I doubt we close another res center. After we did that, we suddenly found ourselves in a hiring crunch for res agents. Even though more res agents stayed on than I think SWA planned for, we suddenly started seeing postings on SWALife to hire res agents at those remaining centers. For whatever reason, it sounded like the customers returned to using the SWA res agents. It kind of matches what other airlines are seeing - the number of customers are returning, but nobody is getting as high of yield as they really want.
And while a higher percentage of traffic has gone to southwest.com, there are still those who need technical help and will call a res agent.
This buyout is strictly a proactive move, IMHO - nothing more or less. Part of it came from employees who requested another buyout similar to the Freedom 04 package. The other reason is, yes, it will help get our costs down. It's a win/win. But unlike the Freedom 04 deal, you're seeing more restrictions on this one as to whom can actually take advantage of the deal.
Some people can spin it into doom and gloom, I suppose, but I see it as a responsible, proactive, and employee-friendly move. And I've been here long enough to see quite a bit.
And while a higher percentage of traffic has gone to southwest.com, there are still those who need technical help and will call a res agent.
This buyout is strictly a proactive move, IMHO - nothing more or less. Part of it came from employees who requested another buyout similar to the Freedom 04 package. The other reason is, yes, it will help get our costs down. It's a win/win. But unlike the Freedom 04 deal, you're seeing more restrictions on this one as to whom can actually take advantage of the deal.
Some people can spin it into doom and gloom, I suppose, but I see it as a responsible, proactive, and employee-friendly move. And I've been here long enough to see quite a bit.