go down to the DAL Inflight Base on certain days and buy Clinique makeup and Brighton purses from vendors that would come in. It was great.

Also, keep in mind that some SWA stations have what are called "Culture Committees." They're the groups that are responsible for special events for the station employees. Often, these groups will sell items at the station for fundraising, including catering and gift items.

And I have to agree with SWAInflt - I'm glad our MDW employees are showing some kindness to other employees at the airport. That's what it's all about.