Ole Gardner checking up on Flight Options

[FRLWD]

They'd rather complain and blame others for stuff

Sounds just like you! Constantly complaining about unions and blaming them for everything.

 

[SilverSurfer]

Bob T. aside

Bob T. aside, I can't wait till the Gardner speaks up again. That's what started this thread, until Bob T. hijacked it.

 

[dash_trash]

Heard the Ole Gardener is in the land of Crooked Water collecting info. Should about be back home now, so I'm guessing he'll have an update on his fact gathering trip in the next few days, don't ya know!

The harvest is coming in very good back home and it looks like a good harvest at Options.

Looking forward to the latest update!

 

[SilverSurfer]

Ol' Gardner

The Ol' Gardner has a new message out. I tried to paste it here but its to long. Check your emails.

 

[netjetwife]

Please give my regards to OG and be vigilant while working your fields. You never know when a snake in the grass might try to take one of your workers down... I heard thru the grapevine that someone from your group was "bitten" for trying to bring in the harvest... My respect and best wishes to that pilot and his family.

When the NJ pilots were at this point in their contract battle I welcomed it because it meant the gloves were off and the real fight had begun in earnest. I also observed that they grew in numbers and determination at that time. I'm very pleased that history seems to be repeating itself. I hope you stay on this path; I do believe there's a contract at the end of it.

Watching from the sidelines,
Netjetwife

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...

 

[bchjetdrvr]

"A MOUNTAIN OF LIES WILL CRUMBLE UNDER THE WEIGHT OF ONE TRUTH"

FO keep piling them lies higher and higher. It's just going to add to the crumbling sound. The sweet sound of collapse is near.

 

[bchjetdrvr]

http://biz.yahoo.com/cnw/071025/h_i_g_capital.html?.v=1

Imagine that. Get the resume's updated boys. Get the pencils sharpened. Liquidation is around the corner.

 

[skyismyoffice]

http://biz.yahoo.com/cnw/071025/h_i_g_capital.html?.v=1

Imagine that. Get the resume's updated boys. Get the pencils sharpened. Liquidation is around the corner.

Not so sure of that... What would they gain by liquidating? I can't believe we are worth much to anyone - just look at all of our POS planes.

I'm thinking they make a run at growing the biz a little bit. Just look at the booming industry right now. It reminds me of the real estate market 3 years ago - no one could go wrong. So they dump some capital in, get more market share and build some value. Then they time things right and sell high to some sucker right before business aviation slows down. At least that's what a good investment capital group would do.

One thing is for sure, if they want to put some shine on this pig they better clean house at the top!!

 

[GerryG]

http://biz.yahoo.com/cnw/071025/h_i_g_capital.html?.v=1

Imagine that. Get the resumes updated boys. Get the pencils sharpened. Liquidation is around the corner.

Nice FUD! Whose side are you on anyway?

 

[bchjetdrvr]

One thing is for sure, if they want to put some shine on this pig they better clean house at the top!!

Of course you have to start with the top. Everyone knows sh$t flows downhill. You can shine sh$t, you can paint sh%t, you can give it a new name...but it's still sh#t. Then you go get all the kool-aid drinking check airmen and make it known they better "fly right".

Whose side are you on anyway?

My side.

 

[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.

 

[aflyboy]

Idiot

Some people more than adequately demonstrate their ignorance the minute they open their mouths, pick up a pencil and write or tap on a computer's keys. I recommend that the folks in this forum totally ignore this B-19/Bob guy. No amount of discourse with him will change his warped and vapid mind. It seems he gets his rocks off antagonizing you all and some of you are taking the bate. Ignore him and he will eventually go away and return to playing with himself in a dark room.

 

[fischman]

Some people more than adequately demonstrate their ignorance the minute they open their mouths, pick up a pencil and write or tap on a computer's keys. I recommend that the folks in this forum totally ignore this B-19/Bob guy. No amount of discourse with him will change his warped and vapid mind. It seems he gets his rocks off antagonizing you all and some of you are taking the bate. Ignore him and he will eventually go away and return to playing with himself in a dark room.

And miss out on the fun???

 

[Guitar Guy]

And miss out on the fun???

Plus, B19 still hasn't figured out just how much damage he's doing to his own side. That's part of the fun.

 

[B19 Flyer]

Some people more than adequately demonstrate their ignorance the minute they open their mouths, pick up a pencil and write or tap on a computer's keys. .

The true ignorant ones have never been laid off by a union action or think that a union cures all. History has proven otherwise.

So, touch that hot stove often?

 

[skyismyoffice]

You're funny Bob!:laugh:

 

[Mr. Pebbles]

what an ignorant schmuck

The true ignorant ones have never been laid off by a union action or think that a union cures all. History has proven otherwise.

So, touch that hot stove often?

B19, I see you're still at it. How can you forget that many people, like myself, know who you are, and what a worthless waste of time you are?

 

[netjetwife]

Originally Posted by netjetwife (my second posting is in blue and the FUD posted by B19 is in red)

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!) Wrong and rude! It was a witty/fun way to introduce my post that listed the highlights of a longer series--nothing more

STAND TALL Options pilots have backbone and self-worth. There was no snide comment because it's hard to argue with reality.

ORGANIZE YOUR EFFORTS

(Because that is more important than supporting the company that saw value in you to give you a job.) Speaking of....how has management supported the professionals who are on the front line of pax interaction? Their support = blue collar wages and reduced benefits. Pilots must work under a contract to make sure they receive fair value for their skills and the demanding lifestyle that takes them from home half (or more) of the month. How does the value look at Options right now...

LEARN THE APPLICABLE LAWS
(Not the union interpretation of them!) Obviously FUD. 1108 pays for legal help to ensure they operate within the law.

INVEST IN YOUR FUTURE-- PAY DUES (Remember, the union is business too!) The Union's "business" is to help the pilots acquire and enforce the contract their professional skills deserve. Billboards and picketing cost money but are worth every dollar. The pilots ARE the Union and they need money to fight unjust terminations and union-busting tactics. How much is Flt Ops spending to fight the pilots?? That could be put toward their pay raise.

DO NOTHING ILLEGAL FOR OR AGAINST FLT OPS
(Yeah, and he didn't order the "code red" either...) The pilots are professionals fighting backing legally -- hard to argue with reality.

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)
That would be the company that chooses to invest/give money to a union-busting business rather than their own pilots? Yes, let's talk about paychecks! Do you think management works for chump change wages that can qualify for govt assistance? That's what they see fit to give the pilots. Why should Options pilots do the same job as other frac pilots for less money? In America workers have the right to stand together and negotiate their wages. Unionization is common in aviation--for good reason and the pilots at Options can list every one by heart!!

READ ALL COMMUNICATIONS FROM UNION LEADERS

(Drink the Kool aid!) Be an informed, proactive member fighting for your career, your family, and the industry!

INVESTIGATE RUMORS--DON'T GET FOOLED BY FUD (Grape?) Did I mention that it's hard to argue with reality...

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!) Notice the common thread....be grateful you have a job.. shut up and let us exploit you. Tell me this: So far, how has management rewarded the pilots for their years of support? Which frac company is attractive to pilots looking for a job? How many will Options lose because they are treating pilots disrespectfully and failing to pay them enough to support a family? On the topic of earning respect...pilots in the industry are watching your contract battle and respect you for the stand you're taking against exploitation of professional skills.

YOU'RE NOT ALONE-- STEWARDS ARE THERE HELP

Yep, pay attention to the servers. Would you like more kool aide with your cheese?
The pilots have banded together because there's clout and safety in numbers. The Union gives them job security from managers who fire at will for unjust reasons. All together now.... IT IS HARD TO ARGUE WITH REALITY!!

 

[fischman]

The true ignorant ones have never been laid off by a union action or think that a union cures all. History has proven otherwise.

Prove it. Keep in mind that I was a U.S. History major in college.

A link for you.
http://www.webmd.com/schizophrenia/delusional-disorder

 

[SilverSurfer]

Face to a name

Got a picture of the old geyser in my email today. Looks just like I thought he might.

 

[aflyboy]

Gardner's picture & Bump in the Night

I got the old fella's picture too. But I really liked the message he sent with it. Here it is for those who haven't read it yet:

THINGS WHAT GOES BUMP IN THE NIGHT!
Howdy, folks. It be me again, the Ol’ Gardner. Well, sir, I doesn’t know ‘bout y’all, but I sure had me some fun over Halloween. Gave out lots’a candy and goodies to the young’ns all dressed up what come by the cabin askin’, “Trick or Treat?” I ‘specially enjoyed sharin’ a few gulps from the jug of my special homebrew with the folks what brung the little ones by. It sure took the night chill away, that be for sure! When I finally gots in bed, I heard lots’a noises what goes bump in the night outside the window. Must’a been some ghosts and goblins stayin’ out late, don’t y’know.
I seen my pilot friend in town the other day and he says it startin’ to heat up at this here outfit y’all flys for. He says the bosses be getting’ real desperate ‘cause they just can’t seem to get enough of their little jets up in the air. Seem like so many of ‘em be broke all the time and lots’a pilots been leavin’ to find better jobs elsewhere. I been told the bosses be hearin’ lots’a things what goes bump in the night ‘emselves ‘cause their planes not flyin’ too much and it be real quiet out.
Last time I writes, I told y’what I knowed ‘bout the big bosses’ lawyer threatenin’ to take your Union to the courthouse over those W.O.E. stickers what stands for “Withdrawal Of Enthusiasm.” The bosses probably be mad ‘cause those stickers says what be the truth. Instead'a tryin’a make things right and takin’ care to get ya flyers happy and sharin’ more of the comin’ harvest with y’all, the bosses doin’ all they can to make y'more unhappy and less 'thusiastic ‘bout helpin’ out ‘round the place. Who needs stickers to say what needs doin’ when the bosses be doin’ such a good job’a messin’ things up their ownselves? Lordy, lordy!
Well, sir, the pilot showed me a letter your Union sent answerin’ the threat. I read it real good. I knows I ain’t got much schoolin’, but even this ol’ country boy could figure out what be goin’ on. Simply put, your Union gots nothin’ to fear ‘cause it ain’t doin’ nothin’ wrong and you pilots ain’t doin nothin’ wrong, neither. Seems like the big bosses done accused pilots’a makin’ “false” reports ‘bout the way some under-bosses be ridin’ roughshod over y’all and askin’ ya to bend the rules. Instead’a woodsheddin’ these under-bosses for doin’ wrong things, the big bosses wantin’ to sweep it under the rug by sayin’ it just gots’ to be false, since it be again’ one’a their own. They also claimin’ pilots be sayin’ planes be broke when they not. What a crock’a horse hockey that be. If’n any pilot be sendin’ in false reports ‘bout anyone or not bein’ truthful when they write up broke parts in the 501 page book, I knows for sure your Union and the Sheriff be mighty interested in stoppin’ such foolishness dead in its tracks.
The letter I seen says your Union asked the big bosses to put up or shut up and show just what they be complainin’ ‘bout and who be doin’ all that complainin’. Other than a handful of W.O.E. and other stickers what be poppin’ up here and there, the big bosses wouldn’t or couldn’t come up with a single thing to hang their hats on. All they spouted were rumors. Y’know, I wouldn’t be too surprised if’n the big bosses be makin’ all this stuff up just tryin’ to get your Union in trouble. I played lots’a poker at the saloon in town in my younger days and I knows a bluff when I sees one. This threat by the big bosses’ lawyer be one of the most pitiful I ever did see. If’n he ever sits down to play cards with me, I’d sure have fun winnin’ his money away from him, don’t y’know. I just might share some homebrew with him while I be cleanin’ out his wallet.
The pilot then shows me ‘nother letter some big boss named Tyler write talkin’ bout what be goin’ on. I doesn’t know much ‘bout this here Tyler fella, other than I been told he calls hisself the V.P. of Flight Operations. But I gonna see what I can find out ‘bout his past. I hear tell it be real hard keepin’ secrets in the flyin’ community ‘cause it be so small and folks remember things gone wrong for quite a spell. I’ll for sure let y’all know what I learns. One thing I does know, there ain’t been much flight operations goin’ on lately at your outfit, so maybe he be thinkin’ ‘bout changin’ jobs.
Anyways, this here Tyler fella must be hurtin’ real bad, if’n I read his letter right. I guess your Union called the lawyer’s bluff real good, cause there ain’t no more mention ‘bout stickers and “false” reports and other such nonsense in his letter. But, it seems like this Tyler fella done gots it in his head y’all gonna be on a “sickout” November 8 ‘cause the number of your Union’s Local is 1108. Can y’believe it? Talk ‘bout things goin’ bump in the night! This here Tyler fella sure seein’ his own kind’a ghosts and goblins. Maybe he been in his Mason jar a bit too much over Halloween.
When I write y’all in the past, I let y’know I doesn’t want ya doin’ things be wrong. It be wrong to call in sickly when y’ain’t. But it also be wrong goin’ to work and flyin’ airplanes if’n ya be sickly. So, Brothers and Sisters, let me tell ya true. I doesn’t care what this here Tyler fella thinks or says. If’n November 8 comes along and you be sickly, y’shouldn’t be goin’ to work. All you’ll do is put your ownself at risk and your fellow workers might be catchin’ whatever kind’a creepin’ crud it is you gots. For sure that ain’t fair to no one.
Now, I be sure the bosses’ll probably want ya to go see the Doc so’s y’can get a note showin’ y’was truly sickly. That be OK. I remember havin’ to take notes to school showin’ I not out playin’ hooky when I be sickly. The bosses just wants to be sure y’ain’t playin’ hooky from work if’n y’calls in sickly. So, if’n y’can’t get Doc to give ya a note showin’ ya be sickly, the bosses probably be gunnin’ for y’come to the Cuyahoga County spread on a “CGF-1 Arrival.” I doesn’t think they’d take too kindly to folks who not be sickly but says they is. Rightly so. I’d sure keep that in mind.
Well, sir, I be headin’ to town to spend some time with my neighbors sittin’ ‘round the toasty pot-bellied stove in the general store tellin’ stories. Now that my memory been stirred a bit, I might even try to get up a game of poker. I sure do miss ‘em good times when I was foot loose’n fancy free. But, if’n I ain’t winnin’, I best not lose too much. The misses not be happy if’n she thinks I not takin’ good care of the family fortune, don’t y’know.
So, till next time I writes, y’all be safe in the skys and take good care of your ownselves and your families. The comin’ winter be especially harsh, but we be gettin’ through it all together. You and I and your Union and your Brothers and Sisters workin’ besides y’all, arm in arm. As always, remember to spread the word that the Ol’ Gardner out workin’ the fields at Flight Options. From what I seen and just read, I knows with your help, the harvest—it be comin’.
Your friend,
THE OL’ GARDNER.
PS. I hear tell some of y’all wants to see a picture of me so’s y’can come up and shakes my hand if’n y’sees me ‘round town or at the Cuyahoga County spread if’n I gets back up north. So, I be sendin’ one along with this here message. The misses says it doesn’t do me justice. She says I be a good deal handsomer in person. But, then again’, love be blind, don’t y’know.