Ole Gardner checking up on Flight Options

[Ben Dover FLOPS]

PS: In honor of your savvy Gardener and his essay on working the fields, I offer this autumn card. I hope you have speakers; if so, turn them up for this fun format with a serious message. Be patient as it might be a little slow to start. Play it over to catch all of the speech.
http://veepers.bluemountain.com/slip/NjHla5Mc3bg.SCZXSNcTgq

PPS: A bit difficult to understand, the scarecrow said "Stop banding together in flocks. And no more listening to all that flapping over at NetJets. It sounds like they're getting ready for a big migration, but pay no attention to them...." NJW says, A big migration to 100 different cities...NJI to NJA...

:beer: CHEERS! That awesome!

 

[netjetwife]

Thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed it... You're on the right track; hang in there!
NJW

 

[SilverSurfer]

Latest form the Ol Gardner

The next few post are the latest form the Ol Gardner

_____________________________________________

Page 1

THE LEAVES BE FALLIN'.
Hi everyone. It's me, the Ol' Gardner once more. I just gots back
home from my trip to the Cuyahoga County spread of this here Flight
Options outfit y'all flys for. I returned just in time to catch me the last
of the fall colors. Boy, oh boy, what a beautiful sight. It sure be a
change from the mess I found at that head office place up north, let
me tell ya. Other than the funny lookin' sign up top the front, the
building looked good from the outside. But it sure be tangled as a
briar-patch once inside—especially on the second floor, from what I seen.
Y'should see this big room they gots called a OCC with a huge map of the
good ol' U.S. of A. on the wall. The map supposed to show where all
this outfit's airplanes be flyin', but I sure didn't see none too many on
it. Wonder what the OCC been doin with 'em all? When y'says OCC, it
sounds like y'be chokin' on somethin' y'ate
Seems like the main boss thinks all will be dandy if'n he just says so.
Well, sir, that be pure foolishness if'n y'runnin' a farm or a flyin'
outfit. But, lots'a people what works in the big building seems to
believe him. I seen many folks tryin' to look happy at a big meetin'
where the bosses were tellin' 'em their health insurance costs be goin' up
again. From what I hear tell, many of these folks knows just how bad
things be, but they too scared to speak their mind and do what's right.
I been told the main boss has quite a mean streak if'n he be crossed.
He's gonna have big problems if'n he doesn't start tellin' the truth
and treatin' pilots and other workers with proper respect. I can't
quite figure out how he hangs on to his job or how he come by it in the
first place? Eventually, the cold winter winds be blowin' away all the
stuff coverin' up the mess he be makin' of things.
From what I seen, this here outfit be witherin' on the vine, just like
crops in the fields that ain't been properly tended. I been told that
there be fewer and fewer airplanes on that there map in the OCC
everyday 'cause there be lots'a broken parts on these flyin' machines. It
seems the people what supposed to fix these little jets just can't seem to
get it right. I hear tell sometimes they pretend to fix 'em, but
really doesn't. They just says they does and signs their name in some
kind'a book with 501 pages sayin' all be fixed. That be lyin', or worse.
The pilot what come to town calls this kind'a shoddy work "pencil
whippin'," or some such name, and says it be again' the law. I knows the
Sheriff be interested in this kind'a nonsense and I soon be tellin' him
'bout what I seen and heard.

MORE TO COME ON NEXT POST

 

[SilverSurfer]

Latest form the Ol Gardner

Latest form the Ol Gardner

Page 2

I been told the bosses becomin' very mad at what be goin' on. Now,
you'd think they'd be angry 'cause the folks what supposed to fix the
planes not be doin' too good a job and lyin' 'bout fixin' 'em to boot.
Nope, y'gots it all wrong. The bosses be targetin' pilots who be findin'
out the machines be broke and writin' 'bout it in the 501 page books to
get 'em fixed. I hear some Union Stewards I seen comin' and goin'
when I be up north sayin' some of the bosses be ridin' rough shod on
y'all. They be actin' like vigilantes tryin' to stop y'from bein' so
careful out there and findin' things wrong with the flyin' machines and
writin' in the 501 page books. Well, sir, the best way to fight these
kind'a bullies is to form a posse of your own and do what's right. That's
what your Union is—your very own posse that'll bring good sense and
honesty back to this outfit y'flys for. But y'gots to put aside your
fears, stand tall like the brave men and women I knows y'are and join up
with the posse. There be strength in numbers, don't y'know.
Now, I knows your Union can't and won't give you tips on how best to
fight the bosses so they makes a contract that says they stop treatin'
y'all so mean. I been told y'works followin' some kind'a law goes by the
name Railway Labor Act. Boy, am I confused. I knows I ain't got much
schoolin', but what the heck does runnin' trains gots to do with
flyin' planes? Anyways, I hear tell one of the main boss's lawyers
threatened to take your Union to court the other day. He gots the idea in his
head the Union be breakin' this here train law and askin' ya be doin'
all the things y'doin' just to pressure the bosses to make a contract.
Can you believe he'd say such a thing? He showed your Union folks some
postcards the bosses gots in the mail with some stickers on 'em that
said "W.O.E." I been told W.O.E. stands for "Withdrawal Of Enthusiasm."
It seems to me folks be hard pressed withdrawin' enthusiasm when
there ain't much of it goin' 'round in the first place? I sure wouldn't
have much enthusiasm if'n I worked for such mean bosses as I findin' out
y'does.
Seems like the bosses doesn't like it much that y'all tryin' so hard to
be careful out there makin' sure your machines be fixed and keepin'
your ownselves healthy, fed, well rested and followin' all the rules.
This here train law says you can't do such things if'n you just tryin' to
make the bosses write a contract with your Union. The law 'spects you
be doin' the things y'doin' 'cause they be right and proper. Fact is,
y'should be doin' these things all the time, don't y'know, with or
without a contract. But, it seems some hi-and-mighty judges over yonder
Washington way doesn't think much of Unions or average workin' folk.
These judges be comin' down mighty hard on your Union if'n they think it
be breakin' this here train law by askin' y'all to do things just to
get a contract. Y'doesn't want that to happen, so your Union bein'
mighty careful in what it says and does. Rightly so, given how tough some
of these judges can be sittin' on their high-up benches.
Now, me, I'm just a simple country boy. I doesn't fly planes, I
doesn't drive trains, I doesn't work for your outfit and I ain't part of your
Union. I just drives a tractor and works the fields. So, I speaks my
mind and says pretty much whatever I darn well please. I'm here to
tell y'all that the best way to get your bosses to change their mean ways
is to let 'em know just how unhappy you be workin' for 'em. There be
lots'a ways'a doin' that, and your Union be doin' all it legally can to
send that message to the bosses. I hear tell your Union put up signs
on some big billboards and such to let the folks you be flyin 'round
the country know you be unhappy. I been told one of 'em signs gots a
picture of the Grim Reaper. The pilot I know says this ghoul looks like
one of the big bosses at your outfit all dressed up for Halloween. I
wonder who it be?

MORE TO COME ON NEXT POST

 

[SilverSurfer]

Latest form the Ol Gardner

Latest form the Ol Gardner

Page 3


Lettin' the bosses know you be unhappy doesn't mean doin' things
y'shouldn't. But, it always be right to tell the boss if'n your plane be
broke, be you happy or not, or if'n y'wants a contract or not. In fact,
there be laws far more important'n this here train law that says y'gots
to tell the boss if'n the machine he wants you to fly be broke. Now,
don't be breakin' 'em your ownselves. That, be again' the law and the
Sheriff will catch y'doin' it, for sure. The bosses won't like it one
bit, neither. Besides, it be just plain wrong and I ain't befriendin'
anyone who be so stupid. From what I hear tell, there be no need to do
things wrong, anyways, since these little jets be so badly cared for.
If'n the machines be broke, the Union won't be getting' in any trouble
'cause you pilots want 'em fixed just right. And, if'n you truly be
sickly or bone tired from workin' too long, it be OK to tell the boss
that too, 'cause sometimes people, just like machines, need fixin' and
medicine and down time.
I seen pilots lookin' at some kind'a list the boss gives 'em to check
what's right and wrong with the flyin' machines. What a smart idea! I
been told if'n y'follows this here list just right, then y'won't forget
stuff and y'won't miss findin' things be broke, neither. I hear tell
some pilots found out 'bout some things that're not on the boss's
lists. Y'know, it probably be a good idea to share this kind'a extra
learnin' 'mongst yourselves so some broken things that be hard to find get
fixed too. If'n I find out 'bout some of these other things, I be
lettin' y'know for sure. Meanwhile, I be lookin' for a list to help me keep
my trusty tractor runnin' just right. Not much gets done 'round the
farm when my machines be broke. My mule be gettin' a bit too old and
ornery and tired to pull the plow.
The pilot who come to town told me that some bosses be callin' you
flyers and askin' just why y'findin' so many broke parts on these here
planes. Well, sir, the best answer is, "Because they be broke and needed
fixin'." Hard to argue with that kind'a logic if'n it be true, don't
y'know. But, the broke parts must be legit and must be wrote in the 501
page books followin' all the rules. The Sheriff says it be a pilot's
job to ask the boss to fix the plane where and when it be found broke,
no matter how many parts be broke. It doesn't matter how small them
parts might be, neither. When I was up north, I overheard more'n one'a
the bosses say it be extra important to take a real good look at these
machines when they bein' put up at the barn after flyin' all day. Sort'a
like givin' a horse a good rubdown after a hard workout. If'n some
boss gives ya a hard time 'bout findin' broke parts, let the Sheriff
know. I hear tell he has a special "hot line" phone in Washington for
y'all to call. I doesn't have the number handy, but your Union surely
does.
Besides the Sheriff, for sure let your Union know 'bout any time a boss
gives you grief for wantin' your machines fixed just right. In fact,
I hear tell the Union wants ya to keep tabs on all your bosses that be
tryin' to get ya to break the law, or bend some rule or do other things
be wrong or unsafe. If'n this happens, call a Steward or other Union
official and let 'em know all 'bout it. These good folks'll help you
file complaints against these bosses and put you in touch with the
Sheriff. The pilot I know says there also be ASAP reports to write. I
doesn't yet know what ASAP is, but I workin' on learnin' more 'bout 'it. I
hear tell some pilots already filed complaints and ASAP reports and
some bosses be runnin' scared. Yes sir, a posse of courageous folks sure
makes a difference and eventually will chase the bad guys out'a town.

MORE TO COME ON NEXT POST

 

[SilverSurfer]

Latest form the Ol Gardner

Latest form the Ol Gardner

Page 4

Well, sir, the colored leaves be all fallin' to the ground. What a
pretty time of year. Busy, too, from what I hear tell. Now, just 'cause
the bosses want you flyers to be in the air as much as possible this
here busy season, don't be doin' things y'needn't just to help 'em out.
As I says before, just do what you bein' paid to do—all of it, and
follow the rules exactly—all of 'em. But do no more. Ya doesn't have to
show any enthusiasm if'n the bosses treatin' ya mean and not payin' good
wages. If'n they askin' y'fly overtime, I'd think twice before I
gives 'em any more labor at bargain basement prices. From what I seen, the
bosses ain't shown they appreciate a darn thing y'does, anyway. If'n
the fall season goes by without the bosses changin' the way they be
treatin' y'all, there be the bright holiday season comin' up to help 'em
decide they needs to stop their mean ways.
I sure be sorry if'n my messages keep gettin' longer and longer. But,
there be so much wrong with this here outfit y'flys for, I findin' lots
to say and do to help make it right. Y'all can help by doin' what
y'been doin' and stayin' safe. The more of y'helpin' and the better y'all
be workin' with me, the faster the harvest'll come in. I be writin'
y'all again real soon with more ideas. In the meantime, keep your heads
held high and your plows deep in the ground. Remember, the Ol'
Gardner be out workin' the fields at Flight Options. With your continued
help, the harvest—it be comin'.
Your friend,

THE OL' GARDNER

 

[netjetwife]

Excellent posts! Straight talk full of common sense. Here's a cheat sheet to help you remember:

STAND TALL
ORGANIZE YOUR EFFORTS
LEARN THE APPLICABLE LAWS
INVEST IN YOUR FUTURE-- PAY DUES
DO NOTHING ILLEGAL FOR OR AGAINST FLT OPS
ALWAYS REMEMBER YOUR DEMANDS ARE JUSTIFIED
READ ALL COMMUNICATIONS FROM UNION LEADERS
INVESTIGATE RUMORS--DON'T GET FOOLED BY FUD
TRUST IS EARNED--GIVE IT ONLY WHEN DESERVED
YOU'RE NOT ALONE-- STEWARDS ARE THERE HELP

 

[TheBigMan]

Excellent posts! Straight talk full of common sense. Here's a cheat sheet to help you remember:

STAND TALL
ORGANIZE YOUR EFFORTS
LEARN THE APPLICABLE LAWS
INVEST IN YOUR FUTURE-- PAY DUES
DO NOTHING ILLEGAL FOR OR AGAINST FLT OPS
ALWAYS REMEMBER YOUR DEMANDS ARE JUSTIFIED
READ ALL COMMUNICATIONS FROM UNION LEADERS
INVESTIGATE RUMORS--DON'T GET FOOLED BY FUD
TRUST IS EARNED--GIVE IT ONLY WHEN DESERVED
YOU'RE NOT ALONE-- STEWARDS ARE THERE HELP

Honey, YOUR awsome!

 

[netjetwife]

Thank you kindly, sir.... I admire and respect those fighting for the contract they deserve and I firmly believe that all the frustration and uncertainty will be worth it in the end. We all know that it is possible for a company to pay professionals accordingly and still make a profit. It must be recognized that pilots also have an expense sheet and aren't in the business to subsidize the wealthiest passengers in the country. The Options aviation professionals are out on the line taking care of the clients; management needs to do their job with as much attention to detail as the pilots show. Getting serious about settling the contract is the logical place to start. The fact of the matter is: Labor strife is counter-productive and managers have the responsibility to bring fairness and respect to the workplace. Threatening those on the front line of client interaction just exacerbates the problem and shows the pilots are holding the high ground. Best Wishes! NJW

 

[B19 Flyer]

Excellent posts! Straight talk full of common sense. Here's a cheat sheet to help you remember:

(Because it's obvious she thinks you can't remember on your own!)

STAND TALL



ORGANIZE YOUR EFFORTS

(Because that is more important than supporting the company that saw value in you to give you a job.)

LEARN THE APPLICABLE LAWS
(Not the union interpretation of them!)

INVEST IN YOUR FUTURE-- PAY DUES

(Remember, the union is business too!)

DO NOTHING ILLEGAL FOR OR AGAINST FLT OPS
(Yeah, and he didn't order the "code red" either...)

ALWAYS REMEMBER YOUR DEMANDS ARE JUSTIFIED

(Throw out the free will of the company that saw fit to hire you and give you a paycheck)

READ ALL COMMUNICATIONS FROM UNION LEADERS

(Drink the Kool aid!)

INVESTIGATE RUMORS--DON'T GET FOOLED BY FUD

(Grape?)


TRUST IS EARNED--GIVE IT ONLY WHEN DESERVED

(Don't support the people that hired you and sign your paycheck, only do what you are supposed to do and not a shred more because THAT earns respect from them!)

YOU'RE NOT ALONE-- STEWARDS ARE THERE HELP

Yep, pay attention to the servers. Would you like more kool aide with your cheese?

Interpreted.